Vote: Who is the top returning Maine running back in 2024?

We give you six candidates to select from

The quality of running back play in Maine was on full display in the 2023 season in every classification. That’s because the state is filled with signal callers who can change games with either their running, catching the ball or both.

There’s no shortage of talented running back in Maine, which makes it hard to pick just one as the best in the area.

So here at SBLive Sports Maine, we’re asking you, the fans, to decide.

Vote now on who is the top returning running back in Maine for 2024. Voting closes May 1st, 2024.

Editor’s note: Our corresponding poll is intended to be fun, and we do not set limits on how many times a fan can vote during the competition. This poll is specifically for fans to vote on the players that have been nominated and in no way discredits any other players who may not be mentioned in our poll.

Here are the nominations: 

Aidan McGowan, Portland: The Bulldogs did a great job running the football behind the play of McGowan last season. The junior tailback rushed for 1,059 yards and 14 touchdowns. 

Rhylen Avery, Sanford: Diminutive for his size at 5-foot-5, 150 pounds, Avery was not an easy ball carrier to take down for opposing defenses. The junior also played cornerback for Sanford and will head into the 2024 campaign as one of the best in the state. 

Maddox Ralls, Kennebunk: The 5-foot-10, 180-pound running back was a force to be reckoned with last season. Now, Ralls is back for his senior campaign and will be the Rams’ bellcow in the backfield once again. 

Matthew Baker, Cheverus: Cheverus junior running back had himself a solid 2023 campaign. The Stags’ offense averaged over 24 points per game last fall and Baker should be the spearhead this upcoming season. 

Eli Potter, Wells: Potter heads into the spring with some high expectations after the 2023 season he had. The Warriors scored 300 points last season and Potter should be aiming for another big campaign on the ground. 

Carter Rivers, Winthrop/Monmouth/Hall-Dale: Rivers helped lift Winthrop/Monmouth/Hall-Dale to a 7-3 season last fall and was a force out of the backfield. Look for big things from the soon-to-be senior running back. 

This list was created with the contributions of MaineHSFootball.com

-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivesports