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.
Louis Thurston of
Portland is the 2024 MaxPreps Maine High School Football Player of the Year. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound senior quarterback led the Bulldogs to a 10-2 record and Class A state championship – the school's first in 22 years.
Thurston heads into Portland's Thanksgiving Day rivalry game against
Deering (Portland) with 2,426 total yards (1,391 passing, 1,035 rushing) and 29 touchdowns. He is also an impact player on defense, recording 34 tackles, three tackles for loss and
three interceptions.
Louis Thurston led Portland to its first state championship in 22 years. (Photo: Dave Arnold)
In a 34-21 win over Thornton Academy (Saco) in the Class A state championship game, Thurston completed 9 of 14 passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns. He added 13 carries for 119 yards and two more scores, helping Portland snap a five-game skid in state title games.
During the opening round of the playoffs, Thurston led the Bulldogs to a 42-14 win over Windham with 169 yards on the ground and two scores.
Portland cruised to a 54-14 win in the semifinals over Bangor as Thurston completed 6 of 9 passes for 81 yards and two touchdowns. He added 13 carries for 122 yards and another score.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps Maine Players of the Year
2021 — Caden McDuffie, QB, Cape Elizabeth
2022 — Elias Soehren, QB, Oxford Hills (South Paris)
2023 — Noah Carpenter, QB/S, Leavitt (Turner)
