West’s Aaron Hampton celebrates a TD in the state title game. Photo by Stephanie Burgoon/Alaska Sports Report
Dating back to 1985, the Gatorade Player of the Year award is the king of kings for Alaska high school football.
It might as well be the Heisman Trophy.
This week, Aaron Hampton of West struck the pose.
Hampton became the first Eagles’ star to be named Gatorade Alaska Player of the Year since 2013 and the school’s sixth winner overall.
Three weeks ago, he won MaxPreps Player of the Year to sweep the two major awards. The MaxPreps award began in 2020.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound playmaker excelled on both sides of the ball, but it was on offense where he made his mark.
One of the state’s top wide receivers during the regular season, Hampton was moved to running back for the state title game and rushed for 140 yards and a TD in a 34-21 win over South.
It was an indication of Hampton being a plug-and-play superstar. He also scored on a 9-yard fumble return in the First National Bowl.
“He gave every ounce of effort,” said South coach John Lewis.
GATORADE WINNERS FROM WEST
2023 – Aaron Hampton
2013 – Leroy Elliott
2012 – Conor Feckley
2009 – Justin Kauffman
2004 – Ryan Holmquist
1989 – David Killpatrick
Hampton hauled in 40 receptions for 612 receiving yards and six touchdowns to go with 143 rushing yards and two TDs in 10 games. He averaged 13.2 yards per touch.
The all-state senior will head to the University of California Berkeley this fall as a preferred walk-on.
Hampton also shined at outside linebacker, the position he is expected to play in college. He wrapped up 48 tackles and added a pair of defensive scores.
“He plays really good defense and offense,” Lewis said. “You’re looking at a kid who is the difference on both sides of the ball and enhanced his team.”