Milan Desai evolved his game in every way this season. Hopewell Valley’s senior quarterback passed for more yards (1,850), threw for more touchdowns (21) with fewer interceptions (four), and rushed for more yards (460) and touchdowns (13) than he did as a junior. For that stellar production in leading the Bulldogs to a 10-1 season and the Capitol Division title, Desai will receive the Mammy Award from the 12th Man TD Club on Wednesday night at Massimo’s Cucina in Robbinsville as the West Jersey League Player of the Year among Mercer County’s 13 schools. Desai is the third player in Hopewell history to receive the award since its inception in 1989, following in the footsteps of quarterback Tim McKeown (2022) and running back Joe Immordino (2015). A three-sport athlete who also plays basketball and lacrosse, Desai will continue his academic and football career at Johns Hopkins University next year. “Milan’s football IQ, athleticism and leadership make him the best player in the county,” Hopewell head coach Dave Caldwell said. “Milan has a 4.8 GPA and a nearly perfect SAT score. He brings this work ethic, intelligence and drive to the football field. He is able to read defenses and full participate in game planning for an opponent. Milan is also a leader on and off the field.” Hopewell Valley’s Gavin Lewis (58) is the first two-time recipient of the Fuzzy Award as the 12th Man TD Club’s WJFL Lineman of the Year. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo) Another Hopewell player, meanwhile, made history in the trenches. Senior Gavin Lewis will receive the Fuzzy Award as the WJFL Lineman of the Year, becoming the first two-time recipient since it was first handed out in 1998. The other Hopewell players who have taken home the honor are Luke Reilly (2022), Terrance Peterson (2019), Pat Allex (2018) and Matt Graziano (2014). Lewis started on both the offensive and defensive lines while serving as a team captain for the past three seasons as the Bulldogs went 28-3 and made two sectional title games. On defense and special teams, Lewis wreaked havoc with 47 tackles, six tackles-for-loss, three sacks, three blocked point-after attempts, one blocked punt, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. “Gavin is the strongest, quickest and most explosive lineman in the county,” Caldwell said. “He is a relentless competitor who combines his strength, speed and technique to dominate the line of scrimmage. We liked to run behind Gavin as his kick-out, lead-up and double-team blocks are devastating. He combines great technique, football IQ and strength to change the line of scrimmage.” Hun School quarterback Jack Moran has been named the Prep Player of the Year by the 12th Man TD Club. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo) In the year-end awards for Mercer County’s four prep schools, Hun’s Jack Moran is the Prep Player of the Year and Hun’s Kole Briehler is the Prep Lineman of the Year. Moran, a senior quarterback, is the eighth Hun player to earn the honor since it began in 2014. He set a single-season state record with 4,513 passing yards including a single-game record of 608 passing yards against Mt. Zion Academy. He completed 73 percent of his passes and threw for 47 touchdowns with only five interceptions. Moran will continue his academic and football career at the University of Charlotte next year. “Jack’s remarkable performance on the field has not only led our team to an outstanding 9-1 record against a rigorous national schedule, but also set new standards in high school football,” Hun head coach Todd Smith said. “Beyond statistics, Jack’s impact on our team and program is profound. His leadership and determination have not only driven team success, but also inspired his teammates to reach their full potential.” Hun’s Kole Briehler, left, was named the Prep Lineman of the Year by the 12th Man TD Club. (Kyle Franko/ Trentonian Photo) Briehler, who was a three-year starter on Hun’s offensive and defensive lines as the team went 26-2, is the fifth Prep Lineman of the Year to play for the Raiders. Committed to Stanford as a defensive tackle, Briehler totaled 46 tackles, 19 tackles-for-loss and 11 sacks this season. He also exceled as a pass protector and run blocker at right guard. “Kole is a formidable presence on the field. His combination of power, speed, and explosiveness makes him a nightmare for any opponent,” Smith said. “On the offensive side of the ball, his high football IQ and deep understanding of our offense allowed him to make crucial line calls and guide his fellow linemen throughout the game. Whether playing guard or center, Kole was instrumental in clearing paths and providing protection, contributing to one of the most productive offenses in the country. Kole’s abilities extend beyond raw athleticism; his football intelligence and leadership have made him a linchpin of our team.”