LEWISTON, ME – Six talented high school football players have been named finalists for the Gaziano Awards, which are presented annually to the best senior offensive and defensive linemen in the state of Maine. The winners for this prestigious award will be announced on Friday, January 24.
The three defensive linemen finalists are:
- Kyle Doody from Gardiner
- Joseph Dube from Lewiston
- Porter Gahagan from Medomak Valley
On the offensive side, the finalists include:
- Henry Mahoney from Thornton Academy
- Charles Majkowski from Kennebunk
- Cole Tomuschat from Scarborough
Kyle Doody, a standout defensive end for Gardiner, was named the Pine Tree Conference’s Player of the Year after making an impressive 67 tackles, with 28 of those being for a loss. He also forced two fumbles and recovered one. “From the first day Kyle jogged on the field, I knew he was special,” said his coach Patrick Munzing. “He’s a team-first player who always puts the team’s needs above his own.”
Joseph Dube has proven himself as a leader on and off the field, earning the Class A North Defensive Player of the Year title with six sacks and 87 tackles. Coach Jason Versey praised Dube for his caring nature and competitive spirit, stating, “He’s a fearless competitor.”
Porter Gahagan has been a consistent force for Medomak Valley, holding records for most tackles in a game and career. “He’s not just a top player, but a well-rounded individual who sets a great example for younger players,” noted coach Ryan Snell.
Among the offensive finalists, Henry Mahoney has helped Thornton Academy reach the Class A finals three years in a row. Coach Kevin Kezal emphasized Mahoney’s impressive work ethic and character, saying he’s everything coaches look for in young athletes.
Charles Majkowski, a left tackle for Kennebunk, has also had an outstanding season, leading his team to two consecutive Class B title games. His coach Keith Noel pointed out his strong desire to improve and dedication to the game.
Finally, Cole Tomuschat has capped his career as a two-year captain, being named to the Class A South first team. Coach Patrick Malia stated, “Cole is a coach’s dream; his intelligence and competitive spirit are unmatched.”
Last year’s defensive award was won by Jace Negley from Leavitt, while the offensive award went to William Gale from Falmouth. With such talented finalists this year, the competition for the Gaziano Awards is expected to be intense.
