10 best candidates to lead Washington high school football in passing in 2023
Some of the state's top quarterbacks in Washington high school football are big-armed pocket passers. Others like to get out and move - and throw on the run to make big plays.
So, which quarterback will lead the state in passing this fall?
After talking to coaches around the state, SBLive WA came up with 10 best-bet candidates in 11-man football (4A-2B) to land on top of the list (players listed in alphabetical order):
HOLDEN BEA, Washougal, 6-2, 190, sr. (2A)
Photo by Todd Milles
Bea is the reigning regional player of the year after throwing for 2,556 yards and 30 touchdowns as a junior. He understands the offense, what the team is trying to do and what defenses are trying to do to him. Throws a pretty precise ball and gets the job done. Works well with his skill position guys to make the most of the opportunities presented .
2023 early results: 41 of 67, 711 yards, eight TDs
Why he’ll lead the state in passing: “Not only does he understand the offense of what we can do, but he’s also a pretty dynamic runner,” coach Dave Hajek said. “So he becomes a threat, and when that happens, people want to spend time trying to contain him, which opens up passing lanes for him.”
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EJ CAMINONG, Garfield, 6-2, 195, sr. (3A)
Photo by Andy Buhler
The consensus state's top senior quarterback - and Cal commit - blends smooth throwing mechanics with a thirst to study opponents' tendencies and break them down on game day. "His ability to really mentally learn the game overall - and not just passing - has shown up big-time this year," coach Reggie Witherspoon said. And with outside receivers Reggie Witherspoon III and Rahshawn Clark in tow, expect big nightly passing-yardage outputs.
2023 early results: 39 of 60, 638 yards, six TDs
Why he’ll lead the state in passing: "For him, it's his ability to recognize coverages, which isn't simple to do," coach Reggie Witherspoon said. "And his decision-making after the ball is snapped - he is great at scanning the field."
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ISAAC COREY, Hermiston, 6-2, 205, jr. (3A)
Photo courtesy of Hermiston athletics
The guy who has led the WIAA throwing the ball over the first third of the 2023 season doesn’t even live in Washington. Can use his legs when he needs to but has been able to find open targets all over the field to begin the 2023 season. Neither his arm nor his legs are Corey’s best asset, however. His coach says it’s his brain.
2023 early results: 73 of 94, 958 yards, four TDs
Why he’ll lead the state in passing: "He’s really come into his own,” coach Dave Faaeteete told SBLive a year ago. "He’s a process guy. He’s been able to pick up our offense pretty quickly. He’s a hard worker, a leader by example."
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TJ HABERMAN, Mount Spokane, 6-3, 185, sr. (3A)
Photo by Erik Smith
How prolific is Haberman? He missed his team’s second game of the season and still ranks among the top passers in the state going into Game 3, for which he will return to the Wildcats lineup. Haberman threw for 383 yards and four touchdowns in Week 1, completing 16 of 25 attempts. Has a strong arm and likes to stand tall in the pocket to deliver a good ball.
2023 early results: 16 of 25, 582 yards, six TDs
Why he’ll lead the state in passing: "Our weapons that we have,” coach Terry Cloer said. "He’s good at spreading the ball around. But it’s also about keeping him upright."
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KOLTON MATSON, Lake Stevens, 6-2, 180, jr. (4A)
It starts with his feet. When in trouble, he can run the ball and that has opened up the passing lanes for Matson. Matson works hard at being prepared, from Sunday night film sessions, to taking good notes when talking game plan each week. A leader on and off the field, he sets the tone whether on the field or in the weight room.
2023 early results: 57 of 83, 779 yards, 11 TDs
Why he’ll lead the state in passing: "He’s got a really talented crew," coach Tom Tri said. "He’s thrown to nine different receivers. He doesn’t try to force the ball into double coverage. That will help him lead the state."
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JAKE SCHAKEL, Emerald Ridge, 6-2, 190, sr. (4A)
Photo by Vince Miller
Has a strong understanding of what the coaches want to accomplish in the offense, which likely comes from being around it all his life. He is the coach’s son, after all. He’s competitive and experienced. As a quarterback, he’s the guy who needs to know everything and Schakel has embraced that role.
2023 early results: 52 of 75, 946 yards, 12 TDs
Why he’ll lead the state in passing: “He’s got really good receivers," coach Adam Schakel said. "He’s extremely accurate. But we need our offensive line to block well and the receivers to be where they need to be. Once they have the ball in their hands, they are electric."
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BLAKE SPRINGER, Monroe, 6-2, 210, sr. (3A)
Photo by Vince Miller
He’s developed a big arm and understands how the offense is supposed to work. Takes advantage of opportunities presented in the RPO (run-pass option) game. Has been the guy for the Bearcats virtually since arriving on campus and thus now has a ton of experience, as well. Throws the deep ball as well as anyone, which helps the overall numbers.
2023 early results: 44 of 59, 684 yards, eight TDs
Why he’ll lead the state in passing: “If he doesn’t, it’s because he’s watching our backup in the third quarter (of a blowout win),” coach Scott Darrow said.
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CARTER STEINWAND, Clarkston, 6-4, 210, sr. (2A)
Photo by Gary Bye/Clarkston athletics
Has the ability to dissect defenses on the fly, which his coach argues puts him immediately above the standard quarterback. One of the smartest kids Brycen Bye says he’s ever coaches. Coupled with stepped up arm talent and strength realized from the addition of 15 pounds of muscle from his junior to senior season, has made him an even bigger threat for opponents.
2023 early results: 46 of 77, 843 yards, six TDs
Why he’ll lead the state in passing: “Any coach should talk about receivers and the offensive line," coach Brycen Bye said. "We’ve got some talented receivers for him to throw to. He’s confident and calm and plays like he’s been there before. He’s a really, really steady guy."
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DAVEON SUPERALES, Graham-Kapowsin, 6-0, 175, sr. (4A)
Photo by Todd Milles
His coach calls him arguably the quarterback with the most natural ability that he’s seen, and Jeff Logan has coached two guys currently playing at the NCAA Division I level. He’s got a strong arm and tight spin to his ball in the way it comes out of his hand. Until the last couple of years, football seemed more a hobby, but Superales has leaped forward as he dove into what it takes to compete at the collegiate level.
2023 early results: 74 of 100, 818 yards, 13 TDs
Why he’ll lead the state in passing: “He throws everything really, really accurately,” coach Jeff Logan said. “If he continues to be efficient and deliver the ball on time, the sky is the limit on what he can do."
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JOSH WOODARD, Richland, 5-11, 165, sr. (2A)
Photo by Tommy Wolf
It may sound strange, but one of the top traits Woodard brings to the football field is the fact that he is the top point guard on the Bombers basketball team. The basketball MVP sees the court in the same way he sees a football field – as an opportunity for an assist. Nine different receivers will have two or three catches every Friday night in Richland’s "basketball on grass" concept. Had 361 yards passing against a good Chiawana defense this last Thursday in Week 4.
2023 early results: 40 of 57, 600 yards, 10 TDs
Why he’ll lead the state in passing: "He’s just a really talented kid,” coach Mike Neidhold said. "And we have eight receivers that could start anywhere, so we have guys get open and Josh finds them."
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Don’t overlook: Damian Aalona, Yelm (3A); Dalton Anderson, Roosevelt (3A); Jaxon Berg, East Valley of Yakima (2A); Zakkary Carlson, Wahkiakum (2B); Hyatt Clark, River View (2B); Cash Cook, Mountain View (3A); Devon Forehand, Kennedy Catholic (4A); Brady Jay, Moses Lake (4A); Grant Johnson, Cascade Christian (1A); Rocco Koch, Curtis (4A); Spencer Kornblum, Mercer Island (3A); Rex Larson, Anacortes (2A); Brayden Malella, Ridgefield (2A); Kory McClure, Prosser (2A); Drew McDonald, Steilacoom (2A); Carter Studer, Elma (1A); Jake Tiryakioglu, Eastside Catholic (3A).
