2024 New England Gatorade Players of the Year announced

The 2024 Gatorade Player of the Year were announced on Friday. Here is who represented New England for this past season.

Connecticut- Blake Herbert,QB, Brunswick School: Hebert led the Bruins to a bowl game in his final season. He threw for 1,589 yards and 16 touchdown passes. He rushed for 625 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns.

Suffield Coach Chris Setien had this to say about Hebert:

“Hebert is unbelievable. He’s a dual-threat quarterback. You have to respect his run, he makes every single throw and he’s an outstanding character kid … He was a nightmare to play against defensively.”

Maine- Cordell Jones, WR/DB, Portland High School: Jones was the best skill player in the state, He had 971 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. He laso had 591 receiving yards and 9 receiving touchdowns. A true dual threat who was one of the best skill players in New England.

Bonny Eagle Head Coach Kevin Cooper said this about Jones

“Cordell has a huge football skill set. He affects the game running, receiving, throwing and on defense. He really makes Portland go because they can use them in all these capacities. Rarely does a player come along that can do all of those things.”

Massachusetts- Aidan Williams, RB/LB, Needham High School: Williams was one of the top players in the Bay State Conference and led the Rockets to a 12-0 regular season and the Division One Super Bowl. Williams rushed for 1,640 yards and 23 touchdowns. He had 64 tackles and three interceptions on defense.

Milton High School Coach Steve Dembowski had this to say about Williams.

“He’s a great player. He can rush the passer and drop in coverage. Offensively, he’s a big back. He’s strong and runs with both power and speed. He can catch the ball and plays some wildcat in their scheme. He’s a man-child.”

New Hampshire- Scott Hershberger, RB/LB, Campbell High School: Hershberger had a season to remember as he became New Hampshire’s all-time leading rusher. Hershberger rushed for 2,600 and 26 touchdowns. He also added 58 tackles and 3 forced fumbles on defense.

Epping-Newmarket Coach Ron Ross had this to say about Hershberger

“As an opposing coach for the last three years, I’ve seen Hershberger’s outstanding work ethic and leadership up close. Even though Scott rarely plays a full 48-minute contest week-to-week, he still broke the state rushing record. He’s also a two-time Player of the Year in our conference and primed to win it for a third straight year. He has earned the respect of every coach in this state from Division I to Division IV.”

Rhode Island- Evan Spencer,QB/LB, Cumberland High School: Spencer wore many hats for the Clippers and has been one of the top players in the Ocean State for the past two years. Spencer threw for 1,117 yards and 8 touchdown passes. He rushed for 1,126 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Portsmouth Coach Keith MacDonald said this about Spencer.

“Evan was a huge part of what Cumberland did. Cumberland goes as Evan goes, and he’s very important to his team.”

Vermont- Orion Yates, QB/LB, Champlain Valley Union High School: The super sophomore led CVU to a D1 state title throwing for 2,056 yards and 29 touchdown passes. He also rushed for 280 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground.

Burr & Burton Coach Tom McCoy had this to say about Yates.

“Yates is great in all facets of the game. He has a strong arm, he’s well-composed and he’s a great kid who’s a leader. He can beat you throwing or with his feet. What sets him apart is that he’s equally as impressive on the defensive side of the ball.”