Each year since 2006, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school football. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2021 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence, in addition to local and state accolades.
Kyler Johnson of
Bettye Davis East Anchorage (Anchorage) is the 2021 MaxPreps Alaska High School Football Player of the Year. The 6-foot, 180-pound senior quarterback helped the Thunderbirds go 10-1 and capture the Division I state championship.
In a 30-17 win over Juneau-Douglas/Thunder Mountain in the title game, Johnson ran for a pair of touchdowns to help East avenge its only loss of the season.
For the season, Johnson completed 64 percent of his pass attempts for 2,103 yards and 26 touchdowns while running for 418 yards (8.1 yards per carry) and 10 TDs.
Johnson's dual-threat ability was perhaps best displayed in a Sept. 17 game against rival West Anchorage. In a 35-21 win, he threw for 364 yards and three scores while adding another 105 yards and a TD on the ground.
Johnson is the second straight MaxPreps Alaska Player of the Year from Bettye Davis East Anchorage. Last year, it was wide receiver Jordan Holland who earned the honor.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which will be released in early January.
Kyler Johnson heads up the field during a late September win over Bartlett.
Photo by Skip Hickey
