PORTLAND — Scarborough running back Owen Garrard won the 47th James J. Fitzpatrick Trophy on Sunday afternoon, which is awarded to Maine’s top high school senior football player.
Garrard rushed for over 1,200 yards and scored 24 touchdowns. He also contributed 76 tackles on defense as the Red Storm claimed the Class A state championship back in November.
“This season, (winning the Fitzpatrick Trophy) wasn’t really my goal, it was to win a state championship,” said Garrard. “The focus this year was to work as a team and win a state championship. We were able to do that, and that was on the top of my mind.”
Garrard does not plan on playing football at the collegiate level, but was thankful for the memories he made at Scarborough and will miss those that he was close to during his four years.
“I couldn’t have asked for anything else. I’ve had some great teammates, and they have helped me throughout the last four years. It was team chemistry, we knew each other really well and knew how to play with each other and we excelled as a team,” said Garrard. “Scarborough is a great town and I loved playing for them. I wouldn’t want to play for anywhere else, the people I met, and the coaches, they have helped me so much and have changed me as a person.”
Other finalists were Falmouth quarterback Jack Bryant and Wells running back Nolan Potter.
Bryant threw for 1,509 yards and 17 touchdowns, while rushing for over 1,000 yards and 18 scores. Potter helped guide the Warriors to a Class D title by rushing for 1,390 yards and 20 touchdowns, while also racking up over 100 tackles and four forced fumbles on defense. Potter also hauled in an interception in the state title game.
“Being nominated with all these other guys has been such a great experience. Having my name with these other guys, being a finalist, it’s unreal,” said Potter. “I never thought I’d be able to get here. This whole thing was a great time with my family and friends. I’ll have this memory for a very long time.”
Potter was also happy to finish his high school career with a state championship with his teammates.
“It’s exactly what we wanted — we got our state championship at the end of the year and it was such a great year. It was a great group of seniors, it was so much fun,” said Potter.
Potter hopes to play at the collegiate level, and has been in talks with schools like Bates, Colby and Norwich. Potter loves football, and plans on being involved in the sport for a very long time.
“I would never have guessed that I would get here. It shows how much football has done for me,” said Potter. “As a freshman, I was not the type of person that would work hard and persevere, but football has helped me become that person. Football has helped me so much.”
— Associate Sports Editor Alex Sponseller can be reached at asponseller@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.

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