Every year since 2006, MaxPreps has honored outstanding high school football performers. The American source for high school sports continues the tradition of concluding the 2026 season by naming each state’s top player. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence as well as local and state accolades.
“What Ethan means to us is his leadership on both sides of the ball,” South Anchorage coach John Lewis said. “He controlled the offense and, when in doubt, ran up the middle. On defense, he was involved in almost every play. His leadership and toughness were the difference.”
South Anchorage is the first team to repeat as champions in the state’s top classification since Dimond (Anchorage) in 2000 and 2001.
For the season, Yarrington rushed for a school-record 1,420 yards and 17 touchdowns. He stepped in as South’s starting quarterback in the final month of the season and threw a pair of touchdown passes.
Defensively, Yarrington led the Wolverines in tackles (128), tackles for loss (22) and sacks (11).
During his three-year career, Yarrington accumulated 2,893 yards and 38 touchdowns on the ground with 393 tackles.
The MaxPreps Player of the Year in each state will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America team, which is scheduled to be released in January.
MaxPreps Alaska Players of the Year
2020 – Jordan Holland, WR/DB, Bette Davis East Anchorage (Anchorage)
2021 – Kyler Johnson, QB, Bette Davis East Anchorage
2022 – Jack Nash, QB/S, Colonie (Palmer)
2023 – Aaron Hampton, WR/LB, West Anchorage (Anchorage)
2024 – Kayden Bailey, QB, Diamond (Anchorage)
2025 – Deuce Alalifaliola, DL, Bartlett (Anchorage)
