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.
Nicco Marchiol of Hamilton is the 2021 MaxPreps Arizona High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound signal caller helped the Huskies go 11-1 and earn a spot in the Arizona Open Division semifinals before falling to eventual state champion Saguaro.
In the 31-24 semifinal loss, Marchiol completed 15-of-21 passes for 225 yards and a pair of scores while also running for 70 yards on eight carries. A West Virginia commit, Marchiol completed 203-of-273 passes for 2,690 yards and 37 touchdowns on the year. He added 369 yards on the ground and six more scores on 83 carries.
Marchiol's biggest night of the season came Sept. 3 in the season opener when he threw for 345 yards and five touchdowns on 15-of-20 passing. He also ran the ball for 63 yards on six carries in the 56-7 win over Desert Ridge.
Arizona's No. 5 prospect, according to 247Sports, completed 639-of-943 passes for 8,310 yards and 91 touchdowns for his career. The four-star signal caller and 27th ranked quarterback in the Class of 2022 threw for 300 yards four times and for 200 yards or more 19 times in his four years at Hamilton. Michael Zdebski's star player added 1,301 yards and 24 scores on the ground on 338 carries.
Oregon freshman quarterback Ty Thompson was the 2020 MaxPreps Arizona Football Player of the Year after helping Mesquite to a 10-1 record and the Class 4A state championship.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released in early January.
Nicco Marchiol, Hamilton
File photo by Jack Beasley
