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Bonny Eagle football’s John Havu sacks Noble quarterback Mark Lapointe during a Sept. 26 game in Standish. Havu was announced Friday as one of three finalists for the Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Defensive Lineman Award. (Daryn Slover/Staff Photographer)

Three offensive linemen and three defensive linemen were announced Friday as finalists for the Frank J. Gaziano Lineman Awards.

Colin Haigh of Portland, Joe Hayden of Mt. Blue and Collin Thompson of Thornton Academy were named the three finalists for the Gaziano Memorial Offensive Lineman Award. Old Town’s Griffin Faulkner, Bonny Eagle’s John Havu and Thornton’s Jangmin Lee were the three defensive finalists.

The two winners will be announced Jan. 23 and will each receive a $5,000 prize as well as a trophy. The remaining finalists will receive $1,000 apiece.

Colin Haigh, Portland

Haigh shifted from left guard to left tackle in 2025 and did a remarkable job protecting star quarterback Cordell Jones’ blind side as Portland won a third consecutive Class A North championship. He was chosen as Class A North Offensive Lineman of the Year.

“Colin is consistently reliable, accountable and dedicated in everything he does,” outgoing Portland coach Nick Cliche said in a statement. “His work ethic in the classroom and commitment to volunteering with youth football and local community events speak volumes about his character.”

Joe Hayden, Mt. Blue

A four-year starter, the 6-foot-3, 305-pound Hayden was a cog for Mt. Blue up front. He was a first-team Pine Tree Conference selection on the offensive line and was also a Sun Journal All-Region pick.

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“Joseph is a natural leader whose work ethic set the standard for those around him,” said Mt. Blue coach Craig Collins. “He exemplifies our core values — family first, then academics and then football — and serves as an exceptional role model for our younger athletes and entire school community.”

Collin Thompson, Thornton

A three-year starter, Thompson led the way in the trenches for a Thornton team that won its third Class A state championship in five seasons. He was selected to both the Varsity Maine All-State and All-Class A South teams.

“Collin is a kind person and a great teammate who personifies the characteristics educators and coaches look for in young adults,” said Thornton AD Lance Johnson. “His humility, sense of humor and leadership have a positive impact on everyone around him.”

Griffin Faulkner, Old Town

Old Town has a Gaziano-winning coach in former Bucksport lineman David Gross, and the 2019 offensive award winner’s coaching wasn’t lost on Faulkner, who was the leader of Old Town’s defense, earning Class C All-Big 11 honors.

“Griffin represents Old Town High School with pride, humility and heart,” Gross said. “He consistently takes the initiative to support younger teammates and strengthen our team culture, truly exemplifying the values of this prestigious award.”

John Havu, Bonny Eagle

Bonny Eagle’s defense was one of the state’s best this season, and Havu was a stalwart for the Scots on the line. An All-Class A South pick for the third consecutive season and a Varsity Maine All-State selection, he averaged five tackles per game, and recorded seven tackles for loss and three sacks.

“John’s leadership set the tone for our program,” said Bonny Eagle coach Kevin Cooper. “His ability to battle through adversity without making excuses speaks volumes about his character, and he is a model of what a true student-athlete should be.”

Jangmin Lee, Thornton

Although he didn’t have much football experience when he came to Maine from Jecheon, South Korea, Lee became an essential piece of Thornton’s defense over the past three years. A key piece of the front seven for the Class A champions, Lee was an All-Class A South selection at defensive tackle.

“Jangmin is driven, dependable and relentlessly hardworking,” said Thornton coach Kevin Kezal. “He gives his best effort in every situation and has grown into a true difference-maker on the field and a respected leader within our program.”

Mike Mandell came to the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel in April 2022 after spending five and a half years with The Ellsworth American in Hancock County, Maine. He came to Maine out of college after...

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