One local student athlete has been recognized nationally for his talents.
The Harrisburg School District on Friday shared that Gatorade has named high schooler Messiah Mickens as the 2024-25 Gatorade Football Player of the Year for Pennsylvania.
Gatorade Player of the Year celebrates high school athletes for their success on the field, in the classroom and in the community, the district shared. The program annually recognizes one winner in each state across 12 high school sports.
Mickens, a 5-foot-11, 205-pound junior defensive end and running back, recorded 81 tackles and 16.5 sacks this past season, leading his team to the Class 6A state semifinals, according to the district. Mickens also compiled 39 tackles for loss and logged 21 quarterback hurries, also forcing two fumbles. On offense, he ran for 1,214 yards and 21 touchdowns and caught 17 passes for 235 yards and two scores, the district said.
Mickens has maintained a 3.34 GPA and made a verbal commitment to receive athletic aid to play football at Penn State University beginning in the fall of 2026, according to the district. He has also volunteered at his grandmother’s church and as a youth football coach and mentor.
For the past two years, players from nearby Bishop McDevitt High School have won the award for the state.
Mickens, and all awarded players of the year, will receive a grant to donate to a social impact partner.
For more information about Gatorade’s Player of the Year program, visit their website.
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