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.
Rich Belin of
Cardinal Hayes (Bronx) is the 2023 MaxPreps New York High School Football Player of the Year. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound junior quarterback led the Cardinals to a 12-2 record and the school's first New York State Catholic championship.
After going 2-8 in 2022, Cardinal Hayes beat St. Francis (Hamburg) 40-22 to cap a miraculous turnaround. Belin threw for 176 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 77 more and another score, helping the Cardinals become the first New York City program to win the CHSFL AAA title.
For the season, Belin threw for 3,112 yards and 30 touchdowns with another 1,351 yards and 19 scores on the ground.
In a 30-29 win over Iona Prep (New Rochelle) to claim the NYCHSFL AAA championship, Belin totaled 279 yards and threw a 38-yard, game-winning touchdown pass late in the game.
Belin put up a season-high 360 yards through the air in a 33-28 win over Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains) in September. He also ran for 109 yards and two scores in that contest.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps New York Players of the Year
2021 — Ajani Sheppard, QB, Iona Prep (New Rochelle)
2022 — Dante Torres, QB, St. Anthony's (Melville)
