Antonio Montero, a linebacker/running back/place kicker/punter from Eden Prairie High School (Metro District - West Sub-District, Class 6A) was named Mr. Football for 2017 by the Minnesota Football Coaches Association (MFCA). The award was presented at the Mr. Football Banquet on Sunday December 10 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Minneapolis Park Place Hotel in St. Louis Park.

First presented in 2004, the Mr. Football Award is an annual award recognizing Minnesota’s best high school football player. The Mr. Football Award is sponsored by the Minnesota Football Coaches Association and the Minnesota Vikings.

Antonio Montero is the fourteenth player to receive the Mr. Football Award and the third from Eden Prairie High School. His head coach at Eden Prairie High School was Mike Grant.

Here are some highlights from Antonio Montero’s outstanding high school career:

·         2017 Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year

·         2017 Star Tribune All-Metro First Team selection

·         Career defense: 219 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss and 3 interceptions

·         Senior year defense: 105 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries, two interceptions

·         Senior year rushing: rushed for 24 touchdowns on just 107 carries

·         Senior year points scored: 214 points scored on 24 touchdowns, 52 extra points and six field goals

Coach’s Comments (from Mike Grant):

“Antonio has been a great team player in his four-year varsity football career. From his game winning extra point in the Prep Bowl as a freshman to his senior year where he was our leading tackler, scorer, kicker and punter he has contributed in so many ways. He could have played any position on offense or defense and been outstanding in each. As captain, he led one of the top defenses in the state and his ability to run the ball when needed added a dimension to our offense. He is an outstanding student and person who is a leader in our school and community.”

The other ten finalists for the 2017 Mr. Football Award in alphabetical order were:
 

Name                           School                 Position          Sub-District                Class

Ronald Audette             Elk River              T/TE/DL           North Central Blue        5A

Ty Barron                     Minnetonka           ILB/RB            Metro West                  6A

Michael Empting           Alexandria            QB/DB            North Central Red        5A

Isaac Hennen                Minneota              RB/REC/DB     Southwest West           1A

Preston Jelen               Prior Lake             RB-R/PR/S      Metro South                6A

Owen King                    Caledonia             QB                  Southeast White          2A

Conner Knoepfle           Andover               QB                  North Central Blue        5A

Carter Kopet                 Cleveland             QB/DB            South Central               9M

Spencer Rolland           Apple Valley         OL/DL             Suburban Maroon        5A

Brevyn Spann-Ford       St. Cloud Tech      WR/TE/LB       North Central Red        5A

Previous winners of the Mr. Football Award:

2016 - Wade Sullivan, RB, Lakeville North
2015 - J.D. Spielman, RB/WR/DB, Eden Prairie
2014 - Robbie Grimsley, RB, Hutchinson
2013 - Jeffrey Jones, RB, Minneapolis Washburn
2012 - Bridgeport Tusler, RB, Osseo
2011 - Philip Nelson, QB, Mankato West
2010 - Peter Westerhaus, TE/LB, Holy Family Catholic
2009 - Zach Vraa, WR, Rosemount
2008 - Varmah Sonie, DB, Apple Valley
2007 - Michael Floyd, WR, Cretin-Derham Hall
2006 - Blake Sorensen, LB, Eden Prairie
2005 - Matt Carufel, OL, Cretin-Derham Hall
2004 - Nick Mertens, QB, East Grand Forks

Congratulations to Antonio Montero of Eden Prairie on his selection as the Mr. Football Award winner for 2017.

Photo Credit - Star Tribune