Normally anonymous by trade, a couple of local high school football linemen are being recognized for their outstanding work this past fall.

Matt Archer of Mt. Blue and Christian Durland of Mountain Valley are semifinalists for the first Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Offensive and Defensive Lineman Awards, which will be presented to one offensive and one defensive lineman in the state later this month.

Archer,  a tackle, is one of five offensive lineman semifinalists, while Durland, a defensive end, is one of six semifinalists for the defensive line. Both are seniors.

The award will be presented to players who “epitomize the character, leadership and perseverance of Gaziano,” the founder of National Distributors and a former college All-American and pro football player.

The other semifinalists are:

Offensive line — Zach Dulac, Cheverus; Jake Huerfano, Waterville; Nicholas Ramsdell, Windham; Matt Welch, South Portland.

Defensive line — Trevor Bates, Westbrook; Chris Desmond, John Bapst; Jack Horton, Falmouth; Nathan Martel, Bonny Eagle; Connor McAleney, Cape Elizabeth.

The 11 semifinalists will be interviewed by the selection committee and one offensive and one defensive lineman receive a trophy and a $2,500 scholarship. In addition to football skills, the selection involves academics, community involvement, and character.

The Gaziano will be presented at a banquet on Jan. 23 at the Augusta Civic Center.

Archer, an-All Pine Tree Conference and Sun Journal All-Region selection, has a lineman’s lineage. His father, Jim, played for Ray Caldwell in the late 1970s-early 1980s, and Matt became a regular varsity contributor for current coach Gary Parlin as a sophomore.

“He was pressed into playing a lot more as a sophomore. We didn’t have a lot of linemen and he got thrown in against the Lawrences and the Bangors and the Lewistons and had to sort of learn on the job,” Parlin said.

A regular starter by his junior year, Archer worked hard in the weight room and developed into the Cougars’ top tackle. As a senior, he became equally dominant at run-and-pass blocking despite playing the entire season with a torn labrum in his left shoulder, and even showed some versatility by starting at guard against Lawrence.

“He’s a kid that has good ability but made himself real good by how he worked,” Parlin said. “About 2/3 into the season, as we started to run the ball more, we started to pull him on tackle traps and things like that.”

“He never took a snap off, never missed a practice. Actually, we didn’t realize it was as bad as it was because he just wouldn’t show that he was having any sort of discomfort,” Parlin said.

Durland caused considerable discomfort for opposing quarterbacks as a pass-rushing defensive end. He recorded a team-high 13 sacks this season and was also named a Sun Journal All-Region defensive lineman and receiver.

“I can’t begin to tell you how appreciative I feel about what everyone has helped me with and done for me throughout my career,” said Durland, who won the Bruce Campbell award, as the most valuable player in the Class B division of the Campbell Conference.

Durland’s durability proved to be one of his strongest assets. He also never missed a game despite playing with broken fingers.

“I did work very hard at the sport of football,” he said, “but so much credit has to be given to the coaches and teammates I’ve had. I feel very fortunate to have been able to play for Mountain Valley and the coaching core. It has to be the best all around football program in the state. I just can’t imagine how it could’ve been any better.”

Durland was a starter on the 2008 and 2010 state championship teams for head coach Jim Aylward.

 ”Christian was a nightmare for opposing defenses,” Aylward said. “He was too quick for most opponents, and teams needed to account for him before the snap of the ball. Christian’s strength and quickness were complemented by his tireless work on technique.”

Gerry Raymond, who won the Fitzpatrick Trophy as a lineman for Lewiston High School in 1978, and University of Maine and former Windham High School lineman Raibonne Charles will be guest speakers at the banquet.

Archer was competing in a wrestling meet for Mt. Blue Wednesday night and could not be reached for comment.