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 2024 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.
Merek Mihelish of
Capital (Helena) is the 2024 MaxPreps Montana High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2, 170-pound senior quarterback helped the Bruins to an 11-1 record and the Class AA state championship.
On the season, Mihelish threw for 2,853 yards and 34 touchdowns. He also led the team in rushing with nearly 900 yards
on the ground to go with eight more scores.
In a 34-21 win over Glacier (Kalispell) that brought Capital its 13th state title and second in the last three years, Mihelish threw for 293 yards and four touchdowns.
Mihelish completed 16 of 18 pass attempts for 312 yards and three touchdowns in a 50-18 win over Sentinel (Missoula) in the second round of the playoffs, adding another 94 yards on the ground.
Against Hellgate in September, Mihelish hit on 11 of 14 passes for a season-high 321 yards and four scores while running for 39 yards and another.
Capital won its final 11 games while outscoring the opposition 459-124. The Bruins won every game by at least 13 points.
Mihelish committed to Montana in June.
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)
2023 — Kellen Harrison, QB, Bozeman
