Bedford’s Matthews named NH Gatorade Football Player of the Year

Bennett Matthews has been named the New Hampshire Gatorade Football Player of the Year for the 2025 season.

A senior at Bedford High School, Matthews helped lead the Bulldogs to their third Division I title in four years, and their second undefeated season in that span.

The Bedford quarterback completed 70.2 percent of his passes for 1,334 yards and 17 touchdowns, with one interception, and had 1,226 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns. Matthews also played defense for the Bulldogs, intercepting two passes.

In his team’s 35-7 win over Pinkerton in the finale, Matthews had a hand in all five Bedford touchdowns, rushing for three and throwing for two more.

“While some of his plays are designed from the get-go, his real damage comes when he’s in the pocket and decides that he’s going to run,” Pinkerton coach Brian O’Reilly said. “He makes opposing players look like they’re afraid to tackle him. No one can get a hold of him. He has lacrosse moves in the open field, and he can throw very well.”

Ranked as the No. 3 lacrosse player in the nation for the class of 2026 by Inside Lacrosse, Matthews has committed to continue playing lacrosse at Duke University.

Matthews is the third Bedford player to receive the award, joining Kevin Sheridan (2023) and Ryan Toscano (2018) as previous winners.