Final Results: Future 4 Class of 2031 7th Grade

Raleigh, NC – The Class of 2031 Future 4 Quarterback Competition at the 12th Annual National Middle School Invitational Showcase produced one of the most dramatic finishes in event history as Henry Strange of Raleigh, NC captured his first Future 4 championship after a marathon final round that extended into four overtimes.

After two days of competition at Duke University and Ravenscroft School, Strange entered the championship round as the overall leader following an outstanding preliminary performance that saw him post 46.75 points, narrowly ahead of Jace Vorlicky of Tampa, FL (46.25), Kade Johnson of Pikeville, KY (46.0), and Chanley Hodges of Westlake, TX (45.5). Those four quarterbacks advanced to the finals separated by just 1.25 points, setting the stage for an unforgettable conclusion.

What followed was a battle of attrition between Strange and Vorlicky. Both quarterbacks matched each other throw-for-throw throughout regulation and multiple overtime periods, refusing to yield under pressure. The championship ultimately required four overtime rounds before Strange finally emerged victorious, edging Vorlicky by a single point in the final scoring tally. Strange accumulated 47 points during the championship round, while Vorlicky finished with 46 points.

“That was one of the best quarterback battles we’ve ever had,” said Future 4 Director Drew Phillips. “Henry and Jace competed at an incredibly high level. Every time one made a play, the other answered. It took four overtimes to separate them, and that’s a testament to the talent and competitiveness of both young men.”

The other finalists included Kade Johnson of Pikeville, KY, who finished third overall after advancing to the championship round, and Chanley Hodges of Westlake, TX, who secured fourth place. Hodges entered the weekend with an impressive résumé of his own, having won the 2031 Future 4 championship last year as a sixth-grader. His return to the finals this year further solidified his status as one of the premier young quarterbacks in the country.

The Future 4 competition is the signature quarterback event of Football Hotbed’s National Middle School Invitational Showcase, evaluating athletes through combine testing, routes on air, football IQ assessments, accuracy challenges, and live quarterback competition. The two-day event began at Duke University before concluding at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh.

For Strange, the victory was especially meaningful as he captured the title in his hometown. His ability to perform under pressure throughout four overtime periods solidified his standing as one of the nation’s elite young quarterbacks and earned him his first Future 4 championship.

As finalists, Strange, Vorlicky, Johnson, and Hodges each earned automatic invitations to Football Hotbed’s 13th Annual Middle School All-American Game, scheduled to be played in South Florida this winter. Their performances throughout the weekend ensured that all four quarterbacks left Raleigh as some of the most highly regarded prospects in the Class of 2031.