PORTLAND — Three great players, one prestigious trophy.
Every year the math is the same for the finalists for the Fitzpatrick Trophy, given annually to the top senior high school football player in the state.
But this year’s award ceremony will see a first ”“ a finalist from Kennebunk High School.
Nicco DeLorenzo, a bruising running back and versatile outside linebacker who helped lead to Rams to an 11-1 season and within a minute of the school’s second football state title, is among the finalists for this year’s award, which will be presented on Sunday afternoon at a ceremony at the Holiday Inn By The Bay in Portland.
DeLorenzo, who is joined by Cony quarterback Ben Lucas and Portland running back Justin Zukowski, has already made history by becoming the school’s first finalist in the 43 years of the award after becoming just the second ”“ after Ethan Drigotas in 2011 ”“ to make the short list of 12 semifinalists, named in balloting by the state’s coaches and media.
He did it on the back of one of the best seasons in Kennebunk football history, leading from the front as a captain by rushing for 1,402 yards and 21 touchdowns, spearheading a defense that allowed less than 13 points a game and playing on all the Rams’ special teams units.
“He was obviously a big part of our team and did a lot of things for us,” said Joe Rafferty, the Rams’ coach for the past 35 years. “It’s pretty good company to be in and it’s great he got some recognition for what he’s done.”
It is pretty great company to be in, considering the seasons both Lucas and Zukowski had this past fall.
Lucas, a 6-foot-4 gunslinger, threw for 41 touchdowns and 3,482 yards as he led Cony to the Class B state championship, topping DeLorenzo and Kennebunk 30-23 in a thrilling final. For his career, Lucas threw for a state-record 89 touchdown passes and 7,700 yards, and is looking to become the school’s first-ever Fitzpatrick winner.
Zukowski is the lone Class A representative this year after leading Eastern Class A with 1,624 rushing yards, as the Bulldogs made it to their first regional final in a decade. Like DeLorenzo, Zukowski was also a leader from his linebacker spot on defense while also playing on all special teams, and would be the school’s sixth Fitzpatrick recipient.
Needless to say, it will be hard to complain no matter who ends up with the trophy on Sunday.
“All of them have been keys to their programs, not only this year, but over the past few,” Rafferty said. “Seeing (Lucas) face-to-face, I experienced just how much he meant to that program and just how good of a player he is. And Zukowski, I’ve seen plenty of highlights of him for both football and now basketball.
“All three of them, you could take the nametags and move them around. They’ve all had huge impacts overall.”
— Staff Writer Cameron Dunbar can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 323 or cdunbar@journaltribune.com.
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