Tyler Bridge had the best stats of any of the three finalists for the prestigious Fitzpatrick Trophy, but the Wells High School senior also knew he had two decades of history working against him.
“I knew I had a decent chance at it, but with two Class A kids going up against me, I was preparing myself to be let down because they were both very deserving of it, too,” said Bridge, who led the Class D Warriors to a third straight state championship this past fall.
Wells coach Tim Roche had the same feeling as his star player. With Thornton Academy’s Anthony Bracamonte and Portland’s Zack Elowitch also up for the award, the longtime leader of the Warriors program wasn’t sure how it would turn out.
“I sat there and didn’t want to get my hopes up because I knew the Bracamonte kid was very good and the Elowitch kid was very good,” said Roche, who was well aware that no Class D player had ever won the award.
It turned out the voters could not ignore Bridge’s incredible numbers — and the Wells standout made history by taking home the 48th annual James J. Fitzpatrick Trophy.
“It was pretty crazy.  When they said my name it was definitely shocking,” said Bridge, who is the first Wells player to win the award.
Bridge wasn’t the only one who was surprised to hear his name announced.
“I guess (my mom) let out a scream when they said my name and I didn’t even hear (her scream) because I was in my own zone,” said Bridge.
Roche was able to confirm the story.
“I was sitting next to Tyler’s mom and I heard the “T” and I knew he won, but she let out a scream, which was funny because I didn’t get to hear the rest of it,” said Roche.
Bridge starred as a running back, cornerback, punter and returner for the Class D champs. He gained over 3,000 all-purpose yards last fall and set an unofficial state single-season record with 45 touchdowns. Bridge rushed for 2,390 yards. He also was the Maine Sunday Telegram’s Player of the Year and the Journal Tribune’s co-Most Valuable Player with Bracamonte.
The Wells standout would need that kind of year to win the award over Bracamonte and Elowitch, who both had outstanding senior campaigns.
Bracamonte excelled as a runner, receiver and returner, leading the Trojans to an 11-0 record and the Class A championship. The 5-foot-7, 150-pound Bracamonte used uncanny elusiveness, superior vision and balance, and surprising strength to gain 2,137 all-purpose yards — most coming in the final six games against Thornton’s toughest opponents — and score 27 touchdowns. He was the Gatorade Maine Player of the Year.
“When I first got here, talking to Zack and Tyler, I quickly realized they were both deserving of the award,” Bracamonte said. “I’m not disappointed in myself. I’m not mad that Tyler won, or if Zack had won. They’re both great kids and deserve everything that’s coming their way.”
Elowitch also rushed for over 2,000 yards, leading the Bulldogs to the state final where they lost to Thornton. Elowitch finished with Portland High single-season records for rushing (2,162) and touchdowns (26), while playing multiple positions on defense, punting and playing on all the Bulldogs’ special teams.
“It was a great honor (to be a finalist),” Elowitch said. “Anthony and Tyler are obviously two great players as well. Tyler won it. He deserved it. He was a great player.”
Bridge was excited to win the award, but he was quick to point out this honor was not just for him — it was for the entire Wells community.
“It’s just so special to represent this community. This community shows up to every game … and really it’s more than just a team and it’s more than this award being for me, it’s for the team, Wells and even Class D,” said Bridge.
Roche echoed that sentiment.
“It was a moment of great pride for the school, the team and the town as a whole, to see a kid win what most people would consider the most prestigious award in high school football in Maine,” Roche said.
Roche is hoping the fact that Bridge was able to bring home the Fitzpatrick Trophy will provide extra motivation to the players in his program.
“I’m sure a kid like Payton MacKay today is thinking to himself, ‘maybe I can be that kid next year,’ because he’s kind of the next in line as a running back,” said Roche. “And then the Jonah Potters and Matt Tufts of the world are all saying ‘maybe next year it could be me.’ I think it will make them want to work even harder. They know the work Tyler puts in. How he eats right and does the right things and I’m sure that will come into play now. That’s a good thing.”
Bridge was happy to share the moment with Roche, who he considers a true role model and mentor.
“He’s meant so much (to me). He’s so good at handling you as a kid, on and off the field, and preparing you for a future not just in football, but growing up and becoming a man,” said Bridge. “Like I said in my speech, there are traits that he has that I want to be like when I grow up. Just the way he handles himself around the community and the team.”
Sunday’s award ceremony was a special moment for Roche, who admitted his emotions got the best of him when Bridge’s name was announced.
“You know it doesn’t happen often, but I was a little choked up actually,” said Roche. “I was thrilled for him because I know what type of kid he is and I know how hard he’s worked at it … it was a great day.”
NOTES: The Fitzpatrick Trophy was awarded only to Class A players until the 1996 season. Since there have been three winners from Class B and two from Class C … Biddeford’s Carter Edgerton and Kennebunk’s Dante DeLorenzo were among the 12 semifinalists for the honor.
— Steve Craig from the Portland Press Herald contributed to this story.

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