From many, there will be one. And while there’s still no guarantee contending athletes will win their own state at this point in the season, a number of elite performers are making a case for Gatorade National Football Player of the Year consideration. Here’s the scoop on the latest top candidate.

Dalton Sneed
Junior quarterback, Horizon (Scottsdale, Ariz.)

Greatness Present: There’s really no football equivalent to a pitcher’s perfect game, but Sneed nearly threw one on the gridiron.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound junior QB completed 15-of-16 passes for 373 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Huskies (6-1) to a sixth straight victory, 63-6 over North Canyon on Friday.

For the season, Sneed has passed for 2,470 yards and 28 touchdowns against just five interceptions. He’s also rushed for three touchdowns.

Greatness Past: Sneed split time under center as a sophomore in 2012 and still managed to throw for 1,040 yards and 14 touchdowns, leading Horizon to an 8-3 record and a postseason appearance.

Greatness Future: Sneed remains undecided upon a collegiate destination.

Make no mistake: The Gatorade State Football Player of the Year races aren’t over, and the National POY race is now heating up. Time remains for one standout student-athlete among thousands to rise to the top of our list.Check back for daily updates on the top contenders making their case.