Justin Staires got some great news on the eve of the final football game of his high school career, but he hopes to make even bigger news Saturday.

The Mountain Valley senior was named one of 11 semifinalists for the 38th James J. Fitzpatrick Trophy, which is awarded annually to the top senior high school player in the state, according to a report on the Press Herald’s Web site Friday.

“I’m definitely really excited about being one of the semifinalists,” Staires said Friday night. “It’s definitely a good feeling and it’s one of my goals for this year, but I definitely have a goal ahead of it, and that’s to win a state championship.”

Mountain Valley plays Morse for the Class B title at 11 a.m. Saturday at Fitzpatrick Stadium.

The 5-foot-9 225-pound Staires has had a hand in 32 touchdowns this season, 25 rushing, three passing, two receiving, one punt return and one interception return. He’s averaged 210 total yards from scrimmage per game as a tailback and part-time quarterback.

“I look at that and I think that there are some games he plays half a game and go, ‘Wow,'” Mountain Valley coach Jim Aylward said. “He’s a great player.”

A four-year starter, Staires is by far the career touchdown leader at Mountain Valley. He played quarterback in middle school but was mostly used as a utility back, wing back, receiver and tailback until he started lining up in the shotgun at quarterback this year. He has helped lead the Falcons to three consecutive state championship games 2006-2008, and a state title in 2006.

“Coming into this year, coach Aylward told me that he wanted to use me as many ways as they could and being in a shotgun role would work,” Staires said. “Anything I can do to help the team out, I’m willing to do.”

The other semifinalists in the Press Herald’s report are Billy Clark, Skowhegan; Nate Doehler, Bonny Eagle; Joey Eon, Massabesic; John Gilboy, Thornton Academy; Jack Heary, Deering; Nate Lavallee, Cape Elizabeth; Robert Nelson, Portland; Shawn Smith, Hampden Academy; Justin Staires, Mountain Valley; Nate Warren, Bucksport and Jake Watson, Cheverus.

The state’s coaches and media will select the three finalists, to be announced in late December. The winner will be announced at a banquet on Jan. 18 at the Holiday Inn Downtown in Portland.