- Slug: Sports-Liberty Hayden Fletcher, 500 words.
- 2 photos available (thumbnails, captions below).
By Ethan Desjardine
Cronkite News
PEORIA – For the first time since 2021, after years of stellar play by two-time Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year Navi Bruzon, the Liberty Lions are looking to a new signal caller, senior quarterback Hayden Fletcher, to lead their offense.
Bruzon set the standard for quarterback play at Liberty, leading his team to a state championship in 2023, and finishing as the most decorated player in school history, passing for more than 7,500 yards and accounting for 112 touchdowns. Bruzon is now a freshman quarterback for Arizona State.
Those would be tough shoes for most players, but Fletcher is looking forward to the opportunity.
“It’s a good drive to try and lift the standard of what he’s brought, but also to create my own legacy here,” Fletcher said.
Early into the season, Fletcher has already begun to build that legacy. Against the Mountain View Toros, Fletcher set a single-game school record for passing yards, throwing for 450 yards and six touchdowns en route to a 49-20 victory on Sept. 13.
It isn’t just Fletcher’s stats that have impressed people.
Fletcher’s ability to embrace a leadership role for the Lions is where his growth has shown the most.
“It starts with leading yourself. You can’t lead others unless you hold yourself accountable,” Fletcher said.
Liberty coach Colin Thomas had high praise for his quarterback’s leadership qualities.
“He’s grown the last few years into a leader. He’s a leader by example,” Thomas said. “I’m just very proud of the way he’s going about his leadership for the team and his personal growth.”
Fletcher’s personality traits, paired with his undeniable talent, have helped him build success early in the season, but his coaches also have lots to say about his poise and decision-making.
“It’s one thing to look good in shorts throwing in the park,” Thomas said. “It’s nothing (compared to) playing on the grass on Friday nights when bullets are flying. He really understands the offense, which allows him to play fast with great decision-making out there.”
Fletcher’s teammates trust him as well, and no one knows that trust better than senior wide receiver Drace Wadlington, who has played with Fletcher since they both were freshmen.
“I can go out there every Friday night and just trust him and know we’re going to get the job done together,” Wadlington said. “It’s just a great bond between me and him.”
The Lions (3-1) are looking to bounce back after a tough home loss last Saturday to California’s Corona Centennial, who are ranked 26th in the nation and have produced NFL talent such as Vontaze Burfict and Will Sutton.
Liberty, currently the No. 1 team in Arizona according to On3’s rankings, travels to No. 3 Chandler on Oct. 4.
Fletcher is taking things day by day and knows the importance of keeping that mindset throughout the long season.
“Right now we got to get the job done,” Fletcher said. “It’s my senior year. Got one more shot to get another ring, so I’m focusing on that right now.”
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