Leila Ruterman

You may not have heard much about him last season, but in this breakout season at ALA-Queen Creek quarterback Enoch Watson has undeniably put himself on the map. In his senior year, Watson has continued to lead 6A in passing yards stacking up 2,450  yards this season, clutched a commitment to Brigham Young University and who can forget his game-winning play against Pinnacle where he caught his own pass.  

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Watson, the former Coconino High School quarterback, has undergone a lot of change within the last year, moving to ALA-Queen Creek during the Spring. At ALA-Queen Creek he has been able to learn from Head Coach Ty Detmer, former BYU quarterback and Heisman winner. As Watson adjusted to life in the Valley starting at a new school and gelling with a new offense, he was determined to make it work.  

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"For me, I just go with the flow, I just control what I can control. I don't try and let anything else get me down. I just control, and I go. Control and go with the flow,” Watson said.

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Watson is the youngest of four boys who grew up in a household full of “faith, family, and football” as his dad Nate Watson puts it. His older brother Pierson Watson is also a BYU commit and is currently serving on his mission. Growing up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints the youngest Watson’s faith has played an integral part in who he is.  

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“I believe from what I’ve done with the gospel in my life it’s definitely blessed my life and it’s gotten me where I’ve gotten for sure,” Watson said.  

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Nicknamed “Golden Child” by his father Nate, Enoch Watson truly has lived up to the name. His father recalls admiring his hard work, dedication, and unwavering positivity throughout his years.

 

“When we moved to Queen Creek all the coaches, and the administration told us how great of a kid he was, how good of a teammate, how he treats everyone on the team, the star receiver or the sophomore kid that doesn’t get any reps, he treats them the same.” Nate Watson said recalling one of his proudest moments of his youngest son.

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Enoch, following in his brother’s footsteps, plans to serve a mission after graduation before spending his next four years at BYU, an uncommon path for most committed football players.  

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“It’s not a vacation you don’t know where you're going to be sent, you don’t know what the conditions will be, you don’t know if you’ll even be able to work out and pick up a weight. He's willing to put all of that on hold on the football side of things and go do that,” Detmer said. 

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Despite the uncertainties of choosing to leave for a mission after high school, Watson could not be more confident in his decision.  

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“I feel like setting two years apart to go serve the Lord. I definitely believe that there are going to be blessings coming from that and it’s always good to just get a break and focus on God,” Watson said.

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As he moves into his next two years to focus on his faith followed by his time at BYU he reflects on what is to come. 

“Honestly being with my brother in college is going to be great, playing ball for another four years is a blessing and just enjoying life, not taking any moment for granted,” Watson said.

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Watson looks to lead the Patriots ranked seventh in the Open Division, as they face number two Basha on Friday.