SAN FRANCISCO

RAY-JOHN SPEARS (SACRED HEART CATHEDRAL)

Following an 0-5 start, Sacred Heart Cathedral coach Barry McLaughlin inserted this dynamic, do-everything senior at quarterback and the Irish caught fire. They won eight of their final 10 games en route to a Central Coast Section title and their first Northern California and state championships.

“His leadership and ability to make big plays allowed the Irish to compete in the WCAL and led us to a state championship,” McLaughlin said.

Spears, a varsity basketball starter since he was a freshman, was sensational as a dual-threat QB, but was most dangerous throwing on the run to a deep group of playmakers. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound senior completed 62% of his passes while throwing for 25 touchdowns and more than 2,000 yards. He also rushed for 600 yards and six TDs.

In the 4-A state title game at Kezar Stadium, a 48-29 win over Northview-Covina, Spears was 15-for-22 for 300 yards and five touchdowns.

“He ignited everything,” McLaughlin said. “There’s no moment or situation that (was) too big for him.”

Sam Stringer / MaxPreps 2021 Sacred Heart Cathedral’s Ray-John Spears completed 62% of his passes, throwing for 25 touchdowns and more than 2,000 yards. He also had six TD runs.