The Erie Times-News takes a look at 25 topics when it comes to high school football. The series of 25 topics will run daily until the beginning of the regular season on Aug. 23.
22. Will District 10 have any 2,000-yard passers this season?
District 10 had five quarterbacks throw for more than 2,000 yards last fall, and four of them are gone to graduation. McDowell quarterback Blayze Myers led all of D-10 with 2,716 yards and threw for 34 touchdowns as a junior. His season ended in the PIAA playoffs with a torn ACL, but he is back and ready to lead the Trojans this season. Myers has a new head coach in Aaron Slocum and a new set of weapons as McDowell graduated most of its receivers.
Grove City multisport star Hunter Hohman was second with 2,313 yards but is now at American University where he will wrestle this winter. Jackson Humes of North East was third with 2,217 yards and is at Westminster, while Farrell’s Kabron Smith had 2,142 yards and is at California (Pa.). Sharpsville’s Caullin Summers rounds out the five passers with 2,111 yards.
There are several 1,000-yard quarterbacks returning from last year that could take that next step this fall. Corry’s Nolan Carey threw for 1,547 yards and 14 touchdowns, and Hickory’s Zander Telesz threw for 1,482 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. General McLane’s Isaac Zietz had a big year with 1,186 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior, and Ian McDonald of Titusville threw for 1,041 yards and 12 touchdowns.
More: Can an Erie County high school football team end an 18-year District 10 title drought?
More: Which District 10 football teams will take the next step under second-year coaches?
The list doesn’t stop there for potential big-time passers. Paul Johnson threw for 1,379 yards and 21 touchdowns as a sophomore for Mercyhurst Prep. He transferred to Erie High in the offseason and will likely be the backup quarterback to senior Marquan Darnell. The Erie High staff, however, could use Johnson in different ways on offense to confuse opposing defenses.
There are also three quarterbacks who just missed throwing for 1,000 yards last year looking for a big season this fall. Leyton Zacherl of Lakeview had 997 yards and 12 touchdowns through the air, while Morgan Applebee of Cambridge Springs threw for 975 yards and 10 touchdowns, and Kyle Jordan of Maplewood had a big freshman season with 916 yards and 12 touchdowns.
With numerous quarterbacks gone to graduation, there could be some new names to step up this season as well.
Contact Tom Reisenweber at treisenweber@timesnews.com. Follow him on X @ETNreisenweber.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Will District 10 football have any 2,000-yard passers this season?
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