West Virginia High School Football Player Claims National Catch of the Year

He probably would rather have the state championship, but a West Virginia high school football player did win a significant consolation prize.

North Marion wide receiver Landon Frey claimed the Sports Illustrated National High School Football Play of the Year for 2023. Yes, a player from West Virginia beat out players from around the country for the honor of play of the year.

Frey’s catch earned 61,000 of the 111,000 votes submitted. High school football may not garner the attention in West Virginia that it does in every other states, but that’s now not the case when it comes to Frey’s remarkable catch.

Frey made an amazing catch that caught fire all over social media and even made ESPN Sports Center’s Top 10 highlights.

Watch: Unbelievable Catch in West Virginia State Championship Game Garners National Attention

The fact Frey’s catch happened with just 14 seconds left in a state championship game only adds to it too.

The only unfortunate part about the moment for Frey is his North Marion team still ended up losing an instant classic to Fairmont Senior.

The game would end with Fairmont winning by just one point, 49-48. North Marion would fail to convert a two-point attempt after the circus touchdown catch by Frey.

Maybe this catch will at least earn a look from WVU head coach Neal Brown and his staff when they recruit.