Hersom, Weiss among semifinalists

Lawrence High School of Fairfield’s Jack Hersom and Rockland’s Andrew Weiss, both senior quarterbacks, are among the 10 finalists for the prestigious James J. Fitzpatrick Trophy.

The trophy, awarded annually to the state’s top high school football player, student and sportsman, will be presented Jan. 10 at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland.

The other eight semifinalists are Joe Gilbert of Mt. Blue in Farmington, Kyle Stilphen of Gardiner, Leavitt of Turner’s Evan Barker, Nick Bourassa of Jay, Cape Elizabeth’s Jim Bump, Jeff Elliott of Waterboro-based Massabesic, John Hussey of Marshwood of Eliot, Bonny Eagle of Standish’s John Onesti, Cheverus of Portland’s Topher Pochebit, and Justin Villacci of Gorham.

Hersom, the son of Lawrence head coach John Hersom, guided the Bulldogs to their second straight Class A state championship game this fall.

Hersom completed 83 of 122 passes for 1,472 yards and 17 touchdowns for Lawrence, and added nine rushing touchdowns.

Hersom ranks sixth in his class of 221 students and volunteers at a local soup kitchen.

Weiss was a key factor in guiding the Tigers to the LTC semifinals.

Weiss racked up 1,413 all-purpose yards this season (849 rushing, 323 passing, 241 receiving) and 14 touchdowns.

Weiss averaged 5.9 yards per carry while running for seven TDs. He finished the season 17-42 through the air with four touchdown passes and added 10 catches including three TD receptions.

Weiss also contributed on defense, compiling 60 tackles, two interceptions and a fumble recovery from his linebacking spot.

In addition to participating in cheerleading and track and field for the Tigers, Weiss has accumulated over 1,000 hours of community service and ranks ninth in his class with a 92.3 academic average.

Cougars’ quarterback Gilbert finished 106-174 passing with 12 touchdowns on the season, recorded 84 tackles and was a special teams catalyst. He added six rushing touchdowns and averaged 4.2 yards per carry.

Gilbert is a youth volunteer and participates in Nursing Home visits.

In addition to solid quarterback play, Stilphen was a contributing factor on special teams and defense in leading Gardiner to the Class B state crown.

Stilphen finished with 458 yards passing and nine touchdown throws, while adding six rushing touchdowns. On special teams, he averaged 45.9 yards per kickoff return while booting 33 extra points and a field goal. He punted for a 33.6 yard average.

In addition to that, he passed for four two-point conversions.

Defensively, he had 87 tackles (14 solo) and six interceptions.

Leavitt quarterback/defensive back Barker connected for 1,100 yards and seven touchdowns through the air while rushing for 850 more yards and eight TDs.