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.
Kellen Harrison of
Bozeman is the 2023 MaxPreps Montana High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot, 160-pound senior quarterback/safety led the Hawks to a 12-0 record and Class AA state title.
In the state championship game, Harrison completed 19 of 24 passes for 241 yards and four touchdowns to go with 14 carries for 80 yards and another score in a 35-27 win over Glacier (Kalispell). He added two tackles and an interception on defense.
For the season, Harrison threw for 2,874 yards and 25 touchdowns against eight interceptions while completing 67.9 percent of his attempts. He added over 300 yards and seven scores on the ground. Defensively, he piled up 27 tackles and five interceptions.
Harrison threw for a season-high 417 yards with three touchdowns in a 39-15 win over Butte in September. He also picked off a pass in that contest.
In three playoff games, he threw for 772 yards and six touchdowns while completing 82.3 percent of his passes. He added 27 170 rushing yards and three more scores. On defense, he had seven tackles and two interceptions.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Montana Players of the Year
2020 — Dylan Rollins, OL, Sentinel (Missoula)
2021 — Tyson Rostad, QB/DB, Hamilton
2022 — Patrick Duchien, QB, Florence-Carlton (Florence)
