Anthony Bracamonte, Thornton Academy’s dynamic all-purpose offensive threat, 2,000-yard rushers Tyler Bridge of Wells and Zack Elowitch of Portland highlight the list of 12 semifinalists for the 48th annual Fitzpatrick Trophy, which honors Maine’s top senior in high school football.
“Obviously, there are a lot of great players, so it feels good to be recognized as one of the better players,” Elowitch said.
The semifinalists were selected by a committee and announced Wednesday. Each head coach is allowed to nominate one player from his own team. The committee evaluates nominees for on-field achievements, academic record and commitment to public service.
The winner is determined by a vote of coaches and media. Voting closes Dec. 14. The three finalists are usually announced prior to the holiday break, and the winner will be revealed at the awards banquet on Jan. 20 at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland.
“I was there my sophomore year to cheer on Mike (Laverriere, the 2016 winner),” Bracamonte said. “Being there was so cool. I was definitely like, ‘I want to be here one day.'”
The other semifinalists are Skowhegan quarterback/safety Marcus Christopher, Kennebunk fullback/linebacker Dante DeLorenzo, Biddeford quarterback/safety Carter Edgerton, Dirigo fullback/linebacker Alex Gorham, Marshwood quarterback/linebacker Tommy Springer, Bucksport running back/safety Carter Tolmasoff, Hermon quarterback/safety Garrett Trask; Bonny Eagle running back/defensive back Will Whyte, and Cony linebacker/receiver Matt Wozniak.
“It’s one of those big awards. Being named one of the best players in Maine is an honor,” said Springer, who led Marshwood to back-to-back Class B state titles. “Not many get to share this opportunity. This is where the hard work for all of these guys has paid off.”
Bracamonte, a three-sport athlete with a 3.63 grade-point average, led Thornton to the Class A title and its first undefeated season since 1986, compiling 2,137 all-purpose yards and 27 total touchdowns. He rushed for 1,013 yards and nine touchdowns, added 578 yards and 11 touchdowns on 27 catches, and had 546 yards and seven touchdowns on punt and kickoff returns. He excelled in the Trojans’ three playoff games, accounting for 925 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Bridge, a National Honor Society member with a 98.3 GPA, had a huge season for Class D champion Wells as a running back/cornerback who also was the punter and returned punts and kickoffs. Bridge rushed for 2,390 yards on 215 carries and had 45 touchdowns, including two on kickoff returns. In the state championship game, Bridge rushed for five touchdowns and threw a touchdown pass.
Elowitch, a wrestler and math team member with a 97.3 GPA, played running back, linebacker and defensive back. He broke Portland’s single-season rushing record with 1,959 yards and 21 touchdowns, then added 203 yards and five touchdowns in the day-before-Thanksgiving exhibition against Deering. In three playoff games, Elowitch rushed for 777 yards.
Christopher, a class salutatorian with a 99.45 GPA, completed 142 of 228 passes for 1,757 yards and 16 touchdowns and rushed 50 times for 441 yards and seven TDs. A basketball and baseball player, he was also Skowhegan’s punter.
DeLorenzo, a National Honor Society member with a 97.3 GPA, was named the Campbell Conference Player of the Year. A standout inside linebacker, DeLorenzo also rushed for 775 yards and 11 touchdowns. In the spring, he plays lacrosse.
Edgerton, who sports a 4.04 GPA, is another National Honor Society member, as well as Biddeford’s starting point guard in basketball. He rushed for 850 yards and four touchdowns while throwing for more than 1,000 yards and 12 TDs.
Gorham, who has a 93 GPA, was the Class E MVP as a two-way player and punt returner. He also plays basketball and tennis and runs track.
Springer, who has a 3.0 GPA, led Marshwood to a second straight Class B title as a dual-threat quarterback who also started at linebacker. He completed 75 of 132 passes for more than 1,200 yards and 16 touchdowns, while rushing for 692 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Tolmasoff, who has a 97.1 GPA and also runs track, rushed for 1,662 yards and 25 TDs on 144 carries. He had three kickoff return touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns.
Trask, who has an 86.3 GPA, carried Hermon to the Class C North final with 1,171 yards and 16 touchdowns as a runner while completing 75 of 123 passes for 1,225 yards and 14 touchdowns. On defense, he was in on 78 tackles.
Whyte, a student council member who has been a teaching missionary in the Dominican Republic, rushed for 1,110 yards on 169 carries, with 14 touchdowns. He was also a kicker and punter, with 30 PATs, a field goal, and a 31-yard punting average.
Wozniak, who has a 92.6 GPA, shared PTC North player of the year honors with Christopher after making 94 tackles and scoring two defensive touchdowns. He also caught 23 passes for 402 yards and three touchdowns while also playing on all special teams.
Steve Craig can be reached at 791-6413 or:
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