Each week this fall, we'll rank the best players in local football. We start, as usual, with the glamour position, quarterback.

Our top 10 QB list, which we bumped to 12 because of the high number of top-notch signal-callers in Southeastern Pennsylvania, was based on arm strength, accuracy, ability to read defenses, and poise under pressure, among other factors.

1. Drew Loughery, La Salle, Sr., 6-1, 205. The strong-armed Loughery is beginning to show the form that led to his throwing for more than 2,600 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. Early interest has come mostly from Division I-AA schools, including Villanova and Richmond.

2. Bret Gillespie, Downingtown West, Sr., 6-2, 210. He has missed the last three games with a separated shoulder suffered in Week 2 vs. Glen Mills. Last season, Gillespie passed for 2,041 yards and 19 TDs.

3. Sam Kind, Abington, Sr., 6-0, 185. For the undefeated Ghosts, Kind has completed 55 of 86 passes (64 percent) for 750 yards and 7 TDs. In a 28-24 win over Neshaminy, he was 20 for 28 passing for 233 yards and two scores.

4. Trey Lauletta, Downingtown East, Jr., 6-1, 190. Accurate and cool under pressure, Lauletta has connected on 52 of 93 throws (55.9 percent) for 824 yards and 9 TDs.

5. Tyler Hamilton, Council Rock North, Sr., 6-0, 185. Hamilton, athletic and gritty, is arguably the area's best dual-threat QB.

6. Tony Smith, Father Judge, Jr., 6-3, 200. Smith, a second-year starter, threw for 1,600 yards and 13 TDs last season while leading the Crusaders to the Catholic League championship game.

7. Matt Atkinson, Penncrest, Sr., 6-1, 170. Atkinson has completed 41 of 66 passes (62.1 percent) for 816 yards and 8 TDs. He has an NCAA rating of 202.95.

8. John Loughery, Penn Charter, Jr., 6-5, 210. The cousin of Atlanta Falcons second-year standout Matt Ryan, a 2003 PC grad, Loughery has thrown for 936 yards and 6 TDs in four outings.

9. Skyler Mornhinweg, St. Joseph's Prep, So., 6-3, 185. Despite the four interceptions he threw vs. Judge, Mornhinweg is athletic and a solid playmaker.

10. Malik Stokes, Northeast, Sr., 6-0, 175. Stokes, a four-year starter, is gradually learning the nuances of first-year coach Chris Riley's spread offense. Stokes said scholarship offers have come from Central Michigan and Towson.

11. Ryan Tincknell, Quakertown, Sr., 6-0, 195. A 1,550-yard passer last season, he has been sidelined with a dislocated elbow suffered early in Week 3 against Cheltenham. He is expected back in Week 8 or 9.

12. Mark McHugh, Garnet Valley, Sr., 6-0, 195. Dangerous with his arm and feet, the southpaw has completed 32 of 56 passes (57.1 percent) for 523 yards and 6 TDs. McHugh has 57 carries for 167 yards and one TD.

Return to lineup

A pair of George Washington's senior starters, QB Aaron Wilmer and center Hafuz Tahiraj missed last Friday's 14-12 loss to visiting Northeast while serving team-imposed suspensions, according to coach Ron Cohen.

Cohen, whose Eagles were penalized 11 times (nine on offense) against the Vikings, said both players will be back for Saturday night's Public League Red Division showdown with Frankford.

Contact staff writer Rick O'Brien at 610-313-8019

or robrien@phillynews.com.