SACO — There is yet another York County football player up for a postseason award.
Luke Libby of Thornton Academy is one of four defensive linemen in the running for the second Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Offensive and Defensive Lineman Award.
“It’s exciting, it’s a lot of fun,” Libby said.
Libby, a senior, had a stellar season for the Golden Trojans in 2011. He made 64 tackles and had six sacks, while leading Thornton to the Western Maine Class A title game. For his efforts, Libby was named a semifinalist for the James J. Fitzpatrick award, which was given to Leavitt quarterback Jordan Hersom on Jan. 15.
Thornton Academy head coach Kevin Kezal said Libby’s greatest asset is his willingness to give his best effort on each play.
“His motor is unbelievable,” Kezal said. “I think I’ve coached one or two kids that have the kind of motor that he has. We play every play, we have that cliché, and we tell our kids that. But he does that, he plays hard all the time. He’s a quality kid, a National Honor Society kid. He’s just the total package.”
The award, however, is more than that. One offensive lineman and one defensive lineman not only walks away with the award, but also a $2,500 scholarship. The awards will be handed out during a banquet at the Augusta Civic Center on Jan. 29.
The award is one of the first of its kind within the state. The only other award for linemen is the Gerry Raymond award, which is given to the Southwestern Maine Activities Association’s top lineman.
“I think, one, the coverage of high school football is much, much better,” Kezal said. “I think they’re getting more recognition through the newspapers. Expanding the Fitzpatrick Trophy to 13 semifinalists allows some of the linemen to be recognized. Logan Mars was recognized, and Luke was recognized as a semifinalist.”
Speaking at the banquet will be Skip Capone, the defensive line coach at Bates College, and University of Maine defensive lineman Raibonne Charles.
The award, created a year ago, is named after the late Frank Gaziano, founder of National Distributors.
Kezal took Libby to the awards last season as motivation to play well in 2011.
“I wanted to bring some underclassmen so they can use it as a goal and add motivation,” Kezal said. “Certainly, we’re all about the team, and the success of the team, but it’s okay to set some individual goals.”
The four offensive linemen up for the award are Rudy Pandora of Lewiston, Matthew McLean of Windham, Nate Porter of Portland and Logan Mars of Scarborough.
Libby is one of four up for the defensive lineman award, along with Matthew Ross of Cape Elizabeth, Christian Deschenes of Cheverus and Max Andrews of John Bapst.
“There’s obviously some top linemen,” Libby said. “It’s different with four linemen. You don’t usually see that. It’s nice because you’re usually not recognized.”
Requirements for the award include a minimum of two years playing at the varsity level, submission of an essay and game film. Each finalist will also undergo an interview before the selection committee.
“I’m a little nervous about it, but excited at the same time,” Libby said.
— Contact Dave Dyer at 282-1535, Ext. 323 or follow on Twitter @Dave_Dyer.
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