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:

Daniel Batstone (RB/LB), Exeter

• Batstone, a senior, helped the Blue Hawks to an undefeated regular season and the No. 2 seed, as they prepare to face Londonderry in Saturday’s Division I semifinals. Through 10 games, Batstone leads Exeter with 847 yards and 18 touchdowns on 123 rushing attempts to go with eight receptions for another 147 yards and three touchdowns. He’s also second on the team with 53 tackles and three sacks.

Scott Hershberger (RB/DB), Campbell

• Hershberger, a senior, helped the Cougars to an undefeated regular season, as as the No. 1 seed, Campbell will be playing in its third-straight Division III championship game on Saturday. Hershberger has 1,930 yards and 24 touchdowns on 142 carries this season, and in last weekend’s win over Gilford, he broke the state career rushing record and currently has 6,066 yards. He’s also caught four passes for 45 yards and has 53 tackles on defense.

Kevin Todisco (RB/LB), Salem

• Todisco, a senior, helped lead the Blue Devils on a seven-game win streak after an 0-2 start to the year and the No. 5 seed in the playoffs. Todisco ran for 1,757 yards and had 17 touchdowns to go with 251 receiving yards and three more scores. He also recorded 88 tackles, including eight for loss, and had five forced fumbles.

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. 28.