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.
Dylan Mostek of
Bennington is the 2021 MaxPreps Nebraska High School Football Player of the Year. The 5-foot-10, 195-pound running back helped the Badgers go 13-0 and capture the Class B state championship.
In a 42-14 win over Aurora, in the title game, Mostek ran for 218 yards and four touchdowns on 20 carries to lead the Badgers to their second state football title, and the school's first football championship since Bennington claimed the Class C1 title in 1989. The four-touchdown win was Bennington's second triumph over the Huskies for the year.
For the season, Mostek ran for a single-season state record 3,090 yards and 44 touchdowns, breaking Omaha North great Calvin Strong's mark of 3,008 yards set in 2013. Mostek claimed the record for himself on an 89-yard burst in the second quarter that put the Badgers up 14-0.
The senior began the 2021 season by rushing for more than 350 yards in back-to-back weeks. Following wins over Northwest and Aurora, Mostek was well on his way to 3,000 yards with 708 yards and 10 scores through two contests. Mostek ran for 250 yards six times in 2021 and 300 or more yards three times. He ran for 860 yards and 11 touchdowns on 89 carries in four state football playoff games.
Oregon freshman cornerback Avante Dickerson was the 2020 MaxPreps Nebraska Player of the Year after helping lead Omaha Westside to back-to-back Class A state finals appearances and the 2020 Nebraska big school crown following a 12-0 season last fall.
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.
