Senior quarterback Jake Davidson of Camas has been selected as the Gatorade state football player of the year.
The Gatorade Player of the Year is the top honor in high school sports celebrating the athletes for their success on the field, in the class and in the community.
Davidson became the third Camas quarterback to win the Gatorade state player of the year, joining Jack Colletto in 2016 and Reilly Hennessey in 2013.
Davidson completed 223 passes on 321 attempts for 3,711 yards and 53 touchdowns after leading the Papermakers to a 13-1 season and a runner-up finish at state. The senior threw at least three touchdown passes in 12 of his starts, and he also rushed for five touchdowns.
A two-time first-team all-4A Greater St. Helens League selection, Davidson was the co-offensive player of the year this season.
“I was impressed with Davidson’s ability to keep plays alive and make plays with his feet,” Union coach Steve Pyne said. “He makes a significant impact on their success. He has solid talent around him, but he makes them better.”
Davidson has maintained a 3.30 GPA in the classroom, and he has volunteered as a youth football coach.
As a state player of the year, Davidson is now a finalist for the national player of the year, to be announced later this year.
The Gatorade Player of the Year program selects a winner in each of the 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, in 12 different high school sports — football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball and boys and girls track and field.
The selection process is made by a selections committee in each state, which seeks input for coaches, scouts, media and others to help evaluate and determine the winners.
