The term 'QUARTERBACK's cry' is a phrase used to describe the sound a QUARTERBACK makes when they are calling for the ball to be hiked. The crossword solutions for this term are HIKE (4 letters) and HUT (3 letters). HIKE is a verb meaning to lift or raise, while HUT is an interjection used to call for the ball to be thrown. Therefore, the QUARTERBACK's cry is a combination of these two words, with the QUARTERBACK shouting 'HIKE! HUT!' when they want the ball to be thrown.