PORTLAND — After completing the most prolific passing career in the history of Maine high school football and leading his school to its first state championship in 81 years, Cony quarterback Ben Lucas was named the James J. Fitzpatrick Trophy winner in a ceremony at The Holiday Inn By The Bay on Sunday.

Lucas, who passed for 41 touchdowns and 3,482 yards and holds the state record for career passing yards and touchdowns, beat out fellow finalists Nicco DeLorenzo of Kennebunk and Justin Zukowski of Portland for the award, which is widely regarded as Maine’s Heisman and is given annually to the state’s top senior high school football player.

It was the first time a player from Cony has won the Fitzpatrick, now in its 43rd year.

“It’s truly an honor and a dream come true,” Lucas said. “It’s the first time we’ve ever had a Fitzpatrick Trophy winner, so I’m extremely humbled and blessed to be the first winner from Cony.”

DeLorenzo was the first finalist ever from Kennebunk after rushing for 1,402 yards and 21 touchdowns last fall. DeLorenzo was also a key member of Kennebunk’s defense from his outside linebacker position as well as the special teams units, leading the Rams to an 11-1 season and their first state championship game since 1999, where they lost a 30-23 thriller to Lucas’ Cony.

“It’s an honor to just be in the top three, it’s a big statement,” said DeLorenzo, who was also named the Western Class B player of the year for his efforts. “But I would have traded any of the awards obviously to win the state championship. But they were a great team, and we fought as hard as we could, so no regrets.”

DeLorenzo used his speech to thank his family, teammates and coaches, and also spoke of a bond he felt with the trophy’s namesake, himself a standout high school football player who went on to play in college ”“ at Boston College ”“ before becoming a longtime coach and educator at Portland High.

“I did some research, and one of the things Mr. Fitzpatrick and I have in common is we both care a lot about our hometown teams, and I know he would agree that the best thing about playing high school sports are the bond you make with your teammates and your coaches,” said DeLorenzo, who will play Division I lacrosse at Colgate University next year. “That’s especially true when you play football.”

Kennebunk coach Joe Rafferty, who introduced DeLorenzo at the ceremony, said the eye-popping numbers on the field were only part of DeLorenzo’s four-year contribution to the Rams.

“The stats weren’t his greatest contributions to his program,” Rafferty said. “Those were his leadership, character and mostly his passion for the game. His work habits set the example for our team.

“Nicco DeLorenzo gave everything to Kennebunk High School football.”

— Staff Writer Cameron Dunbar can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 323 or [email protected].