Yukica Football Player of the Year finalists announced

The list of players for the Yukica Football Player of the Year has been cut down to three finalists.

The finalists were chosen by a vote of NHIAA football head coaches and statewide media from a list of 10 semifinalists that was released earlier this month.

This year’s finalists are:

Brody Helton (RB/LB), Bedford

• Helton, senior, has helped lead the Bulldogs to the No. 1 seed as the only remaining undefeated team in Division I. Heading into the semifinals, he’s rushed for 1,347 yards and 16 touchdowns on 128 carries to go with 11 catches for 156 yards and a score. Helton also has 64 tackles, with three sacks and 10 tackles for loss, on defense.

Cody Jackson (QB/DB), Nashua South

• Jackson, a senior, and the Panthers are in the D1 semifinals for the first time since 2012. He’s completed 68 percent of his passes for 2,587 yards with 29 touchdowns and three interceptions while also rushing for 485 yards and nine touchdowns on 100 carries. Jackson also had five two-point conversions this season, four rushing.

Ryland Raudelunas (RB/LB), Souhegan

• Raudelunas, a senior, will be looking to help the Sabers win their second Division II championship in a row on Saturday. He goes into the game with 1,497 yards and 17 touchdowns on 140 carries, along with 21 catches for 419 yards and eight scores. Raudelunas also has 62 tackles, with two sacks and a forced fumble, on defense.

The award is sponsored by the Joe Yukica/New Hampshire Chapter of the National Football Foundation and given to the most outstanding NHIAA football player in New Hampshire.

This year’s winner will be announced on Nov. 27.