Senior quarterback Smith McClure of Star Valley High School has been named the 2024 MaxPreps Wyoming High School Football Player of the Year, MaxPreps reports.
The 6-foot-4, 190-pound standout capped off a remarkable season by leading the Braves to an undefeated 12-0 record and the 3A state championship.
McClure was instrumental in Star Valley’s success, passing for 2,726 yards and 30 touchdowns while completing 67.9% of his passes. He also contributed 571 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns on 82 carries, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.
In the 3A state title game, McClure displayed his versatility, completing 9 of 14 passes for 97 yards and rushing for 72 yards and two touchdowns in a 20-7 victory over Cody. The win secured Star Valley’s first undefeated season since 2019 and capped a dominant campaign in which the team averaged 44.8 points per game, winning by an average margin of 35.1 points.
McClure’s postseason performances were equally impressive. He threw for 273 yards and five touchdowns in a 52-0 first-round win over Lander Valley and followed it up with 211 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and 52 rushing yards in a 40-0 semifinal victory over Riverton.
In October, McClure achieved a season-high performance, passing for 384 yards and four touchdowns in a 42-7 regular-season win over Powell, further solidifying his status as a premier player in Wyoming high school football.
Star Valley’s 2024 championship continues the program’s tradition of excellence, marking its third state title in the past three years and contributing to an impressive 33-3 record during that span. McClure’s leadership and skill played a key role in maintaining the Braves’ dominance.
As the MaxPreps Wyoming High School Football Player of the Year, McClure joins a distinguished list of past recipients, including 2023 honoree Dane Steel of Sheridan and two-time winner Colson Coon (2021, 2022). Each state winner will be considered for the MaxPreps All-America Team, further highlighting McClure’s achievements on a national scale.
