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.
Caden McDuffie of
Cape Elizabeth is the 2021 MaxPreps Maine High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot, 205-pound senior quarterback led an offense that averaged 47.8 points per game en route to a 10-1 record and the Class C state championship.
In a 53-8 title game victory over Winslow, McDuffie accounted for seven touchdowns as the Capers captured their first state crown. He threw for 245 yards and five TDs while running for two more.
For the season, McDuffie piled up nearly 2,500 total yards and 43 touchdowns (26 TD passes, 19 runs). In the region title game that earned Cape Elizabeth a trip to the state championship game, he ran for a touchdown with three seconds remaining to lift his team past Leavitt 25-23.
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.
