Bangor Daily News

SOUTH PORTLAND — Fourteen semifinalists have been named for the Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Offensive and Defensive Lineman Awards, the selection committee announced Monday.

The semifinalists consist of seven senior offensive linemen and seven senior defensive linemen representing a wide range of high schools across Maine. This week, the selection committee will interview each of the semifinalists to determine the finalists.

The Gaziano awards are the largest high school scholarships of their kind in the country. Two winners will receive $5,000 each and a trophy, and four runners-up will receive $1,000 each and a trophy. The awards honor the memory of the late Frank J.Gaziano, who was a college football All-American and professional player before founding National Distributors Inc. in South Portland.

The offensive linemen semifinalists are: Zach Davis, Windham; Dominic DiMillo, Portland; Jacob Doyon, Messalonskee of Oakland; Anthony Franchetti, Mt. Blue of Farmington; Grant Smith, Falmouth; Darren Ward, Lisbon; and Benjamin Zuke, Thornton Academy of Saco.

The defensive linemen semifinalists are: Hunter Bowen, Windham; Zordan Holman, Cheverus; Jeremiah Israel-Copeland, Portland; Matthew Krusiec, Deering; Seamus McKaig, Orono; Shane Normandeau, Kennebunk; and William Parkin, Leavitt.

“These semifinalists are exactly the reason we created this award. Each of them has proven to be extremely dedicated to their sport and their communities,” Jeff Kane said. “Now it will be up to the committee to meet with each of these fine young men to learn more about what makes each one of them unique and most deserving of the award and scholarship. There is no doubt, the selection committee has a tough job in front of them.”