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 2021 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.
Evan Wysong of
Cleveland (Rio Rancho) is the 2021 MaxPreps New Mexico High School Football Player of the Year. The 5-foot-10, 160-pound quarterback helped the Storm go 13-0 and capture the Class 6A state championship.
The junior completed 8-of-14 passes for 74 yards in the 35-14 state-title win over Rio Rancho. He ran for another 85 yards and scored one touchdown on 13 carries in the championship contest.
For the season, Wysong completed 65.8 percent of his passes for 1,787 yards and 19 touchdowns while running for 987 yards and 15 more scores. Wysong completed 29-of-45 passes for 382 yards and four touchdowns in postseason play. Heath Ridenour's star player added 336 yards and another 5 scores on 38 carries through three playoff wins.
Wysong displayed his dual-threat ability in a 44-33 win over Volcano Vistsa when he completed 16 of 27 aerials for 295 yards and three touchdowns while also running for 73 yards and another score on 13 carries. He also accumulated 300-plus yards running and throwing the football in wins over Artesia (70-29) and Cibola (56-12).
Wysong is the second straight MaxPreps New Mexico Player of the Year from Cleveland. In 2019, it was Dorian Lewis who earned the honor. Due to a pandemic shortened season, MaxPreps did not name a New Mexico Football Player of the Year in 2020.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion on the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released in early January.
