PORTLAND – Three quarterbacks and one prestigious award. One of them will take home the 40th James J. Fitzpatrick Trophy early this afternoon in a ceremony at the Holiday Inn The Bay.

Peter Gwilym of Cheverus, Cam Kaubris of Mountain Valley and Jamie Ross of Deering will sit nervously side by side. They’ll hear their praises from their respective head coaches one more time, then step to the microphone and talk about what it means to be a Fitzy finalist. Then the big moment arrives when the winner will be announced.

“It should be an exciting day,” said Gwilym. “Two of the quarterbacks won state titles and the other was pretty darn close.”

Since learning they had been named finalists, the anticipation has been building.

“This day has been marked on my calendar for about a month,” said Kaubris. “I remember when Justin Staires was a finalist two years ago and the great honor it brought to the River Valley community. I’m honored to be a finalist alongside Peter and Jamie. I’m proud of all the high school football players in the state because it’s quite a commitment.”

“Just to be among the top three is a humbling experience,” said Ross. “My best to Peter and Cam. It will be a good time, win or lose.”

Gwilyn and Kaubris sparked their teams as two-way performers to state titles and unbeaten records. Ross, who compiled gaudy statistics as a three-year starter at quarterback, nearly put Deering into the state final. His 36-yard field-goal attempt with seconds remaining veered slightly offline as Cheverus emerged with a 35-34 victory and the Western Class A title.

It was the best game of the year and far surpassed anything the three state title games offered a week later.

Ross didn’t play on defense like Gwilym and Kaubris, but was certainly capable of doing it. But he did handle the punting and kicking duties for Deering.

Gwilym improved each of his three seasons as a quarterback. Kaubris rebounded from a shoulder injury his junior year that sidelined him for practically the entire season, and Ross showed resiliency after a 2-6 junior season, leading the Rams to an 8-3 record.

All three players were known for their big-play potential throughout the season.

Each finalist could be the first to win it for their schools. Marty Milligan of Rumford won the second Fitzpatrick Trophy in 1972. Mountain Valley was formed in 1989 from the merger of Rumford and Mexico high schools.

All three are looking to play football in college, although Ross could end up focusing on baseball as a pitcher.

Kaubris also has expressed interest in playing basketball or maybe both.

Gwilym has narrowed his college choices to Bates and Bentley with an interest in Yale.

Kaubris has been accepted by St. Joseph’s College, but also has applied to the University of Maine at Farmington, Bowdoin, Bates and Colby.

Ross’ top choices are New Hampshire, Maine, Assumption and Sacred Heart.

The trophy is named after the highly successful Portland High coach who was one of Boston College’s first great athletes. The trophy was started by the late Yudy Elowitch, who played for Fitzpatrick at Portland.

Staff Writer Tom Chard can be contacted at 791-6419 or at:

tchard@pressherald.com