Hersom, Stilphen are finalists Villacci other contender for prestigious Fitzpatrick Trophy

PORTLAND – Jack Hersom of Lawrence of Fairfield, Kyle Stilphen of Gardiner and Justin Villacci of Gorham have been named finalists for the James J. Fitzpatrick Trophy.

That honor, which is presented annually to the state’s top high school senior football player, student and sportsman, will be awarded during a Jan. 20, 2008 banquet at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland.

Hersom, Stilphen and Villacci were selected from among 12 semifinalists for the award in a vote of the state’s football coaches and media. The semifinalists were chosen by a panel from the Maine chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.

Hersom quarterbacked Lawrence to 22 straight victories over two seasons that earned the Bulldogs the 2006 Class A state championship and back-to-back Eastern Maine titles in 2006 and 2007. Playing for his father, Lawrence coach John Hersom, he amassed nearly 2,000 yards in passing and rushing this season while totaling 26 touchdowns – 17 through the air and nine on the ground.

Stilphen, a quarterback, defensive back and kicker, led Gardiner to this year’s Class B state championship. Headed for the University of Maine on a baseball scholarship next year, he passed for 626 yards and 11 touchdowns while recording 130 tackles on defense. Stilphen also kicked 54 extra points and one field goal.

Villacci, a running back, rushed for 1,293 yards and 19 touchdowns while leading Gorham to a Western A playoff berth. He also had 12 pass receptions for 484 yards and six touchdowns, and finished his career as Gorham’s all-time rushing and scoring leader. He previously was named the state’s 2007 Gatorade Player of the Year.

Villacci would become the first Gorham player to win the Fitzy, while Hersom or Stilphen would become only the second player in his school’s history to earn the award. Kirk Matthieu of Lawrence won in 1988, while Nate Sergent of Gardiner was the 1997 recipient.

Aaron Champagne of Lawrence was a finalist last year.

For many years the Fitzpatrick Trophy was limited to Class A football players, but in recent years the competition has been open to players in all classes. No Class B player has won the award yet, while two Class C players, the late Lee St. Hilaire of Winthrop (2001), and Nick Tymoczko of Bucksport (2004), have won the Fitzy.