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 2023 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.
Navi Bruzon of
Liberty (Peoria) is the 2023 MaxPreps Arizona High School Football Player of the Year. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound senior quarterback led the Lions to a 12-1 record and Open Division state championship.
For the season, Bruzon threw for 3,287 yards and 32 touchdowns to go with 972 yards on the ground and 21 more scores. He threw and ran for 9,735 yards and 112 TDs in his career.
Arizona MaxPreps Player of the Year Navi Bruzon threw for over 3,000 yards as a junior and senior. (Photo: Steve Paynter)
In a 33-21 win over Centennial (Peoria) in the state title game, Bruzon completed 12 of 19 passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns to go with 110 yards rushing and another score.
Bruzon's best statistical performance came in a 36-17 win over Centennial (Peoria) in the regular-season finale with the top seed in the playoffs on the line. He threw for 371 yards and three touchdowns while adding 139 on the ground.
Behind Bruzon, Liberty averaged 46.4 points per game and won by an average margin of 32.9 points per game.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Arizona Players of the Year
2020 — Ty Thompson, QB, Mesquite (Gilbert)
2021 — Nicco Marchiol, QB, Hamilton (Chandler)
2022 — Devon Dampier, QB, Saguaro (Scottsdale)
