RENO, Nev. — Cade McNamara leads the state of Nevada in passing yardage, completions, and passing touchdowns, but you probably wouldn’t know it when he answers how the season is going.

“I feel like I’m doing a pretty good job,” said McNamara. “The linemen are giving me lots of time and then wide receivers running great routes and catching the ball this season, so all the success is to them.”

His center Ryan Madole says that humble answer is exactly why the team loves playing with him.

“He does things the right way. He plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played. He’s a fun guy to play for. He’s a guy you want to have behind your back.”

Combine Cade’s leadership with his athletic ability, and his head coach knows that the sky is the limit.

“As a head coach and former quarterback, it’s a lot of fun,” said Shawn Dupris. “He’s doing things that I wasn’t doing until I got to college. He’s a student of the game. He loves the game. We’re very fortunate. You don’t get a lot of kids like that, especially at the quarterback position, in a coaching career so it’s a lot of fun to deal with it.”

But for now, the Notre Dame commit knows how important it is to remain focused on this Damonte Ranch team.

And his goals with this Damonte Ranch squad?

After making the state semis last year, only one remains:

“I want to win a state championship. I believe we have the confidence and the skill and our chemistry is good enough that we can beat any team that we face.”

Next up? Bishop Manogue.

Damonte Ranch's game against Bishop Manogue airs live on our sister station My 21TV Thursday at 7 PM. We will also have live reports during our News 4 at 5 and News 4 Nightly programs. Dan Gustin, Mike Rippee, and Brenna Greene will be on the call.