Six Maine high school football players have been announced as finalists for the two Gaziano Awards, given to the best senior offensive and defensive linemen in the state.
The three defensive linemen finalists are Gardiner’s Kyle Doody, Lewiston’s Joseph Dube and Medomak Valley’s Porter Gahagan. The finalists for the offensive lineman award are Henry Mahoney of Thornton Academy, Kennebunk’s Charles Majkowski and Scarborough’s Cole Tomuschat.
The two Frank J. Gaziano Award winners will be announced Friday, Jan. 24. Here is a look at the finalists:
Kyle Doody
The Gardiner defensive end was voted the Pine Tree Conference’s Player of the Year after racking up 67 tackles, including 28 for losses. He also forced two fumbles and recovered one.
“From the first day Kyle jogged on the field, I was immediately aware that he was something special,” Tigers coach Patrick Munzing said. “A throwback kind of player … doesn’t take plays off and does whatever is asked of him … (he) has always had a team-first not a me-first mentality … the type of player that you build a scheme around.”
Joe Dube
A four-year starter at defensive ens and a Lewiston captain the past two seasons, Dube was voted Class A North Defensive Player of the Year after recording six sacks, 87 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. He also blocked a punt and a field goal.
“Joseph cares about every player on the team. He’s compassionate, empathetic and humble,” Blue Devils coach Jason Versey said. “He’s also a fearless competitor who leads by his example on and off the field.”
Porter Gahagan
A three-time all-conference honoree who in 2024 was named the Class C North Defensive Lineman of the Year, Gahagan holds Medomak Valley records for most tackles in a game (16) and in a career.
“He has not only been one of the top players to come through our program, but also is one of the most well-rounded individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working with,” Panthers coach Ryan Snell said. “He wants to win … he cared about us doing well this year but wanted to make sure the younger players saw the individual sacrifices it takes to be solid year in and year out.”
Henry Mahoney
The right tackle was named the Gerry Raymond Lineman of the Year in the SMAA and was selected to the Varsity Maine All-State team. He helped Thornton reach the Class A final in each of his three years as a starter.
“A quality person, personifying the characteristics all educators and coaches look for when working with young adults,” Golden Trojans coach Kevin Kezal said, adding that Mahoney has “innate work ethic.”
Charles Majkowski
The left tackle earned Varsity Maine All-State honors this season and helped Kennebunk reach two consecutive Class B title games.
“He consistently seeks feedback, asks insightful questions, and demands to run drills again if he feels he hasn’t executed them properly,” Rams coach Keith Noel said. “His drive to improve and his attention to detail are unmatched.”
Cole Tomuschat
The Scarborough offensive tackle was a two-year captain and three-year starter who capped his career by being named to the Class A South first team.
“Cole is a coach’s dream. He is incredibly smart, extremely competitive and dedicated to doing whatever it takes to make the team successful,” Red Storm coach Patrick Malia said. “His combination of leadership skills, character, intellect and mental toughness have set Cole apart from his peers.”
Jace Negley of Leavitt won last year’s defensive award and Falmouth’s William Gale won the offensive award.
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