California QB transfers to Texas power North Crowley

The quarterback room at North Crowley got a little more competitive as the first week of high school football games in the Lone Star State approaches. According to a report by the Dallas Morning News, junior quarterback Hayes Cloutier has transferred from Inglewood (Calif.) to play for the defending Class 6A-Division I state champions.

Cloutier comes in to compete with Jacob Torres, who is also vying to start for the Panthers as the team graduated last year’s starter, Chris Jimerson, who is now at North Texas.

The incoming southpaw signal caller from California holds a couple collegiate offers currently from Arizona and Sacramento State, according to his X, formerly known as Twitter, profile.

“It means a lot to me—this was my very first offer, so it holds a special place in my heart. I’ve always dreamed of playing at the next level, and to have Arizona believe in me this early is something I’ll never forget. I also know a few players who have played there, and they always talk about how close the team is—like a true family. That kind of environment really stands out to me. I also like Tucson—it’s got a unique vibe, a mix of calm and energy, and seems like a fun place to be a student-athlete,” Cloutier said to Sports Illustrated regarding his first offer from Arizona.

Both Cloutier and Torres are looking to take over the reigns of a Panthers’ offense that was one of the most prolific in the state last season. North Crowley in 2024 averaged an eye-popping 53.6 points per game, featuring Jimerson and wide receiver Quentin Gibson, who is now playing for Deion Sanders’ Colorado Buffaloes.

The Panthers went 16-0 last season, running the table all the way to AT&T Stadium last December where they defeated Westlake, 50-21, for the 6A-DI state championship.

North Crowley’s first big challenge of the 2025 season is when they host DeSoto on Sep. 5th to begin their title defense.