PORTLAND – Donald Goodrich of Cheverus said he was surprised, even shocked when he heard his name announced as the winner of the 2012 James J. Fitzpatrick Trophy Sunday afternoon as the state’s top senior high school football player.
Goodrich, a running back/defensive end, became the second winner from Cheverus in the past three seasons. He joins Peter Gwilym (2010) as Cheverus’ only winners of the bronze statute.
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“I was very shocked when my name was announced,” said Goodrich, a two-time Maine Sunday Telegram all-state selection.
“The other two finalists, Alex Shain and Chandler Shostak, had tremendous seasons. They or any of the semifinalists could easily be in my place. It’s a great honor to be up here. Winning this trophy means everything to me. I couldn’t have done it without my teammates.”
Goodrich was the go-to player for the Stags (10-1), who set the Class A consecutive winning streak of 34 over three seasons. Goodrich was instrumental in 22 of those wins, including a Class A state championship his junior season. Goodwich scored 28 touchdowns and rushed for 1,722 yards. As a defensive end, he had 43 solo tackles and seven sacks.
Goodrich was an all-state defensive end his junior year and at running back this season. He played behind running back Spencer Cooke as a junior. When Cooke got injured late in the season, Goodrich took over. In the Class A state final against Bangor in 2011, Goodrich ran for five touchdowns.
Cheverus’ bid to win a third straight state title ended when Thornton Academy beat Cheverus 20-13 in the regional final. It also ended the Stags’ winning streak.
While winning the Fitzy is special, Goodrich said it doesn’t make up for Cheverus falling short of winning another Gold Ball.
“Team first,” said Goodrich.
“Always the team,” he said.
The banquet was held at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland.
Brian Seguin of Scarborough, the 1987 trophy winner, was the guest speaker. Each year the player who won it 25 years previously is invited to speak. Seguin led Lewiston to the Class A state title in 1987 and went on to have a standout baseball career at the University of Maine.
a running back for Cheverus, won the 42nd annual Fitzpatrick Trophy Sunday in a ceremony at the Holiday in by The Bay.
Goodrich ran for 1,722 yards and 28 touchdowns. He also returned punts and kickoff and played defensive end. He had 43 solo tackles and seven sacks.
The other two finalists were Alex Shain of Sanford and Chandler Shostack of Cony.
The trophy is awarded to the top senior in the state and is named after the legendary coach at Portland High of the 1930s and 40s.
Goodrich is the second Cheverus player to win the award in three years. In 2010, Peter Gwilym was the winner. Spencer Cooke was a finalist for Cheverus last year.
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