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.
Zachariah Branch of
Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) is the 2021 MaxPreps Nevada High School Football Player of the Year. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound junior wide receiver helped the Gaels go 12-1 and capture the Class 5A state championship.
In the title game, Branch caught six passes for 132 yards and a score to help Gorman beat McQueen (Reno) 56-7. The Gaels have won state championships in 11 of the past 13 years.
For the season, Branch caught 47 passes for 1,076 yards and 14 touchdowns.
247Sports regards Branch as one of the top prospects in the Class of 2023. Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma and USC are among his 26 scholarship offers to date. Zachariah's older brother
Zion was among the leaders on Gorman's defense and is a highly-regarded safety prospect.
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.
Zachariah Branch in action during Bishop Gorman's state championship game victory.
Photo by Jann Hendry
