Could this Arlington Eagles football duo become state's top passing combination in 2024?

As Eagles move up to 4A Wesco this fall, quarterback Leyton Martin and wide receiver Jake Willis primed for big senior seasons

Arlington quarterback Leyton Martin participates at the PLU 11v11 Football Showcase on Wednesday in Parkland. / Photo by Todd Milles

PARKLAND, Wash. - It's to the point in the working relationship between teenagers Leyton Martin and Jake Willis - a nod will do.

Or just a glance.

The two key cogs in the Arlington High School passing attack have been playing football together since second grade. They know each other's every habit, move - and trick to get open.

On the top field at the PLU 11-on-11 passing tournament Wednesday was Arlington, the only newcomer to battle the likes of Yelm, Graham-Kapowsin, Sumner and Lincoln of Tacoma.

And it was a good way for Martin - SBLive's comeback player of the year in 2023 at quarterback - and top receiving target Willis to introduce themselves to some of the best teams in their new classification of Class 4A.

"We are going to get to play great teams," Martin said.

Their connection was on display Wednesday as Martin found Willis for multiple highlight touchdowns.

Could they become the state;'s most prolific passing combination next season?

It is certainly possible.

As juniors, Martin passed for 2,747 yards and 37 touchdowns - and Willis caught 46 of those passes for 837 yards and 12 touchdowns. Both were named all-3A Wesco first teamers and all area picks by the Everett Herald.

"I love him at quarterback. He knows what I can do … and will put the ball where it needs to be," Willis said. "I can just focus on running my routes."

Martin said he doesn't need to throw a perfect pass for Willis to come down with a spectacular play.

" I have a lot of faith in him," Martin said. "It is rare when he does not come down with it."

That is about the time when Willis reminds his signal caller about a known fact.

?He says he has never dropped a ball," Martin said.

As the Eagles join the pass-happy 4A Wesco with defending state champion Lake Stevens, Willis said he sees an uptick in his production - at least 1,000 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns.

"Leyton is so good at getting guys the ball when the opportunity is right," Arlington coach Greg Dailer said. "And Jake is an awesome route runner."