Signal corps: Modesto area's top high school quarterbacks

Whether they rely upon their arms, feet or brains, signal callers make it happen

By Richard T. Estrada
restrada@modbee.com

E-Mail

Comments (0)

Text Size:

tool goes here

Dylan Swartz might be the best passer and Isaiah Burse is probably the best runner.

But Spencer Franceschetti, no question, is the best in the Stanislaus District when it comes to fooling the defense.

The senior is at the controls of Escalon's Wing-T offense, a deceptive scheme that forces quarterbacks to make decisions as the play progresses.

CLICK FOR MORE PHOTOS

Franceschetti must decide whether to hand it to his fullback blasting up the middle, or pull the ball back and get it to a halfback. Or, he can tuck it away and run -- or pass.

So many choices with only seconds to make a decision.

Of course, the same can be said for just about any quarterback in the district, regardless of the offensive scheme.

Whether it's Central Catholic's Swartz or Ceres' Josh Edwards throwing, or Modesto Christian's Burse or Atwater's Nathan Sanchez running, they've all got choices.

The ones who choose wisely are going to win games and perhaps even bring home a championship. Here are a dozen who could do just that:

1. Isaiah Burse -- The Modesto Christian senior has been a starter since he was a freshman, though he was at Calvary Temple that year. Colleges are recruiting him as an "athlete," code for a guy who has great skills but isn't the prototype quarterback. The 6-foot, 180-pounder passed for 1,265 yards and 12 TDs, and ran for 643 yards and nine TDs. The only concern is his health, after he was hampered by injuries late last season. There's not a better player in the district at turning a broken play into a big play. For pure excitement, Burse is the district's best attraction.

2. Josh Edwards -- The Ceres senior has the benefit of tossing to Justin Canatsy, his top target in 2008. Edwards' signature performance came against Sonora, when he hit on 20 of 35 passes for 331 yards and four TDs in a 35-34 loss. That answered any questions about his arm. His decision-making, however, still is a work in progress. The 5-11, 175-pounder tossed 16 interceptions, in addition to 14 TDs and 1,732 yards. Unlike last year, when Ceres was expected to struggle, expectations are high for the Bulldogs this year.

3. Zach Roberson -- The Summerville junior led the Bears to the playoffs last year, and his top two receivers (a combined 73 catches, 1,350 yards and 18 TDs) are back, too. The 6-2, 175-pounder needs to add a few pounds to withstand the hits he'll take as desperate defenses start blitzing, but he's got a strong arm and can get away from trouble. His 19-to-6 TD-to-interception ratio was impressive for a sophomore, particularly considering how the weather can make it difficult for quarterbacks in the foothills. How's this for a coming-out party: He was 20 of 45 for 352 yards and two TDs in a 32-19 loss to Calaveras.

4. Erik Martin -- The Los Banos senior was the ignition to one of the district's top offenses a year ago, but there is no Rubal Sangha (73 catches, 21 TDs) to hit downfield this year. No need to worry, says coach Dennis Stubbs -- his 6-1, 195-pounder has a talented receiver in Max Ornelas (800 yards, seven TDs). Martin is among the better runners on this list, able to shake a defender and he's got speed as he heads downfield. Don't expect Martin to break off long runs, but he's savvy enough to tuck the ball away on third-and-short and scramble for a first down.

5. Nathan Sanchez -- The Atwater senior emerged as a passer late last year, going a combined 32 of 57 for 458 yards, four TDs and two interceptions in his final two games. Similar to Burse -- though he can't duplicate the open-field moves -- Sanchez scares foes with his quick feet as well as his arm. The 6-1, 175-pounder passed for 1,059 yards and ran for 650 yards, including 15 carries for 108 yards in a 57-24 win over Hiram Johnson. Atwater won two of three games where Sanchez had at least 100 yards rushing. His .440 completion percentage should improve.