Celebrating its 50th anniversary season, the Connolly Cup is awarded to the outstanding player in Western New York as selected by a 17-member committee. Last night’s list of finalists was streamed on Western New York Athletics.

The local players on the list — all seniors — are Jamestown quarterback Trey Drake; Randolph running back/defensive back Xander Hind; and Fredonia quarterback/defensive back Ethan Fry.

Drake, who has made a verbal commitment to North Dakota State University, has completed 159 of 266 passes for 2,315 yards, tossed 27 touchdown passes and been intercepted just once. The 6-foot-3, 205-pounder has also rushed for 252 yards and scored seven touchdowns; and punted seven times for a 35.6 average. The Red Raiders will play Hilton of Section V in the Far West Regional on Saturday.

Hind, who is a Connolly Cup finalist for the second straight year, has rushed for 2,047 yards and 25 touchdowns, and has caught five passes for 191 yards and two TDs. Defensively, he has 46 total tackles, a sack and two interceptions. The Cardinals will meet Oakfield-Alabama/Elba of Section V in the Far West Regional on Saturday.

Randolph running back Xander Hind was announced on Monday as one of the 10 finalists for the Connolly Cup as the top football player in Western New York. OBSERVER File Photo by Tim Frank

The other finalists are Trevor Barry of Iroquois; Dorian Facen Jr. of Williamsville East; Micah Harry of Lancaster; Justus Hill of Maryvale; Ricardo Kidd of St. Francis; Jayden Lewis of Bennett; and Noah Willoughby of South Park.

The winner of the Connolly Cup will be announced during a Dec. 5 banquet at Ilio DiPaolo’s Restaurant in Blasdell. Last year’s winner was Jamestown’s Jaylen Butera.