Taking the reins: How several notable Whitworth quarterbacks fared in their first season as the starter

Following are debut seasons from several notable Whitworth quarterbacks over the past quarter century. (Note: Numbers reflect the first year each began the season as the team’s starting QB.)

2001

Scott Biglin, Jr.

9 games, 120 QB rating, 54%, 1,849 yards, 13 TDs, 11 INTs

Career highlights: Three-time all-NWC selection led Pirates to first NCAA Division III playoff appearance in 2001.

2004

Joel Clark, So.

9 games, 158 QB rating, 60%, 2,289 yards, 18 TDs, 5 INTs

Career highlights: Former Mt. Spokane star led Whits to a 10-0 regular season in 2006 and the second round of D-III playoffs.

2012

Bryan Peterson, So.

10 games, 134 QB rating, 57%, 1,762 yards, 16 TDs, 9 INTs

Career highlights: Four-year starter from West Valley set D-III records for most completions in a game (58) and consecutive passes without an INT (82).

2015

Ian Kolste, R-So.

11 games, 126 QB rating, 61%, 2,810 yards, 19 TDs, 8 INTs

Career highlights: Finished as all-time leader in total offense, TD passes and passing yards; Had a 26-6 record as a starter.

2018

Leif Ericksen, Jr.

11 games, 141 QB rating, 63%, 2,933 yards, 27 TDs, 8 INTs

Career highlights: Earned first-team NWC honors in 2018 when he led Whits to 10-1 record, including a win in the D-III playoffs.

2020

Jaedyn Prewitt, Jr.

4 games, 179 QB rating, 60%, 1,074 yards, 11 TDs, 2 INTs

Career highlights: Led Whits to 4-0 record during COVID-shortened spring season; Finished with 4,177 career yards passing.

2023

Austin Ewing, Gr.-Sr.

11 games, 172 rating, 72%, 2,967 yards, 26 TDs, 6 INTs

Career highlights: Grad transfer from Southern Utah was dominant in his one season, leading Whitworth to 10-1 record and D-III playoffs.

2024

Ryan Blair, Sr.

12 games, 166 QB rating, 68%, 3,254 yards, 37 TDs, 5 INTs

Career highlights: Mead grad led Whits to 10-2 record and ‘24 playoffs while setting a school record for TD passes; suffered season-ending injury in ‘22.