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Ayers wins Gatorade award

Proctor Academy junior Exodus Ayers, has been named New Hampshire’s 2022-23 Player of the Year.

Ayers, a wide receiver/defensive back, is the first Gatorade Player of the Year to be chosen from Proctor Academy. The award recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field.

Ayers intercepted 12 passes on defense, returning six for touchdowns, leading the Hornets (8-1) to a NEPSAC bowl championship. He was a factor in the game’s three phases, as he added six touchdowns as a returner and averaged 20.8 yards per catch. He recorded three TD receptions as a receiver.

A talented basketball recruit as well, Ayers was recognized as an honor roll student in his first semester at Proctor Academy after transferring from New Mexico and volunteers locally as a community center recreational leader.

“He single-handedly beat us,” said St. Paul’s School coach Craig Vandersea. “He’s an effortless, smooth athlete. Defense is where he really showed up. He shuts down an entire side of the field. He’s a kid you don’t want to throw the ball toward, he shows up in the passing game and he’s dynamic as a returner as well.”

Ayers joins recent Gatorade New Hampshire Football Players of the Year Jackson Paradis (2021-22, Tilton School), Curtis Harris-Lopez (2020-21, Nashua North High School), Malcolm Bussey (2019-20, St. Paul’s School), and Ryan Toscano (2018-19, Bedford High School), among the state’s list of former award winners.

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