Belfast running back Jeff Parenteau says he is finally over his team’s heartbreaking loss last month to Scarborough in the Class B football state football game. If there was any lingering pain, Saturday’s announcement that Parenteau is one of three finalists for the 32nd annual Fitzpatrick Trophy should ease them somewhat. Two other running backs, Scarborough’s Carl DeMena and Portland’s Carl Frye, were also named finalists.

The award, named for James J. Fitzpatrick, a former longtime Portland High School football coach, is given to the top high school senior football player in Maine. The list of finalists is narrowed down from a field of 10 semifinalists. High school football coaches and members of the media vote for the ultimate winner. The winner will be announced at a banquet on Jan. 16 in Portland.

“It’s great. It’s kinda ending the season in a grand fashion. I’m really happy. This is a big thing for our entire town. I’m proud,” Parenteau said.

During the 2002 football season, Parenteau led the Lions to an 11-1 record. He rushed for 1,768 yards on 225 carries and average of 7.8 yards per carry. He also scored 25 touchdowns. During his four years at Belfast, three as a starter, Parenteau ran for more than 5,000 yards and 70 touchdowns.

Belfast coach Butch Arthers went through the Fitzpatrick Award process in 1989 as an assistant coach at Marshwood High School in Eliot.

“We’re very pleased for our program to have someone part of that award. For me it’s been quite a while. My last year at Marshwood, Stevie Knight, who played at Maine, was part of that process. I think it’s a much bigger deal now. We’re pretty excited about it at Belfast High. We’re going get a crew together to go down for the banquet. Hopefully he’s got a shot at it,” Arther said.

DeMena carried the ball 224 times for 1,402 yards and 18 touchdowns with 84 yards and a touchdown coming in the Class B state championship game. He had more than 5,000 yards and 57 touchdowns during his career at Scarborough.

Frye picked up 1,841 yards and 30 touchdowns during his senior year at Portland High School.