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.
Noah Carpenter of
Leavitt (Turner) is the 2023 MaxPreps Maine High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot, 195-pound senior quarterback/safety led the Hornets to an 11-0 record and Class C state title.
Carpenter and the Hornets capped a tremendous season with a dominant 71-12 win over Oceanside (Rockland) in the championship game. He completed 8 of 10 passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns to go with
65 yards on the ground and another score. He added seven tackles on
defense.
The 2023 Leavitt team will go down as one of the best in state history. The Hornets beat Class A champion Thornton Academy (Saco) 35-21 and Class B runner-up Lawrence (Fairfield) 62-32.
Carpenter made a huge impact in all three phases of the game. Offensively, he threw for 1,801 yards and 21 touchdowns to go with 1,351 yards on the ground and 23 more scores. Defensively, he recorded 110 tackles, five interceptions and forced four fumbles. He was also the kicker and punter.
In the Class C semifinals, Leavitt erased two double-digit deficits. Trailing 32-21 heading into the fourth quarter against Fryeburg, Carpenter led the Hornets to 15 consecutive points to pull out a 36-32 win. He finished the game completing 6 of 9 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns to go with 30 carries for 199 yards and three more scores. He added eight tackles and two interceptions on defense.
One of the biggest wins came in September when Leavitt rallied to a 35-21 win after trailing 21-6 at halftime against Thornton Academy. Carpenter threw for 185 yards, ran for 136 yards, scored four touchdowns and piled up nine tackles.
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)
