Semifinalists for the annual James J. Fitzpatrick Trophy were announced Monday, and the list has a decidedly local flair.
Riley Robinson of Dirigo, Levi Craig of Leavitt, Nate Pratt-Holt of Mt. Blue and Dalton Therrien of Oak Hill are among the 12 players selected as semifinalists for the Portland-based award, presented each year to an outstanding senior player in Maine, regardless of class.
Players are selected based on criteria that includes performance on the field, academics and citizenship.
Also on the list are: Connor Aube, Falmouth; Jack Bernatchez, Messalonskee; Will Bessey, Brunswick; Joe Esposito, Portland; Mahlon Glidden, Scarborough; Austin McCrum, Thornton Academy; Sam Peck, Greely; and Reid Shostak, Cony.
Maine’s high school coaches and some members of the media will vote on their top three choices, and the names of the finalists will be announced later this month. The winner will be announced at the annual banquet in January.
Therrien led Oak Hill to its third consecutive Class D championship as quarterback and cornerback. He rolled up 2,624 all-purpose yards and 36 total touchdowns split evenly between rushing and passing. Therrien also is the point guard on the Raiders’ basketball team and shortstop in baseball.
Robinson similarly was a do-everything quarterback and safety for Dirigo, leading the Cougars to a Class D South semifinal berth. He ran for 19 touchdowns and threw for 12, accumulating more than 2,200 yards. Robinson also is one of the top basketball players in the state.
Pratt-Holt was a three-year starter at Mt. Blue, combining for 796yards and nine touchdowns as a receiver and runner. He was even more dominant on defense, making 84 tackles to go with three interceptions and three fumble recoveries. Pratt-Holt is the two-time reigning Class A track and field champion in triple jump.
Craig threw for 2,025 yards and 23 touchdowns, leading Leavitt to a 6-3 mark and second place in the regular season in Class B South. He also ran for 875 yards and 13 touchdowns. Craig led the Hornets to a Class C regional title as a junior.
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