The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA) presents both an Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year award in the state of Wisconsin each season for Large School and Small School.

It takes the right combination of name recognition, statistical success, and team success to win the award, which is available to players from any grade but has traditionally gone to a senior. Generally, the player must be from a very successful team that is either unbeaten or a favorite to compete for a state title. However, a few years ago we saw Brown Deer's Zach Baun receive the award in a close vote, despite the fact that his Falcons finished just 8-3 overall and went out in Level 2 of the playoffs. His individual brilliance was too much to pass up, however, despite a strong pool of candidates.

To be clear, the Large School Offensive Player of the Year is presented by the WFCA. However, below is my take on the top candidates right now (in alphabetical order), though there is a long ways to go before the selection is made after Level 4 of the postseason, and more candidates could certainly emerge.

Patrick Greisen, West De Pere - Greisen burst onto the scene in his first year as the starting quarterback for the Phantoms and head coach/father Chris Greisen. He completed 249-of-352 passes (70.7%) for 3,846 yards and 49 touchdowns, as his yardage and touchdown numbers are both third in state history for a single season. He was the FRCC-North Offensive Player of the Year and a WFCA All-State selection. With good size (6’2”, 195), solid arm strength, and outstanding decision-making abilities, he has given a commitment to South Dakota and enters 2025 as a favorite to take home state player of the year recognition.

Brooks Hendrickson, Mount Horeb/Barneveld - Hendrickson continued the run of outstanding quarterbacks at Mount Horeb/Barneveld, and may end up being the best in school history. As a junior, the lefty signal-caller threw for 2,249 yards and 26 touchdowns and a 107.8 passer rating, completing 60.6% of his passes. While the season ended in a frustrating late loss to Catholic Memorial in Level 3, the Vikings will be one of the top Division 3 teams in the state once again this fall. Hendrickson has given a commitment to North Dakota.

Brady Moon, Bay Port - Moon had an excellent junior season, earning First Team All-Conference recognition in the FRCC-North. He really broke out in the Pirates’ Division 1 state title game win over Muskego, rushing for 241 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries. It capped a strong postseason run that saw him rush for 779 yards with 11 touchdowns in the five-game run, as he finished the season with 1,479 yards and 25 scores.

Tommy Novotny, Marquette - Novotny enters his third season as the primary running back for Marquette, playing a big role in the team’s 2023 Division 1 state title when he ran for 167 yards and two touchdowns in the championship game. Last season, he ran for 1,370 yards and 24 touchdowns, averaging 6.6 yards per carry for the Hilltoppers. His top performance came against Sussex Hamilton when he went for 223 yards and three scores on 35 carries.

Matthew O'Grady, Badger - O’Grady was a key part of Badger’s 2023 state championship team, playing wingback. Last year, he moved over to quarterback in the team’s flexbone option offense. A dynamic athlete, he did significantly more damage on the ground than through the air as the Southern Lakes Offensive Player of the Year, producing 1,817 rushing yards with 29 touchdowns, averaging 12 yards per carry. O’Grady only threw the ball 43 times in 13 games, completing 19 passes for 427 yards and five scores.

Joey Passaglia, Middleton - Passaglia took the reins as the starting quarterback for the Cardinals last season and posted big-time numbers, completing 209-of-347 passes (60.2%) for 2,495 yards and 32 touchdowns a year ago. A First Team All-Conference choice in the Big Eight Conference, Passaglia throws an outstanding deep ball, doing a good job climbing in the pocket to deliver on target.

Brody Schaffer, Winneconne - Schaffer moved from talented receiver as a sophomore to playmaking quarterback as a junior, when he led the Wolves to the state semi-finals in Division 4. Last season, Schaffer completed 70.8% of his passes for 1,800 yards and 17 touchdowns, adding another 1,774 yards and 31 scores on the ground while also playing a considerable amount on the defensive side of the ball. He was the Bay Conference Offensive Player of the Year and a WFCA Honorable Mention All-State pick. Schaffer has committed to Iowa as a wide receiver.

Jacob Siner, Arrowhead - Siner has seen varsity action since his freshman season, going over 1000 yards each of the past two seasons. He enters his senior campaign with more than 2500 yards and 19 touchdowns in his career. He has shown excellent playmaking skills in the passing game as well, and should be in line for a big senior campaign. Siner earned First Team All-Conference and WFCA All-Region honors last year.

Nick Stellrecht, New Richmond - Named a First Team All-Conference selection in the Big Rivers Conference, Stellrecht helped the Tigers and head coach Reggie Larson to a league title and trip to the state quarterfinals. He’s a big, powerful kid that is comfortable sitting in the pocket and facing pressure to deliver the ball accurately and on-time, but also has the athleticism to get outside and extend plays with his feet.

Matt Stevens, Bay Port - Stevens was a first-year starter for the Pirates in 2024, but it turned out to be a special one. Completing 67.5% of his passes for 2,148 yards and 27 touchdowns, Stevens added 775 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. Recognized as an Honorable Mention All-Conference choice as the Pirates finished second in the FRCC-North, the playoff run was one for the history books at the school. Stevens threw 10 touchdowns in five playoff games, as the postseason culminated in a 25-18 state championship game win over Muskego. Stevens had 152 total yards in the game and was extremely efficient both passing and running the football.