Maine Business Honors Top High School Linemen

by Jeff Fisher
Maine High School Football Huddle

The family of Frank Gaziano, founder of National Distributors, honored two of Maine's best at ceremonies in Augusta on Sunday.

Matt Welch of South Portland and Nate Martell of Bonny Eagle were the first recipients of the Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Lineman Awards.  The awards go to the state's top senior linemen who epitomize the character, leadership and perseverance of Gaziano, who was an All-American at Holy Cross.

Welch was the top offensive lineman.  Martell won the defensive award.

Cheverus QB Wins Maine's Top High School Football Award

by Jeff Fisher
Maine High School Football Huddle

Two months after leading his school to its first Maine state football championship in 25 years, Peter Gwilym of Cheverus is the 40th winner of the Fitzpatrick Trophy, which is given to the state's top football player.

Gwilym passed for 763 yards and nine touchdowns while leading his team to a perfect 12-0 record and the Class A title.  The senior quarterback also rushed for 705 yards and 13 TDs

Gwilym beat out fellow quarterbacks Cam Kaubris of Mountain Valley and Jamie Ross of Deering, who were the other two finalist for the award.

The Sun Journal reports that the honor caps a career that took at twist during his freshman year when Gwilym was moved from his natural positions of running back and wide receiver.

Finalists Named for Top High School Football Lineman in Maine

by Jeff Fisher
Maine High School Football Huddle

Eleven Maine high school football players have been named as semifinalists for the first-ever Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Offensive and Defensive Lineman Awards.

An offensive and defensive award will be presented to players who epitomize the character, leadership and perseverance of Gaziano, who is the founder of National Distributors and is a former college All-American and a pro football.

Here are the semifinalists who will be interviewed by the selection committee...

Offensive Linemen
Matthew Archer, Mount Blue
Zach Dulac, Cheverus
Jake Huerfano, Waterville
Nicholas Ramsdell, Windham
Matt Welch, South Portland

Defensive Linemen
Trevor Bates, Westbrook
Chris Desmond, John Bapst
Christian Durland, Mountain Valley
Jack Horton, Falmouth
Nathan Martel, Bonny Eagle
Connor McAleney, Cape Elizabeth

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