PORTLAND — In winning the 41st Fitzpatrick Trophy Sunday afternoon, Jordan Hersom of Leavitt High had the best line of the day.

Giving his brief acceptance speech, Hersom said he didn’t like fellow finalist Louis DiTomasso of Wells after the state final.

“But now that I’ve had a chance to talk with him, he’s a really nice guy, ” said Hersom bringing a laugh from the crowd. “I’ve made two good friends today.”

Hersom, a quarterback-defensive back, beat out DiTomasso and Spencer Cooke of Cheverus, the other finalist, for the heralded trophy at the annual banquet at the Holiday Inn By The Bay.

All three sat side-by-side at the head table and were seen chatting it up during the ceremony while awaiting their turn to speak.

Hersom’s Hornets lost to DiTomasso’s Warriors for the Class B state championship back in November. It was a tough loss for Leavitt as it entered as the favorite and was looking to make amends for losing to Mountain Valley in the 2010 final.

Winning the Fitzy provided some consolation for Hersom, who was quick to spread the credit around.

His speech prior to the winner being announced was as polished and well-thought out as his play on the field.

Holding the bronze trophy and accepting congratulations from his teammates, Hersom said: “This is really not about me. It’s as much for the Turner community. The whole town and my teammates deserve this award. My parents, coaches and teachers all played major roles. Football has taught me life lessons beyond the field. It’s shaped me into the person I am.”

A four-year starter and a three-year two-way starter, Hersom put up some impressive numbers. As the starting quarterback for the last two seasons, Hersom guided the Hornets to a 22-2 record. Over four seasons, his team was 42-4 with him in the lineup.

Hersom passed for 1,630 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. He averaged 8.7 yards a carry and scored 10 touchdowns. In four years, he accounted for 6,500 all-purpose yards.

He was equally as valuable on defense for the Hornets. The 6-foot-3 Hersom had 56 tackles, two interceptions and numerous knockdowns.

“Jordan has been a major part of our team for four seasons,” said Leavitt coach Mike Hathaway. “He has a genuine passion for the game. He made himself into a true double threat on the field.”

Hersom is a two-time Pine Tree Conference Class B Player of the Year. He carries a 96 grade point average in the classroom and said he is looking at the University of Maine, Colby College or Springfield College to further his education.

Hersom is the first player from Leavitt to win the trophy, but not the first in his family. His cousin, Jack, a quarterback from Lawrence, won the Fitzy for the 2007 season.

The Hersom name is synonymous with high school football in the state. Hersom’s father, Jim, has coached at several schools. His uncle, John, is the head coach at Lawrence and Jordan’s grandfather, Lawrence “Doc” Hersom is a legendary coach in Maine high school football annals.

The award is named after James J. Fitzpatrick, a legendary coach at Portland High in the 1930s and 1940s, who was also a standout athlete at Boston College. Yudy Elowitch began the award in the 1971 and his family continues to sponsor it.

The voting, which leads to the winner, is done by the state’s head coaches and members of the media, who cover high school football.

 

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