Thornton Academy running back eclipsed the 2,000-yard mark for Class A state champions.
Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school football. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2025 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence in addition to local and state accolades.
Connor Ayoob of
Thornton Academy (Saco) is the 2025 MaxPreps Maine High School Football Player of the Year. The 5-foot-8, 190-pound senior running back led the Trojans to an 11-1 record and Class A state title.
For the season, Ayoob rushed for 2,093 yards and 31 touchdowns. His yardage total was the highest for any running back under head coach Kevin Kezal, who just wrapped up his 26th season and earned his 200th win.
In a 28-0 win over Portland in the state championship game, Ayoob rushed for 231 yards and four touchdowns.
In the semifinals, Ayoob had 35 carries for 265 yards and three scores in a 40-28 win over Bonny Eagle (Standish). He also threw a touchdown as the Trojans clinched a spot in the title game for the seventh year in a row.
During the regular season meeting against Bonny Eagle, Ayoob ran 40 times for 304 yards in a 42-21 win.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Maine Players of the Year
2021 — Caden McDuffie, QB, Cape Elizabeth
2022 — Elias Soehren, QB, Oxford Hills (South Paris)
2023 — Noah Carpenter, QB/S, Leavitt (Turner)
2024 — Louis Thurston, QB, Portland
