A dedicated ESPNHS POY team managed the Gatorade State Football Player of the Year selection process, resulting in this winner based on the awards program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011 season, high academic achievement and exemplary personal character. For his 50 fellow Gatorade State Football Player of the Year winners, click here.

THE WINNER: Maty Mauk

THE BASICS: Anatomy of a POY

School: Kenton (Ohio)

Grade: Senior

Position: Quarterback

Height: 6-foot-2

Weight: 195 pounds

THE PILLARS: Gatorade criteria

Athletic achievement: The state's returning Gatorade Football Player of the Year, Mauk has led the Wildcats to a 14-0 record and a berth in the Division IV semifinals against Norwayne (Creston, Ohio), scheduled for Dec. 3. He passed for 5,006 yards with 63 touchdowns through 14 games while completing 353-of-516 attempts with just 12 interceptions. Mauk also rushed for 1,664 yards on 208 carries with 22 touchdowns. He became the national prep record-holder for career passing attempts (2,033), total yards (21,565), completions (1,309) and touchdown passes (213) this season.

Academic excellence: Mauk has maintained a 3.50 GPA in the classroom.

Exemplary character: A devoted member of his church community, Mauk has volunteered locally as a bible camp counselor, an elementary school tutor and as a snow removal assistant.

THE PRAISE: Chip Otten, head coach of rival Coldwater (Ohio)

“Maty Mauk is an incredible football player. His passing accuracy is incredible along with his ability to scramble and make great plays that should be sacks or incomplete passes. He has typically always been the fastest and most athletic player in addition to being very smart and competitive. He has the whole package.”

THE FUTURE: Collegiate destination

Mauk has verbally committed to play football on an athletic scholarship at the University of Missouri beginning in the fall of 2012.

THE FEATURE: ESPNHS Magazine

"Maty Mauk: Sticking with small town tradition"