Vote: Who was Massachusetts’ top sophomore football player of 2023?

We’ve picked out 11 sophomore football players in Massachusetts that stood out from 2023

The 2023 high school football season is complete and we are going around the East Coast, reflecting on the last few months.

One of the big questions is what newcomers on the scene made the biggest impact to a football program or state even? That’s where sophomores that saw extensive playing time come into the mix.

That’s why we ask the question: Who was the top sophomore football player of 2023?

We will go state-by-state along the East Coast and once that voting is done, do a final poll including all the sophomores that won going head-to-head.

We’ve selected 11 worthy candidates and ask you the fan to vote for who you think topped them all.

Voting will end on February 14th, 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 player that may not be mentioned in our poll.

Here are the nominees: 

Michael Wildfire, QB, Cohasset: The sophomore quarterback had a strong season, completing 141-of-224 passes for 2,193 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Osiris Lopez, QB, Leominster: Lopez had been one of the top signal callers last season, regardless of class. The Blue Devils’ quarterback threw for 1,877 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2023. 

Owen Mordas, QB, Bishop Feehan: One of the top sophomore quarterbacks when it comes to taking care of the football is Mordas. The Shamrocks starter had thrown for 1,294 yards, 13 touchdowns and a mere four interceptions.

Dante Berger, RB, Andover: The running back had been a nice contributor out of the backfield for the Golden Warriors. Berger has rushed for 830 yards on 143 carries and scored seven touchdowns. 

James Mckenzie, WR, Diman RVT: Mckenzie had himself a solid sophomore campaign, hauling in 54 passes for 904 yards and two touchdowns. 

Zahir Mitchell, WR, Lynnfield: The fleet footed wide receiver hauled in 27 passes for 503 yards and scored five touchdowns for the Pioneers.

Alain Abaya, DT, Clinton: Abaya lined up at defensive tackle and did a solid job up front. The sophomore has tallied 82 tackles and three sacks for the Gaels. 

Tegan Zakrzewski, LB, Carver: The Crusaders’ linebacker had played well in the front seven last fall. Zakrzewski has totaled 59 tackles, 11 for a loss and two sacks. 

Mav Player, DB, Scituate: The defensive back has totaled an impressive 10 interceptions in the 2023 season for the Sailors. 

Ronan Sammon, WR, Milton: The pass catcher led the state in the receiving department for sophomores, hauling in 72 passes for 1,058 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Wildcats. 

Camden LaChapelle, RB, Uxbridge: LaChapelle was undoubtedly one of the state’s running backs, regardless of classification. The running back helped lead Uxbridge to a state championship, rushing for 1,322 yards and 25 touchdowns. 

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