They were two of the top football teams in the state. Now each has a player being recognized amongst Maine’s elite.

Bonny Eagle’s Ben Delcourt and Jon Mitchell of Gorham are two of the 10 semifinalists for this year’s James J. Fitzpatrick Trophy.

The trophy, in its 36th year, is given to Maine’s top high school senior football player. Three finalists will be announced on Sunday, Dec. 24, and the winner will be named at a ceremony Sunday, Jan. 14, at the Holiday Inn By The Bay in Portland.

Mitchell helped lead Gorham to an 8-1 regular season record after missing all of last season due to reconstructive knee surgery.

“It’s an honor that my senior year stood out,” he said.

Mitchell played A-back and fullback in Gorham’s double-wing offense. On defense he was a hard-hitting linebacker.

“He meant a lot to the team coming off his injury,” Gorham quarterback Mark Clements said. “It was almost like an inspirational thing. He was one of the leading vote-getters for captain. He was always the loud leader.”

Mitchell had touchdown runs of 63 and 4 yards in Gorham’s West A quarterfinal victory over Noble. He also ran for two scores in the regular season win versus Cheverus.

He was able to do more than score, however.

“He was able to get the kick-out block when we needed it or run for five yards every time when carrying it,” Clements said.

Defenses would often focus on the big-play abilities of Gorham junior Justin Villacci. And Mitchell provided a crucial second threat in Gorham’s backfield, keeping defenses honest.

Like 2005 Fitzpatrick Trophy winner John Wiechman, Delcourt helped Bonny Eagle finish the regular season a perfect 9-0.

“I was surprised,” said Delcourt of the nomination. “I didn’t think I had a breakout season like I did last year. I didn’t have as many touchdowns.”

Delcourt, a wide receiver on offense, reached the end zone three times this season – down from 11 a year ago.

“He was big part of our offense and defense,” said Brett Mougalian, Delcourt’s teammate and fellow captain. “He helped us to get where we were. He is probably one of the best athletes in the state; definitely the best wide receiver.”

On defense he played in the secondary, an aspect of the game he says he’ll miss in college.

“I love playing defense,” Delcourt said. “I am definitely going to miss playing some defense, getting rough with people. I play both (offense and defense) just as hard.”

Delcourt hopes to attend Harvard next fall. He expects to hear back from the Ivy League school in mid-December.

In the 2005 playoffs Delcourt made an impression on Mitchell, his fellow nominee.

“He basically single-handedly beat us,” Mitchell said. “He made some catches I didn’t think were possible. He is a good guy; I know him personally.”

Maine’s high school football coaches in all three classes nominated players for the award and a committee from the Maine chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame narrowed the field to 10.

The eight other semifinalists are Max Baillargeon of Thornton Academy, Aaron Champagne of Lawrence, Brandon Morrow of Maranacook, Andrew Pochebit of Cheverus, Josh Ranger of Hampden Academy, Brian Sandora of Deering, Chris Treister of Portland and Jared Turcotte of Lewiston.