Matt Araneta is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Mountain View High School for AZPreps365.

Mountain View's Brady Goodman is proving himself as one of the 6A conference's top quarterbacks this season.

After he threw for just 490 yards and five touchdowns last season as a sophomore, Goodman's tremendously emerged as a junior starter for the conference's No. 9-ranked Toros (7-1). He's ranked seventh in the 6A conference and is the Fiesta region's leader on his 1635 passing yards. He's thrown 28 TD passes, rushed six TDs, and has ran for 256 yards.

"Throughout the offseason, the whole team has just been working hard together," Goodman said. "Once we started our season, we were able to show all the work we put in, and just working through mistakes we made early in the season has really helped all of us."

Goodman’s emergence as a key player stems from the work he’s put in to improve his timing and decision-making. Running a timing-based offense has sharpened his focus on the details, something he credits to his coaches.

"In our offense, it’s all about timing," Goodman said. "Getting my drops right for certain routes has been super important, and taking care of the ball is something Coach (Andy) Litten has really helped me focus on."

One of the cornerstones of Goodman’s success has been his connection with wide receiver Talan Arnett, a relationship that began long before high school.

"I’ve been playing with Talan since I was about eight years old," Goodman said. "Throughout the entire offseason, we worked a ton, and we’ve been able to connect a lot when we’re out on the field."

Their chemistry has been a crucial asset to the team, especially as the duo continues to deliver big plays when needed most. Goodman has connected with Arnett in the end zone 16 times this season, and Arnett is the Fiesta region's sixth-best in receiving yards.

Goodman has his sights set on playing in college, but he knows there’s still work to be done. His goal is to earn a scholarship, and he’s focused on what it will take to get there.

"I think just always working hard in practice and the weight room can help me a ton to improve when I’m on the field," Goodman said. "Adapting to what the defense is doing is also a huge way I can get to my goal of playing at the next level."

With his dedication and leadership, Goodman is not only guiding his team through a strong season but also setting the foundation for his future. As the season progresses, his performance is drawing attention, making him one of the rising stars to watch while looking to make the playoffs. 

Mountain View plays its second straight road game at No. 16 Cesar Chavez (6-2) on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m.