PORTLAND – Campbell Conference coaches selected the player of the year in their respective divisions prior to the playoffs.

Good thing the Class C contingent chose Nic Crutchfield, or the postseason would have left them using their banquet napkins Sunday to brush away the egg from their faces.

Dirigo High School’s star quarterback was equally dangerous on defense and dynamite all season long on his way to the John Taglienti Award, which he received at the league’s 28th-annual all-star banquet at Verrillo’s Conference Center.

Playoffs separate the good performers from the all-timers at every level, though, and Crutchfield’s November to remember left an indelible mark on Dirigo’s opposition and planted a Gold Ball in its trophy case.

“The game he had yesterday was unbelievable,” said Dirigo coach Doug Gilbert. “And he was still out there joking in the huddle. He deserves it all. He’s a great leader and a great kid.”

Crutchfield threw for 256 yards and three touchdowns Saturday in Dirigo’s 37-20 victory over Foxcroft Academy at nearby Fitzpatrick Stadium.

In an eight-game regular season, with Dirigo often lifting off the accelerator at halftime of one-sided games, Crutchfield connected for more than 900 yards and 13 TDs.

Over four playoff contests, Crutchfield was 29-of-50 for 708 yards and 8 TDs. His average pass completion covered 24 yards. He also rushed for a pair of scores and intercepted three passes.

“Our scoring was so spread out that any of these guys could have won it,” said Crutchfield, pointing to teammates and fellow all-stars Tyler Chiasson, Spencer Ross, Kyle Hutchinson, Alex Miele and Mason Cote. “I just happened to be the quarterback of the winning team.”

Crutchfield is the initial player to win the award for Dirigo, which officially revived its varsity program only five years ago.

He is the first QB to take home the ‘Tag’ since Jon Tefft of Lisbon in 2003 and only the fifth overall, joining the late Lee St. Hilaire of Winthrop (2000, 2001), Jason Brooks of Lisbon (1997) and Chris McKean of Traip (1991).

Groomed to be Dirigo’s quarterback after his success throwing halfback option passes in Area Youth Sports at the grade school level, Crutchfield was 25-6 in three years as a starter.

“We wanted him to start for us a freshman, and he broke his thumb in our blue-white scrimmage,” Gilbert said.

Crutchfield is the son of Dave, a Dirigo assistant coach, and Kathy, a local field hockey official.

Dave Crutchfield was a running back and receiver for the Cougars in the mid-1980s.

“I wanted to be just like him,” Nic said. “I guess it turned out a little better.”

“They’re all my boys,” Dave said of the Dirigo six as they lined up against a wall in the banquet hall for a group photo. “There’s a piece of each one of them in my heart.”

Jared Prugar of York received the Bruce Campbell Award as the Class B most valuable player, ending Mountain Valley’s four-year grip on the trophy.

Lisbon coach Dick Mynahan accepted the Frank Leary Sportsmanship Award on behalf of the Greyhounds. The Augusta Board of Officials chooses the winner each year.

“I really appreciate all the coaches I work with in the Campbell Conference,” Mynahan said. “I see good sportsmanship every Friday night and Saturday afternoon.”

Randy Small of York (Class B) and Jim Hartman of Yarmouth (Class C) were named coaches of the year.

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