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.
Matt Morrison of
Pinkerton (Derry) is the 2024 MaxPreps New Hampshire High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot, 180-pound senior played multiple positions in leading the Astros to an 11-2 record and Division I state championship.
For the season, Morrison produced 1,108 rushing yards and accounted for 22 total
touchdowns. He also made a major impact as a receiver, on
defense and special teams. He missed three games with a broken finger
but returned for the playoffs to lead Pinkerton to its first state title in a decade.
Matt Morrison is the MaxPreps New Hampshire Player of the Year after leading Pinkerton to its first state title in a decade. (Photo: Peter McClelland)
In a 42-7 win over Londonderry in the state title game, Morrison ran 15 times for 117 yards and three touchdowns. He also returned the opening kickoff 85 yards for a score and had a 25-yard touchdown reception.
Pinkerton snapped Bedford's 26-game win streak with a 27-13 victory in the semifinals as Morrison ran 26 times for 155 yards and three touchdowns.
Morrison opened the season with a monster performance leading the Astros to a 40-17 win over Andover (Mass.), accounting for over 200 total yards and four touchdowns. He piled up 165 yards and three TDs in a 24-8 win over Windham in September, following with 131 yards and a pick-six in a 38-15 victory over Londonderry a week later.
The multi-sport athlete is also a standout in track and field.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team.
Past MaxPreps New Hampshire Players of the Year
2020 — Malcolm Bussey, RB, St. Paul's (Concord)
2021 — Tucker McCann, RB, Winnacunnet (Hampton)
2022 — Drew Heenan, QB, Londonderry
2023 — J.J. Bright, RB, Souhegan (Amherst)
