Justin Staires has prepared for many a big game throughout his Mountain Valley athletic career. Occasionally, the build-up led up to a letdown, or at least a temporary one, when the game was called due to bad weather.

So, he was asked, could having to wait an extra week to find out if he’s won the coveted James J. Fitzpatrick Trophy compare to having to hang around for the big game?

“It’s different because you’re not getting ready to go out there to tackle somebody. You’re going there to either lift the trophy or clap your hands,” he said.

Staires will find out what’s in store for his hands Sunday afternoon when the Fitzy is presented for the (12 p.m., Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland)

Fellow finalists Nate Doehler of Bonny Eagle and Billy Clark of Skowhegan will join Staires on the dais one week after the banquet was originally scheduled to announce the winner of the award honoring the state’s top high school senior football player. The snowstorm that blew through the state last Sunday wiped out that ceremony.

“Having to give a speech, that’s kind of nerve-wracking, but (the extra week) isn’t making things better or making things worse,” he said. “For me, it’s a lot easier doing it in front of 150 people I don’t know than it is to do it in front of 100 people that I do know.”

“Either way, it’s going to be the same day,” he said.

Staires will have about 30 friends and family members in attendance Sunday, and well-wishers have been plentiful around the Rumford area.

“Everybody around town has been supportive with it,” he said.

Staires earned the finalist nod after gaining over 2,600 total yards and 36 touchdowns as a tailback and quarterback for the Falcons. He topped off his senior campaign by leading Mountain Valley to its second Class B title in three years with a spectacular 319-yard, four touchdown performance in a 52-7 rout of Morse. The next day, he was named the first repeat winner in the 27-year history of the Class B Bruce Campbell Award.

If selected by the state’s football coaches and media, Staires would be the first Mountain Valley and Class B player to win the Fitzpatrick Trophy.

Doehler, a quarterback, led Bonny Eagle to back-to-back Class A championships, throwing and rushing for over 30 TDs for the Scots this year. Clark amassed over 2,000 yards rushing and 28 touchdowns while leading the Indians to the Pine Tree Conference title.