Thaddeus Thatcher had missed enough football games.
His freshman season of 2023 ended with a broken collarbone. Some of his middle school tenure was disrupted by COVID-19. And before that, he lived through a lengthy hospitalization fighting leukemia.
He finally played a full season last fall, and certainly made up for lost time in passing for 3,271 yards and 34 touchdowns to lead Arbor View to the state championship game.
His season started by passing for 583 yards and four touchdowns against a respectable California squad, including leading Arbor View to an elusive victory over Liberty, and was punctuated with a pair of five-touchdown game performances.
He was, without question, that state’s top quarterback.
“I definitely processed things quicker this year,” said Thatcher, a four-star recruiting prospect who is committed to the University of Utah. “I had a bigger focus on preparation, like breaking down film. That helped me be the best version of myself.”
FINALISTS
Michael Edwards Doral Academy Red Rock golf
Led Doral Red Rock to a second-straight state championship with a third-place finish at the state meet.
Aaron McMorran Desert Pines basketball
Averaged 20 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals per game in a freshman season against Class 5A competition.
Harrison Smith Bishop Gorman wrestling
State champion at 165 pounds with 50-10 record. Won 5A Southern Region title. Has 100-plus career victories in two seasons.
Toller Trummell Foothill volleyball
Logged 154 kills at an efficient 33% hitting percentage, while demonstrating defensive excellence with 126 digs.
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