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 2022 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.
Joenel Aguero of
St. John's Prep (Danvers) is the 2022 MaxPreps Massachusetts High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot, 195-pound senior wide receiver and defensive back led the Eagles to an 11-2 record and the Division 1 Super Bowl championship.
Aguero tallied nearly 600 receiving and eight touchdowns on the season, but his biggest impact came on the defensive side of the ball – where he is expected to play for the No. 1-ranked Georgia Bulldogs next season.
In the title game, Aguero helped St. John's Prep shut down Springfield Central – the highest-scoring team in the state – 13-0. He also scored a touchdown on a 10-yard reception. The Eagles allowed just 10.6 points per game this season.
Regarded as a top 50 prospect nationally by 247Sports, Aguero chose Georgia over 26 other FBS offers. After helping St. John's Prep win a state title as a freshman, he played the last two years at IMG Academy in Florida before returning to his home state as a senior.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released January 10.
Past MaxPreps Massachusetts Players of the Year2021 – William Watson III, QB, Central (Springfield)
