Portland standout Joe Esposito, already named Maine’s football Gatorade Player of the Year, was named last week as a finalist for the prestigious James J. Fitzpatrick Trophy, given to the state’s top senior football player. Esposito is joined as a finalist by Thornton Academy quarterback Austin McCrum and Brunswick running back Will Bessey. Esposito, a running back, rushed for 1,606 yards and scored 28 touchdowns this fall, leading the Bulldogs to the Class A Final, which they lost, 24-14, to McCrum’s Golden Trojans. Esposito, who played linebacker on defense, also led Class A North with 95 tackles and was named Class A North Player of the Year. The winner will be named Sunday, Jan. 24.

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