Cal Smith, a Milford resident who is a captain at Cheshire Academy, was a recipient of the coaches Award and the Cheshire Academy Trustees Award at an awards banquet earlier this month.

The Trustees Award was given to Cal because of his leadership, scholarship, and trustworthiness.

Tanya Bierwirth (Cheshire Academy Assistant Director of athletics) said of Cal that "this young man has had an extremely positive impact on the overall Cheshire Academy community in so many ways throughout his time here and for that, he will be sorely missed when he moves on next year."

Smith with the male Trustees Award, for the fall season 2008. Smith has a 3.5 grade average.

Cheshire Academy went 8-1 and won the NEPSAC Austin Bowl after a 14-7 victory over Tilton Academy. Smith made two tackles that stopped touchdowns.

NORTH BRANFORD'S LASKO ALSO HONORED

Joe Lasko of North Branford has been nominated as an Old Spice Red Zone Player of the Year.

As a result of this achievement, Lasko is among a select group of players who are eligible to be selected as a national Red Zone Player of the Year and be honored in a full-page feature in USA Today in February.

For the eighth straight year, Old Spice is recognizing high school football players who go above and beyond the call of duty, particularly in the Red Zone. The program honors athletes who are able to elevate their play and step up when the heat is really on. These athletes embody leadership, performance and desire, and serve as examples to their teammates on and off the field. High school coaches across the country are naming one player from their team as their Player of the Year. Each team's player of the year will receive a certificate to acknowledge his accomplishment.

Lasko is also eligible to be named one of 50 national Players of the Year. The top 50 players nationwide will be named Red Zone Players of the Year and will receive a plaque and other awards.