To watch Reid Quest in 2009, one almost wouldn't think he was the same quarterback that stumbled into the Regina Thunder's starting job a year ago.

"We knew he was a great quarterback," said Regina head coach Erwin Klempner. "But he got thrown into the fire last year. It takes two or three years to play in this league and being a quarterback is no different. You have to give the kid credit. He spent a lot of time in the off-season learning the game and it has really slowed down for him now."

If there was any doubt that Quest was maturing as a Prairie Football Conference quarterback, he erased it Saturday when he completed 36-of-51 passes for 492 yards and three touchdowns in a 26-23 victory over the Saskatoon Hilltops at Mosaic Stadium. Quest also threw two interceptions, but the first bounced off the chest of Thunder receiver Mike Scheinbein to a waiting Graig Newman and the second was tipped at the line and fell into the arms of defensive tackle Clayton Sarich.

With 737 yards through the first two games of the season, Quest has nearly half of the 1,481 yards he threw for in eight games in 2008.

"Reid took shots early on, kept picking himself up and he's our offensive leader -- he makes us go," said slotback Jeff Bolen. "For him to come here right out of high school (at Winston Knoll Collegiate) and say that he wanted to develop with the program, we're seeing the dividends now."

During the off-season, Quest was able to learn the Thunder offence under new offensive co-ordinator Stefan Endsin with the knowledge he would likely be the starting quarterback when the season opened. Last year, Quest was thrust into the starting role when Jeff Lucyk, then a third-year player, unexpectedly quit the team. At that point, Quest was beginning his second season with the Thunder having only played in a pre-season game the year before.

This season, Quest has quickly developed a connection with fifth-year player Bolen, making it appear as though the two have been together for years. So far, Bolen has 22 catches for 351 yards and four touchdowns -- including 29- and 52-yard scores on Saturday.

"I don't know if it's just his experience or what, but he is just a terrific receiver," said Quest, 6-foot-4 and 214 pounds. "We're comfortable with the playbook, we get together and discuss coverages. We do that with all our receivers, but Bolen does it especially, makes his voice heard."

As good as Bolen was on Saturday, most agreed it was Quest who led the way to victory.

"He's got the heart of a lion," said Klempner. "The guy takes some whacks and he's tough, he's smart and a great team player. How can you not follow a guy like him?"