The votes have been counted and it’s down to three for the Fitzpatrick Trophy.

Spencer Cooke of Cheverus, Louis DiTomasso of Wells and Jordan Hersom of Leavitt were named finalists Friday.

They emerged as the three leading vote-getters from a field of 12 semifinalists for the annual trophy that goes to the top senior high school football player in the state.

One of them will be awarded the trophy Jan. 15 at the annual banquet in Portland. The one-time vote is done by the state’s coaches and members of the media who cover high school football.

“It’s definitely exciting,” said Hersom. “I feel grateful and very fortunate. Not a lot of guys get the opportunity to be a finalist. It’s great to be recognized.

“I feel fortunate to have played on such a strong team with talented teammates. This is really a team honor because without my teammates, I wouldn’t have the opportunity.”

Hersom is the first Leavitt quarterback out of the last four to move from semifinalist to finalist.

“It’s a credit to the players and the coaching staff to have a player as a finalist,” said Coach Mike Hathaway.

“A program doesn’t get an individual award like this without some pretty good people around.”

Hersom has started since his freshman year.

He played all four years on defense and for three seasons on offense, first as a halfback and the last two as quarterback.

With Hersom at quarterback, the Hornets have gone 22-2. Hersom’s cousin, Jack, won the Fitzpatrick Trophy in 2007 as a Lawrence High quarterback.

All three finalists have played on state championship teams. Cooke, a running back/defensive back, was a part of back-to-back title teams this season and last.

DiTomasso, a fullback/line-backer, sparked Wells to the Class B state title this fall.

“I was pretty pumped after my coach told me I was a finalist,” said DiTomasso, who has been named the Maine Gatorade Player of the Year and the Class B Campbell Conference Player of the Year.

“I was fortunate to have been on a strong team, which put me in a good position to succeed. This is just as much a team award as it is an individual award.”

DiTomasso rushed for 1,350 yards and scored 19 touchdowns. On defense he had 133 tackles.

“Louis is one of the best players in the state,” said Coach Tim Roche. “We’re proud to have him as a Fitzy finalist.”

Cooke, a running back/defensive back, is the second straight Cheverus player to be a finalist.

Last year, quarterback/defensive back Peter Gwilym won the Fitzpatrick Trophy.

“It’s a great honor and an unbelievable feeling,” said Cooke. “It’s a prestigious award and I’m honored to be in the running for it.”

Cooke was Cheverus’ top ball carrier through eight games of this season and all of last year.

In the final game of this regular season at Deering, Cooke broke a bone in his lower leg. It forced him to miss the regional playoffs.

Cooke came back to make a brief appearance in the state championship game.

Cooke rushed for 1,117 yards and scored 19 touchdowns. In two seasons he gained more than 2,000 yards.

“I think Spencer has been an excellent three-year player for us,” said Coach John Wolfgram.

“He was an explosive runner and our best coverage cornerback. Spencer was not only a good player but a good teammate.

“We’ve been graced with some very good players.”

While performance on the field is a major component of being considered for the award, it’s not the only one. Academic performance is also taken into account.

All three finalists have strong grade-point averages.

Staff Writer Tom Chard can be contacted at 791-6419 or at:

tchard@pressherald.com

Twitter: TomChardPPH