There are many reasons why a high school football team can go undefeated during the regular season and finish the year with a 10-1 record. One prime reason is because that team has a leader on the field and off the field who helps guide the rest of the squad from pre-season practices through regional finals.
Cape Elizabeth senior Jim Bump was one of those players.
His talent and ability at the quarterback position helped lead the Cape offense downfield on many occasions this fall and his off-the-field demeanor and academic standing in school have earned him a spot among the 12 semifinalists for this year’s James J. Fitzpatrick Trophy. The award is annually presented to Maine’s top high school senior football player based on voting by Maine’s high school football coaches and media representatives. Bump is the first Cape Elizabeth High player to be honored as a semifinalist.
“He’s definitely worked hard to become a better quarterback over his (high school) career,” said Cape Elizabeth coach Aaron Filieo. “He had great stats, but there’s no statistics for his leadership. He helped make the rest of the guys better. It’s his overall character and leadership that’s put him in this elite class of football players.”
Bump was 89 of 154 in pass attempts for 1,474 yards for 22 touchdown passes with just four interceptions. He also played safety on defense and he was the team’s long snapper on punts. He has an academic average of 85 and he helps his community by serving as a youth volunteer.
The other semifinalists include Evan Barker (Leavitt), Nick Bourassa (Jay), Jeff Elliott (Massabesic), Joseph Gilbert (Mt. Blue), John Hersom (Lawrence), John Hussey (Marshwood), John Onesti (Bonny Eagle), Topher Pochebit (Cheverus), Kyle Stilphen (Gardiner), Justin Villacci (Gorham), and Andrew Weiss (Rockland).
These 12 semifinalists will be trimmed to three finalists in the next month. The names of those three finalists will be announced on Sunday, Dec. 23. The Fitzpatrick Trophy Award banquet will be held at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland on Sunday, Jan. 20.
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