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This season’s Maine Gatorade Player of the Year, Connor Ayoob of Thornton Academy, and last year’s Gatorade winner, Cordell Jones of Portland, headline the list of 10 semifinalists for the 54th James J. Fitzpatrick Trophy.
The semifinalists were announced Saturday evening by the Fitzpatrick Trophy committee. The award honors the top senior football player in Maine.
The state’s high school varsity football coaches and members of the media will participate in a ranked-choice vote of the semifinalists to determine the winner. Four finalists will be announced at a later date.
The winner of the Fitzpatrick Trophy will be announced Jan. 18 at a banquet held at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. In addition to on-field performance, academic performance, community service and character are considered by the selection committee.
Ayoob set Thornton single-season records with 2,102 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns to lead the Trojans to the Class A title.

Jones accounted for over 2,300 yards of total offense, rushing for 24 touchdowns and passing for another five, and was in on 93 tackles while leading the Bulldogs to their third straight appearance in the Class A final.
The other eight semifinalists are, in alphabetical order: Westbrook linebacker Tony Bongomin, who made 172 tackles for the Class B champions; Old Orchard Beach running back/linebacker Wes Gallant, who rushed for 1,604 yards and 27 touchdowns; Leavitt slot receiver/defensive back Mason Henderson (over 1,100 yards of offense); South Portland wide receiver/defensive back Darius Johnson (50 receptions, 59 tackles); Bonny Eagle quarterback Colin Moran (1,420 passing yards, 945 rushing yards); Cony quarterback Parker Morin (2,703 passing yards, 36 touchdowns); Oxford Hills wide receiver Cameron Pulkkinen (50 catches, 514 yards); and Kennebunk running back/linebacker Austin West (1,647 yards and 19 TDs rushing, 64.5 tackles).
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