Top Quarterbacks from the 2024 Season: Four-Week Review

As we approach the midpoint of the 2024 high school football season, it's time to highlight the top players at each position. In this three-part series, we’ll spotlight 30 of the most outstanding quarterbacks in New Mexico. This year’s crop of dual-threat quarterbacks is one of the strongest in recent memory, with two already committed to Division I programs and others showing clear next-level talent.

Cameron Dyer, 2025, La Cueva High School​

The top-ranked quarterback in New Mexico continues to impress, coming off a 300-yard passing performance in a 42-19 win over Sandia during Week 4. La Cueva, the No. 1 ranked team in the state, is 3-0, largely thanks to Dyer’s playmaking abilities. In Week 2, Dyer made a strong case for New Mexico's Mr. Football, tallying 348 total yards and four touchdowns in a win over Pinnacle High School (AZ).
Position Rank: #1

Zaiden Davis, 2025, Centennial High School​

Both of the top two quarterbacks in New Mexico are Division I commits, though each is projected to play a different position in college. The New Mexico State commit runs Centennial's potent read-option offense, racking up over 340 rushing yards and six touchdowns in a recent victory. Davis’ versatility was on full display in the team’s Week 2 win over Cleveland, where he threw a 60-yard pass in the rain.
Position Rank: #2

Izac Cazares, 2025, Artesia High School​

The senior quarterback has seized his opportunity in 2024, leading the Artesia Bulldogs to a 2-2 start. Cazares has thrown for 1,018 yards and 12 touchdowns this season. In a Week 3 matchup against 6A powerhouse Centennial, Cazares racked up 476 passing yards and five touchdowns. He also showcased his dual-threat ability in Week 2, totaling 233 passing yards, 108 rushing yards, and four total touchdowns.

Brock Beaty, 2025, Hobbs High School​

Beaty has shown consistent improvement week after week and recently had one of his best performances yet, throwing for 290 yards and five touchdowns in a 41-37 win over El Paso-Parkland in Week 4. The Eagles are 2-2, with Beaty accumulating 896 passing yards and 13 touchdowns on the season.

JJ Arellano, 2025, Rio Rancho High School​

Arellano has shown plenty of grit as the Rams’ starting quarterback, embracing his role as QB-1. In Week 3, Arellano threw for 212 yards, two touchdowns, and added 44 rushing yards with a rushing score. So far, he has compiled 768 passing yards and 10 touchdowns on the season.

Gunnar Guardiola, 2026, Las Cruces High School​

Standing at 6-foot-2, Guardiola is a promising young talent leading the Las Cruces Bulldawgs to a 2-2 record. The team, currently ranked 5th in the state, has relied on Guardiola's arm, with a notable performance of 215 passing yards and two touchdowns in a dominant 50-7 win over Mayfield.

Matthew Prudencio, 2025, Lovington High School​

Lovington has developed a reputation for producing elite quarterbacks, and Prudencio is the latest in the line. The 5-foot-9 senior has passed for 1,051 yards and 12 touchdowns, guiding the Wildcats to a No. 7 ranking (highest rank) in New Mexico and a 4-0 start. In Week 3, he threw for 347 yards and six touchdowns in a thrilling 47-44 win over 6A Carlsbad.

Uriel Castro, 2025, Bernalillo High School​

Castro has been the driving force behind Bernalillo's perfect 4-0 start, as the Spartans are on the verge of cracking the top 25 rankings in New Mexico. Castro has tallied 735 passing yards so far, with his most recent performance helping his team to a 42-0 victory over Moriarty.

Isaiah Ocampo, 2025, Socorro High School​

Ocampo is a true dual-threat quarterback, especially at the 3A level. He has thrown for 958 yards and 18 touchdowns while rushing for 459 yards. His all-around play has Socorro at 3-1 and positioned as the favorites in District 3-3A, with hopes of making a deep playoff run.

CJ Perea, 2025, West Las Vegas High School​

Perea, a four-year starter for the Dons, has quietly put together a solid season with 774 passing yards and six touchdowns. The senior QB, who had a breakout year in 2023, may have his best football ahead of him as West Las Vegas looks to hit its stride.

William Braun, 2027, Albuquerque Academy​

One of the newest names to emerge this season is sophomore quarterback William Braun from Albuquerque Academy. The 6-foot-2 quarterback leads the state with 1,142 passing yards and 10 touchdowns. Despite the Chargers’ 2-2 record, Braun’s potential is evident as he continues to develop in his second varsity season.

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Poll: Most Likely to Upset in Week 5?

The rankings will start to differentiate more clearly as the season progresses, and you might notice that a team remains ranked below another team they’ve already beaten. Our rankings are evaluated on a four-week basis, reflecting each team's progress or decline as the season unfolds, with a focus on recent performance—'what have you done for me lately.' These rankings differ from our bracket predictions, which consider the entire season’s resume and criteria. The rankings are more about how a team is performing at the moment. Some teams improve, others stay healthier, and some decline as the season goes on.

Pretty sure the ABQ fall league kicked off this weekend and am looking for updates if anyone has any. We have a little fall league going on with Northern schools Capital, Taos, Pojoaque Valley, ATC, and McCurdy.
Taos went 2-0 with wins over Capital and ATC. Size and athleticism carried the Tigers with 2 players about 6'5" or taller. Pojoaque also went 2-0 with wins over ATC and McCurdy. Elks played fast and free on their home court and have plenty of shooters with deep range. The Jags pulled away with stifling D on the Bobcats. ATC and McCurdy looked inexperienced at times against their 4 and 5A opponents where depth and size are disadvantages. All teams are at Taos next weekend, with Penasco joining for games in October.