Reno Hightower threw seven touchdown passes against Porterville. Or was it eight? The total kept growing with his legend but the Taft quarterback’s 65-yard throw against Bakersfield and trademark white shoes gave folks plenty to remember.
In The Best of Times, Hightower had something in common with real-life high school greats: His playing days ended, but the stories never did.
Fictional quarterbacks have supplied plenty of those stories. Chip Hilton, the star of Clair Bee's sports novels, could throw touchdown passes, kick extra points and make tackles. Jason Street drew national recruiting attention in Friday Night Lights while Clark Kent sought to succeed through his athletic skills rather than his superpowers in Smallville.
MaxPreps has identified the top 25 fictional high school quarterbacks from literature, cinema, television and Broadway based on their accomplishments, reputations and the greatness described within their stories.
Being fictional is the first requirement. Mike Winchell from the
Friday Night Lights book and movie and the players from
Remember the Titans are ineligible because they portray actual people. The quarterbacks from the
Friday Night Lights television series qualify because they are original characters. Real-life inspiration is allowed, however, so Hilton and Jake Cullen from Mike Lupica’s
QB 1 make the cut as invented characters rather than portrayals of real players.
The story doesn't have to center on football — or even sports. A character’s high school playing days can belong to his past, provided they are an important part of his background. That opens the door for characters from Community, The Outsiders and Death of a Salesman, with established team stars and captains also considered when their position is unspecified. Players known only as college or professional quarterbacks are excluded.
Read on for a complete look at the list.
1. Chip Hilton
Story: Chip Hilton Sports Series by Clair Bee
Genre: Literature, sports fiction
High school: Valley Falls
Claim to fame: A star quarterback and team captain. Hilton could pass, kick and tackle. He expected his teammates to show the same sportsmanship he did.
NFL comparison: Joe Montana — Poised, resourceful, clutch.
Quote: "That's Hilton! All-State! Best quarterback in the country!" —
Spectator discussing Chip.
2. Johnny Walker
Story: Johnny Be Good, portrayed by actor Anthony Michael Hall
Genre: Film, sports comedy
High school: Ashcroft
Claim to fame: The nation's top quarterback recruit. Walker broke high school passing records. He struggled to decide whom to trust during the recruiting process.
NFL comparison: John Elway — Powerful, athletic, coveted.
Quote: "Walker's 40th T.D. pass this season! A new state record!" —
Game commentary.
3. Jason Street
Story: Friday Night Lights by Buzz Bissinger, portrayed by actor Scott Porter
Genre: Literature/television, sports drama
High school: Dillon
Claim to fame: One of the nation's top quarterbacks. Had a Notre Dame scholarship offer before his career-ending injury. He later helped the teammate who replaced him.
NFL comparison: Peyton Manning — Polished, cerebral, commanding.
Quote: "Jason Street is the Panthers. The team's been built around him." —
Radio announcer.4. Vince Howard
Story: Friday Night Lights, portrayed by actor Michael B. Jordan
Genre: Television, sports drama
High school: East Dillon
Claim to Fame: Could beat teams with his arm and legs. Helped East Dillon win a state championship. Football gave him direction during a difficult home life.
NFL comparison: Michael Vick — Explosive, elusive, dynamic.
Quote: "You've changed my life, coach." — Vince to Eric Taylor.
5. Scott Murphy
Story: Touchback, portrayed by actor Brian Presley
Genre: Film, sports drama/fantasy
High school: Coldwater
Claim to fame: Won a state championship. An injury on the winning play ended his football career. He spent years wondering what his life could have been.
NFL comparison: Matthew Stafford — Tough, talented, determined.
Quote: "Scott, I hope you don't give up this easy in life, because it gets a hell of a lot harder than football." —
Coach Hand.6. Neely Crenshaw
Story: Bleachers by John Grisham
Genre: Literature, sports drama
High school: Messina
Claim to fame: A high school All-American. Led a comeback championship victory with a broken hand. He had trouble letting go of his glory days and forgiving his coach.
NFL comparison: Joe Namath — Charismatic, confident, celebrated.
Quote: "When you're famous at 18, you spend the rest of your life fading away." —
Neely.7. Bobby Framingham
Story: Out of the Pocket by
Bill Konigsberg
Genre: Literature, young adult sports drama
High school: Durango
Claim to fame: A star quarterback considered one of California’s most talented high school players. He had ambitions to play college and professional football. He valued his teammates and wanted to earn their trust.
NFL comparison: Aaron Rodgers — Gifted, confident, ambitious.
Quote: "One of the most talented high school football players in California." —
Publisher's description of Bobby. 8. Jonathan Moxon
Story: Varsity Blues, portrayed by actor James Van Der Beek
Genre: Film, sports comedy-drama
High school: West Canaan
Claim to fame: Replaced injured star Lance Harbor. "Mox" earned his teammates' trust and stood up to Coach Kilmer. He cared more about his friends' well-being than pleasing his coach.
NFL comparison: Jim McMahon — Rebellious, fearless, independent.
Quote: "Playing football at West Canaan may have been the opportunity of your lifetime, but I don't want your life!" —
Mox.9. Clark Kent
Story: Smallville, portrayed by actor Tom Welling
Genre: Television, superhero drama
High school: Smallville
Claim to fame: Earned the starting quarterback job. His remarkable ability attracted college interest. He struggled to balance his love of football with keeping his powers secret.
NFL comparison: Cam Newton — Powerful, imposing, athletic.
Quote: "I'm not even using my abilities and I can be the new starting quarterback for the Metropolis Bulldogs." —
Clark.10. Jordan Baker
Story: All American, portrayed by actor Michael Evans Behling
Genre: Television, sports drama
High school: Beverly Hills (Calif.), South Crenshaw
Claim to fame: Starred at quarterback for two high school programs. Went on to succeed in college football. He worked to prove he was more than the coach's son.
NFL comparison: Jalen Hurts — Resilient, disciplined, driven.
Quote: "My only focus is about hitting the field with my guys tomorrow." —
Jordan.11. Reno Hightower
Story: The Best of Times, portrayed by actor Kurt Russell
Genre: Film, sports comedy-drama
High school: Taft
Claim to fame: A hometown football legend. Returned years later to replay a memorable rivalry game. He was more modest about his talent than the people telling his stories.
NFL Comparison: Brett Favre — Rugged, colorful, competitive.
Quote: "I was never great. I was pretty good. I was great for around here." —
Reno. 12. Troy Barnes
Story: Community, portrayed by actor Donald Glover
Genre: Television, sitcom
High school: Riverside
Claim to fame: A star high school quarterback. Had a college scholarship opportunity before leaving football behind. Beneath his confidence, he wanted freedom from the pressure to be a star.
NFL Comparison: Dak Prescott — Athletic, confident, prominent.
Quote: "Listen, man, no offense, but I was the best and I finished on top." —
Troy.13. Darry Curtis
Story: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, portrayed by actor Patrick Swayze
Genre: Literature/film, coming-of-age drama
High school: Not identified by name but fashioned after
Will Rogers (Tulsa, Okla.) where Hinton attended school.
Claim to fame: A football captain who earned an athletic scholarship. Gave up college to support his brothers. His strict manner hid how much he cared about keeping his family together.
NFL comparison: Tim Tebow — Strong, dedicated, selfless.
Quote: "He was captain of the football team and he had been voted Boy of the Year." —
Ponyboy's narration about Darry.14. Biff Loman
Story: Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, portrayed by actor John Malkovich
Genre: Broadway/play, tragedy
High school: An unnamed high school in Brooklyn
Claim to fame: A popular high school football captain. His father expected his athletic success to lead to bigger things. He eventually wanted an honest life instead of chasing his father's dreams.
NFL comparison: Todd Marinovich — Gifted, pressured, troubled.
Quote: "Pop! I'm a dime a dozen, and so are you!" —
Biff.15. Will Wagner
Story: Avalon High by Meg Cabot, portrayed by actor Gregg Sulkin
Genre: Literature/TV movie, fantasy romance
High school: Avalon
Claim to fame: A star quarterback and respected team leader. He was thoughtful and sensitive despite his popular-athlete image.
NFL comparison: Alex Smith — Thoughtful, intelligent, unassuming.
Quote: "Listen. Hear the wind in the trees. It's… like music." —
Will in the television adaptation.16. Matt Saracen
Story: Friday Night Lights, portrayed by actor Zach Gilford
Genre: Television, sports drama
High school: Dillon
Claim to fame: Took over after Jason Street's injury. Led his team to a state championship. Quiet and dependable, he also cared for his grandmother.
NFL comparison: Tom Brady — Underestimated, composed, resilient.
Quote: "Man, can this kid throw the ball!" —
Game commentator discussing Matt.17. A.C. Slater
Story: Saved by the Bell, portrayed by actor Mario Lopez
Genre: Television, teen sitcom
High school: Bayside
Claim to fame: A star quarterback who also excelled at wrestling. He loved competition and rarely passed up a chance to tease his friends.
NFL comparison: Russell Wilson — Versatile, competitive, confident.
Quote: "I was in the seat, I'll take the heat." —
Slater.18. Woody Deane
Story: It's a Boy Girl Thing, portrayed by actor Kevin Zegers
Genre: Film, fantasy romantic comedy
High school: Westdale
Claim to fame: A popular star quarterback. Football offered his best chance to attend college. He became more considerate after experiencing life from someone else's perspective.
NFL comparison: Mark Sanchez — Confident, outgoing, charismatic.
Quote: "My guess, Romeo wasn't much of a quarterback either, right?" —
Woody.19. Jake Cullen
Story: QB 1 by Mike Lupica
Genre: Literature, young adult sports fiction
High school: Granger
Claim to Fame: A talented freshman quarterback. Worked to make his own name in a famous football family. He wanted his father to recognize his ability without comparing him to his brother.
NFL Comparison: Eli Manning — Patient, understated, determined.
Quote: "I'm fighting every week to be the number one QB on this team." —
Jake.20. Frank Hardy
Story: The Hardy Boys, including "The Crisscross Shadow" by Franklin W. Dixon (collective pen name), portrayed by actor Parker Stevenson
Genre: Literature, mystery/adventure
High school: Bayport
Claim to fame: A quarterback and team captain. Balanced football with solving mysteries. He stayed calm and thought carefully when others rushed to conclusions.
NFL Comparison: Ryan Fitzpatrick — Cerebral, resourceful, adaptable.
Quote: "Tackle him, Chet, tackle him!" —
Frank directing a defensive play.21. Archie Andrews
Story: Riverdale, portrayed by actor K.J. Apa
Genre: Television, teen mystery drama
High school: Riverdale
Claim to fame: Played quarterback and became a leader on the football team. His loyalty to friends often pushed him into dangerous situations.
NFL Comparison: Josh Allen — Athletic, intense, fearless.
Quote: "That means that you haven't known the triumphs and defeats, the epic highs and lows of high school football." —
Archie.22. Finn Hudson
Story: Glee, portrayed by actor Cory Monteith
Genre: Television, musical comedy-drama
High school: William McKinley
Claim to fame: A starting quarterback who also became a leader in the glee club. He wanted to fit in but gradually learned to stand up for his friends.
NFL Comparison: Tony Romo — Personable, charismatic, relatable.
Quote: "I'm not the quarterback anymore, which means I'm nothing." —
Finn.23. Stan Rosado
Story: The Faculty, portrayed by actor Shawn Hatosy
Genre: Film, science-fiction horror
High school: Herrington
Claim to fame: A star quarterback and captain. Helped win a conference title before quitting to focus on academics. He wanted teachers to judge his schoolwork honestly instead of favoring him as an athlete.
NFL Comparison: Andrew Luck — Athletic, reflective, independent.
Quote: "That was thanks to you and your completed passes." —
Stokely discussing the conference championship with Stan.24. Roy Chutney
Story: The Slaughter Rule, portrayed by actor Ryan Gosling
Genre: Film, sports/coming-of-age drama
High school: The local high school in fictional Blue Springs, Montana. Afterward, an independent six-man team.
Claim to fame: Got another chance after being cut from his school team. Became the quarterback of an independent six-man team. Struggled with grief and found it difficult to trust others.
NFL comparison: Kurt Warner — Persistent, overlooked, resilient.
Quote: "My father told me if I was hard enough, I wouldn't break. He lied. Everything breaks." —
Roy.25. Duane Moore (book) / Duane Jackson (film)
Story: The Last Picture Show by Larry McMurtry, portrayed by actor Jeff Bridges
Genre: Literature/film, coming-of-age drama
High school: Thalia in the novel, the town becomes Anarene in the film.
Claim to fame: A high school quarterback in a small Texas town. Football helped make him a prominent student. He was restless and uncertain about his future beyond high school.
NFL comparison: Patrick Mahomes — Confident, competitive, charismatic.
Quote: "Won't be much to do in town with the picture show closed." —
Duane Jackson in the film
