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Another exciting weekend of high school football in New England saw quarterbacks rack up big passing numbers, running backs dominate on the ground, and special teams make game-changing plays. Twelve candidates have been selected for the Player of the Week award, representing all six New England states.
In Connecticut, Naugatuck's Qwentarvous Lee found the end zone four times in a 63-26 win over Waterbury Career Academy, scoring on runs of 12, 25, and 44 yards and adding a 72-yard punt return for a touchdown. Maloney quarterback Eli Showerda completed 17 of 22 passes for 361 yards and six touchdowns in a 51-27 victory over Enfield, and also caught a 3-yard touchdown pass, giving him seven total touchdowns. Holy Cross running back Nate Craft scored four touchdowns in a 48-37 win over Ansonia, including a 65-yard run on the first play from scrimmage, helping the Crusaders end a 17-year drought against the Chargers. Shelton running back Cole St. Pierre rushed for 128 yards and four touchdowns in a 45-20 win over Sheehan.
Massachusetts is represented by Wachusett quarterback Thomas Anderson, who threw for 273 yards and four touchdowns in a 31-21 victory over Walpole; St. John's receiver Zacchaeus Collins, who caught three touchdown passes in a 42-22 win over Xaverian Brothers; and Scituate running back Grayson Foley, who rushed for 198 yards and five touchdowns in a 41-6 win over Quincy, becoming Scituate's all-time leading rusher in yards during coach Herb Devine's tenure, which began in 2008.
New Hampshire candidates include Nashua South running back/defensive back Eric Baker, who rushed for 174 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries in a 46-12 win over Goffstown, and also returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown and made four tackles. Bishop Guertin quarterback Nate Bowen threw for 349 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 75 yards and another score in a 41-27 win over Salem, completing nearly 79 percent of his passes to keep the Cardinals unbeaten.
From Maine, Yarmouth quarterback Ignatius McGrath threw for 135 yards and four touchdowns on just 12 attempts in a 60-0 win over Mt. Ararat, helping the Clippers stay unbeaten. Vermont's Sam Dowd of Burr & Burton passed for 190 yards and four touchdowns on 10-of-15 passing and added 77 rushing yards and a touchdown on 15 carries in a 53-7 win over Champlain Valley, keeping the Bulldogs undefeated at 6-0.
Rhode Island's Javien Valle of Bishop Hendricken caught a touchdown pass in a 24-13 victory over La Salle Academy on Friday, Oct. 9, strengthening the Hawks' position among the state's top programs.
Last week's winner was Michael Salemi of St. John's Prep. Voting for this week's award remains open through Oct. 18 at 11:59 p.m. PT. The winner will be announced in next week's poll.
Key Analysis
The ballot showcases the depth of talent across New England, with several players delivering multi-touchdown performances. Showerda's seven total touchdowns and Lee's four scores, including a punt return, highlight the explosive playmaking ability of this week's nominees. The inclusion of players from all six states underscores the comprehensive coverage of high school football in the region.