Matthews named top player

By rbrown
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Updated: December 6, 2025

Bedford High School quarterback/defensive back Bennett Matthews has been named the New Hampshire Gatorade Football Player of the Year for the 2025 season.

Matthews, a senior, helped the Bulldogs win their third Division I title in four years, and their second undefeated season in that span, by beating Pinkerton Academy 35-7 in this year’s Division I championship game.

He 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 intercepted two passes.

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

“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.”

Matthews has committed to play lacrosse at Duke University. He is the third Bedford player to receive the Gatorade Player of the Year award, joining Kevin Sheridan (2023) and Ryan Toscano (2018) as previous winners.

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