Joe Hayden from Mt. Blue High School and John Havu from Bonny Eagle High School have been named the winners of the 2025 Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Lineman Awards. The announcement was made on March 15, 2025, recognizing Hayden as the top senior offensive lineman in Maine and Havu as the best defensive lineman.
Both awards come with a trophy and a scholarship of $5,000. Hayden, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 305 pounds, served as a second-year team captain for Mt. Blue. His impressive performance earned him selections as a Sun Journal All-Region pick and an All-Class B North selection.
Havu was a key player for a Bonny Eagle defense that ranked among the best in the state. The defensive lineman received accolades as a Varsity Maine All-State player and was a three-time All-Class A South selection. His statistics reflect his impact on the field, with an average of five tackles per game, seven tackles for loss, and three sacks, showcasing his skills as a nose guard.
Both Hayden and Havu excel academically, further enhancing their profiles as student-athletes. Hayden holds a GPA of 3.9 and is a proud member of the National Honor Society. Havu boasts an impressive weighted GPA of 4.04. Their achievements in the classroom earned them all-academic selections within their respective conferences.
A Historic Achievement for Both Schools
Hayden’s win marks a significant achievement as he becomes the first player from Mt. Blue to receive a Gaziano award. Havu’s recognition is also notable; he is the third player from Bonny Eagle to win this award for defense, following in the footsteps of Nate Martell (2010) and Arlo Pike (2017). Havu is the sixth overall Gaziano winner from Bonny Eagle, joining previous offensive winners including Zach Klein (2017), Aidan McGlone (2018), and Thomas Horton (2021).
The competition for the Gaziano awards was fierce, with four other finalists also recognized for their outstanding performances. On offense, Collin Thompson from Thornton Academy and Colin Haigh from Portland were nominated, while Jangmin Lee from Thornton and Griffin Faulkner from Old Town represented the defensive category. Each of these finalists will receive a smaller trophy along with a scholarship of $1,000.
Both Hayden and Havu have exemplified excellence on and off the field, highlighting the capabilities of high school athletes in Maine. Their dedication to their sport and academics sets a commendable standard for future athletes. As the 2025 Gaziano winners, they not only celebrate personal achievements but also contribute to the rich tradition of high school football in their communities.
