PORTLAND – A year ago, Nick Tymoczko wasn’t even a starter, let alone a featured runner for the Bucksport Golden Bucks.

Now the well-spoken high school student-athlete is the talk of the town and beyond… All the way down to Portland, home of the James J. Fitzpatrick Trophy.

After rushing for 330 yards and three touchdowns on 40 carries to lead Bucksport to the Class C state football championship, Tymoczko has become the latest small-school player to stir up debate over whether Class B and C players deserve to win “The Fitzy,” presented annually to Maine’s top senior player.

“If he’s not one of the Fitzpatrick finalists, than there’s something wrong,” Bucksport coach Joel Sankey said of his 2,700-yard rusher.

Jay coach Mark Bonnevie is convinced. After spending a week devising defensive schemes to slow down the Golden Bucks’ 5-foot-9, 180-pound yardage machine and then seeing him in person for the first time, Bonnevie was impressed.

“I’ve seen a lot of great players over the years as a coach and he’s one of the best I’ve ever seen,” Bonnevie said. “He’s a complete runner with great power, speed, and instincts, and he makes positive yardage out of nothing.

“Is he a Fitzy finalist? I don’t see how he can’t be.”

What about the argument that Class A players go against higher-caliber defenses/offenses for their production?

“I think he’s one of the best players in the state. I don’t know how anyone who was at that game could think otherwise,” said Bonnevie. “He would start for any team in the state. I don’t think many people would argue with that.”

How did a guy who was second or third on the depth chart last year emerge with such a breakout season?

Sankey said he gained a lot of confidence with a very successful season of spring track last season as a sprinter and then made a concerted effort to becoming much stronger in the offseason with a dedicated weight room regimen.

“I think he surprised some people with what he did, but we’re not surprised,” Sankey said. “He’s kind of under the radar, but I think he sent a pretty strong message out there to people who doubted football was any good in Eastern Maine or Class C. He can play for anyone in the state.”

For his part, Tymoczko downplays the debate. He also gives credit to a talented offensive line – center Chris Gray, tackles Deven Eaton and Travis Tolman, and guards Nicholas Osborne and Cody Wilson – but he does admit he would love to be in contention for the 34th Fitzpatrick Award.

“Certainly, I hope I’m considered for it. Just to be considered would be a great honor,” said Tymozko, who would like to continue playing in college.

He’s being recruited by Plymouth State University and PSU’s recruiter has likened Tomoczko to a Panthers’ legend: Heisman Trophy candidate Joe Dudek.

He’s also drawn some interest from the University of Maine and the University of New Hampshire.

“All I know is he’s a special player,” Sankey said.

The list of Fitzpatrick (named for the former Portland football coach) quarterfinalists, chosen by a committee of former college and high school football coaches, high school administrators, and media representatives – is due to be announced in less than a week.