Small School

In the small school football category, this young man is one of the most decorated and accomplished football players to ever come out of Section V.

His list of accolades includes being named the New York State Gatorade Player of the Year, Under Armor Next MVP, and the MaxPreps Player of the Year. In addition to being both an Army and Navy All-American player, he is a Nike Award winner.

This athlete is a three-time First Team All-State selection, a two-time Section V Player of the Year, and a two-time Sectional and Regional Champion.

This year, he led his school to its first state championship, earning the honor of being the first Rochester City School to make a state championship in football!

Early in his high school career, he was unranked. But through hard work, he has become the 5th-ranked wide receiver in the country.

While he was recruited by national football powers such as Ohio State, Michigan, and Miami, he has decided to commit to his dream school, another powerhouse, the University of Oregon.

The News 8 Primetime Elite Award winner for small school football is from Monroe’s Messiah Hampton!

Large School

 This athlete made huge plays for his team this season and will soon be making huge plays at the next level.

 He does it all, playing as a linebacker, running back, wide receiver, special teams, and sometimes quarterback. His versatility helped his squad win their second straight sectional championship and earned him the title of game MVP.

He also helped his team win the Far West Regional Championship, making it all the way to the state finals for the first time in program history.

He was named the co-defensive Player of the Year in Section V and finished his career with 275 varsity tackles, 50 tackles for loss, and 14 touchdowns.

The Elite Award winner for large school football is Brighton’s Matthew Heininger!

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