This is rare. A quarterback controversy at Hutchinson High? Well, sort of. Yes, right now a pair of juniors – Canyon Maldonado and Wyatt Akins – are taking snaps with the first-team offense. At this moment, Hutchinson coach Ryan Cornelsen plans to play both. And, if neither establishes himself as the clear-cut starting quarterback, Cornelsen said he would play both the whole season if needed. “We will use both,”Cornelsen said. “I’m not sure if that means we switch every quarter, every series, or what. But both are very capable. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. One is not more of a passer or a runner than the other. Both are capable of moving the offense.” This situation hasn’t crept up often for Hutchinson. In the last 15 years, the Salthawks usually entered the season knowing who the starting quarterback is. So far, that’s not the case. And if you ask Maldonado and Akins, that’s OK. “Competition is good for both of us,” said Akins, as Maldonado stood nearby nodding. “We know we could play at any time. We both have our strengths and our weaknesses, but the team plays hard for both of us.” Maldonado started twice last year when Turner Wintz was injured. The Salthawks won both games, including the district championship game against Wichita Northwest. Maldonado also came in relief when Wintz was hurt against Olathe South and Dodge City. “I think the experience I had at the varsity level will help,” Maldonado said. “I learned how to react to certain situations.” Akins was the junior-varsity quarterback, and thus also has a year running Cornelsen’s system. While Cornelsen said there isn’t much different between the two, there is contrast. The physical difference between the duo is noticeable. Maldonado is taller, standing 6-foot-1, while Akins is 5-8. Cornelsen said Akins is more of a shifty runner, while Maldonado runs straight. While neither has established himself as the No. 1 quarterback, Maldonado said it might be better for the Salthawks if one of them did. “When you play quarterback, you’ve got to get into the flow of the game,” Maldonado said. “So it could be a detriment to the flow, and players get used to a certain quarterback.” Cornelsen didn’t make any promises as to how long playing both would last. One of them could become the clear-cut starter by the season opener Sept. 4 at Olathe South, or both could be playing come district play. “If they execute and play well, we’ll stick with that,” Cornelsen said. “If one plays better, we’ll go with them. Sometimes, you need to let them go out on Friday nights and let them just make plays.”