Revealing our Preseason High School Football Player of the Year awards

As the Massachusetts high school football season began three weeks ago, we shared lists of senior and underclassmen players to watch closely. Readers were invited to vote on our two preseason awards through a poll. Now, we are pleased to announce the results.

For the Senior of the Year category in the Enterprise Brockton area, Nick Rotondo of Bridgewater-Raynham took home the top spot. Rotondo, a six-foot-four, 230-pound defensive end/outside linebacker, has been a formidable force for the Trojans. His pass-rushing abilities have been a key factor in the team's success, leading them to the Division 2 Final Four last season.

College scouts have taken notice, with Rotondo receiving offers from 16 Division 1 FCS programs, including a commitment to Yale. He received 62.3% of the poll votes, securing the title. Zack Villano from Cardinal Spellman came in second with 23.2% of the vote. Abington's Jack Reilly secured third place.

In the Underclassmen category, Abington's Danny Pifer took the lead. As a junior running back, Pifer has been instrumental in the Green Wave's success. He led the team in all-purpose yards with two touchdowns in their opening game against Longmeadow, earning him the first Player of the Week honors for the 2026 season. Pifer's performance was supported by his older brother, Abington senior offensive lineman Matthew Pifer, who also received votes for Preseason Senior of the Year.

Danny Pifer secured 56.8% of the poll votes. In second place was Cardinal Spellman's Jaeden Azevedo, followed by Whitman-Hanson's quarterback Quinn Frazier in third.