Ethan Desjardine is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Scottsdale Christian Academy for AZPreps365.com

As the quarterback of a football team, there are certain qualities a player must possess.

Leadership. Confidence. Smart decision-making.

Jack Atkinson of Scottsdale Christian Academy possesses all of the above.

In Scottsdale Christian’s first game against Morenci, Atkinson took a hard hit and felt a popping sound in his left arm. He missed the rest of the game, and eventually was diagnosed with a break in his elbow.

The impact of losing Atkinson showed as Scottsdale Christian would lose that game 30-6.

This injury forced him to need surgery after Week 2 of the season.

“As a starter, it is tough sitting on the sideline watching everyone go compete,” Atkinson said. “Having that feeling where you can’t help and just watch is tough.”

Atkinson returned to action in Week 6 against Veritas Prep, in which he threw for 195 yards passing and two TDs, leading his team to a 30-22 victory.

Returning to the field felt great for Atkinson.

“It was so fun, I threw that first touchdown to Andrew Trapp, and that made me feel good,” Atkinson said. “I didn't worry about my injury right after that, it was just like, ‘I get to go out there and play football with my team.’”

Atkinson has to play each game with an elbow brace now. But that hasn’t stopped his production this season. He has thrown for an impressive 12 Touchdowns to one interception so far.

Scottsdale Christian is also 4-0 since Atkinson’s return, and has clinched a spot in the 2A Verde Playoffs.

Atkinson said he models his game after two legendary NFL quarterbacks, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. 

“Aaron Rodgers has great ball protection, and I think it’s a great tool for every QB to have, the less you turn it over, the more you score,” Atkinson said. “Brady is a very smart and decisive QB. He prepares very well and I just try to do that.”

Atkinson also played baseball until eighth grade, and credits his former pitching career as a big part of his game as well. 

“I feel like it translates to football because when you pitch, you have to go at multiple different arm angles,” Atkinson said. “If someone is blitzing and you have to use a different arm angle, it helps a lot.”

Outside of his play on the field, Atkinson tries to lead his team by example. If a player makes a mistake or drops a ball, Atkinson tries to boost his teammates' confidence. He said he believes having good chemistry will lead to good play on the field.

“During practice, I like to go around to the upper and underclassmen and just talk to them, see how their days and weeks have been going,” Atkinson said. “I like to get a connection with my team.

SCA senior running back Coby Tabet emphasized how great Atkinson’s leadership is.

“In the moment, it might be annoying, him trying to fix what you’re doing,” Tabet said. “But he is just trying to help you and I think that makes him a good leader.” 

Atkinson is not only a leader on the field. Academically, he pushes his teammates to be successful, too. He maintains a 4.4 GPA, and even though he would like to play football in college, he believes academics are more important.

“Football is only here for so long, and your whole life is ahead of you, and that’s what academics are for,” Atkinson said.

If Atkinson was to play college ball, he would like to play for an Ivy League school or a D3 college that prioritizes academics.

Junior wide receiver Andrew Trapp praised his quarterback’s focus and balance between work and play.

“He’s always focused when needed to be, but also is able to chill with the guys and have fun,” Trapp said.

Atkinson’s leadership and excellent play this season are a huge part of his team’s success. 

Scottsdale Christian finished its regular season on Oct. 28, blowing out rival Scottsdale Prep, 41-8.

The Eagles play next against Valley Lutheran, in a playoff matchup on Nov. 4. The two teams last matched up on Oct. 14, where SCA defeated Valley Lutheran, 49-8.