CHULA VISTA — Rashard Cook played college football at USC and as a safety tried to bat down passes aimed by future Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer. Cook played four years in the NFL, an Eagles teammate of Donovan McNabb’s.

Cook knows a talented quarterback when he sees one. And as coach at Mater Dei Catholic, Cook thinks the 6-foot-3, 205-pound Kartell Purvis is special.

“I know what I’m seeing, and it’s rare to see it,” said Cook.  “I’d say he’s a potential Division 1 (college) starting quarterback with all the necessary tools to even play on Sunday. That’s what I strongly believe.”

Purvis is a senior. Before he embarks on a college course, Purvis will try to wrap a successful high school career with a championship. The Crusaders (9-3) will play Poway (5-7) on Friday night for the CIF San Diego Section Division 2 championship at Southwestern College.

A dual-threat quarterback with an emphasis on throwing the football, Purvis has guided an offense that’s averaging 34.3 points a game. Purvis has completed 65.7% of his passes this season for 2,604 yards. He has thrown 34 touchdown passes while suffering just five interceptions.

Able to throw the ball 70 yards, Purvis is blessed with rare physical ability.  Making a comparison to Palmer and McNabb, Cook said, “As far as pure arm talent, he has that type of arm.”

“He throws a tight spiral. He throws the deep ball probably as well as anybody in San Diego,” Cook said. “He’s also developed really good touch on intermediate routes. He throws the ball over the middle, throws the outside ball with timing. You’re starting to see the full maturation with him as a quarterback.”

Purvis has played organized football since he was 4 years old. But he didn’t play quarterback until he was 10, and didn’t start for Mater Dei Catholic until he was a junior.

Sitting in the empty concrete bleachers at Mater Dei Catholic two days before Thanksgiving, Purivs said, “I was a shy kid. I didn’t like to talk.”

But coaches noticed that big arm. One asked him to take a couple quarterback reps at 10 and he’s been flinging an oblong-shaped ball ever since. Asked what he likes about the position, Purvis said, “The game is decided by you touching the ball every play.”

Purvis has been on the varsity since about the middle of his freshman season. His decorative letterman’s jacket includes state championship patches from his freshman and sophomore seasons when he spelled Dominic Nankil, a backup the past two seasons at the University of San Diego.

Purvis’ career stats offer a hint at his quarterbacking style. He has thrown for 4,561 yards in his career and rushed for 320. He has thrown for 55 touchdowns and run for three. While he is agile afoot, he’s a throw-first QB.

“He’s definitely a playmaker, somebody who can get out of the pocket and extend the play,” said Purvis’ favorite target, Isaiah Cook, the head coach’s son, who has caught 45 passes for 968 yards and 10 TDs. “He’s just a reliable quarterback.”

Regarding his dual-threat capabilities, Purvis said, “I can run the ball, but I’m better off throwing it.”

After opening the season 0-3, Mater Dei has run off nine straight wins. The losses came against Cathederal Catholic, an Open Division finalist, plus San Marcos and Granite Hills, the Division 1 finalists.

“We knew we were better than we started,” said Purvis. “That just motivated us some more to prove people wrong.”

Purvis’ strong right arm is decorated by ink. The Serenity Prayer fills his forearm.

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

His mother has the same tattoo on her forearm. The tattoo is accompanied by a dove.

Purvis keeps his two state championship rings on a bedside table, wearing them occasionally for special events or when he’s wearing his letterman’s jacket.

Despite his size and success, Purvis has not been highly recruited. Thus far, he has not received scholarship offers.

“To be honest, I can’t tell you why,” the quarterback said. “I feel I’ve always been overlooked. I have a chip on my shoulder.”

He won’t be overlooked this week.

“He’s led them to a championship game, which is the mark of a good quarterback,” said Poway coach Brandon Harris. “He extends play with his feet. He spins the ball well.”

Rashard Cook thinks Purvis’ lack of scholarship offers is a sign that colleges are relying more on the immediate transfer portal fix.

“What’s cool is he’s not focused on a scholarship,” the coach said. “He’s focused on winning a championship.”

Originally Published: November 27, 2024 at 2:15 PM PST