Two of the three finalists for the 1996 Fitzpatrick Trophy, awarded annually to the state’s top high school senior football player, should be very familiar to Eastern Maine football fans.

Dustin Ireland, Mt. Blue of Farmington’s three-year starter at quarterback, passed for 1,843 yards while leading the Cougars to the playoffs.

Lawrence of Fairfield fullback-linebacker Nick Buck was the Bulldogs’ unqestioned leader. He totalled 823 yards on the ground and was number two in tackles in the Pine Tree Conference.

South Portland running back Tim Lawson rushed for 1,268 yards and 21 touchdowns this season as he led the Red Riots to their second straight Class A state title.

The trophy will be awarded at a banquet Jan. 19 at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland.