BOB GNOZA AWARD

Bob Gnoza was the former Commissioner of the Cape Ann Youth Football League and served more than 20 years as a coach, board member, and President of Masconomet Youth Football.  Bob was one of the most progressive CAYFL Commissioners in the league’s history, actively looking to expand the league and advocating various rule changes to improve competition and safety.  He was well respected by coaches and officials throughout the league, and loved by the hundreds of youth players he coached throughout his career.  In 2008, he received the highest honor of any coach in league history as he was named Massachusetts Youth Coach of the Year by the Massachusetts High School Football Coaches Association.

Bob passed away in July, 2014 at the age of 63, but his legacy lives on in the Cape Ann Youth Football League.  To honor his spirit and commitment to youth sports, the CAYFL is proud to present the Bob Gnoza Award annually to a deserving 8th grade player who best exemplifies the principles Bob stood for – dedication, courage, discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Each year, one 8th grader will be nominated by each CAYFL program.  The head coach of the A (or JVA) team should submit a short bio of the nominated player and discuss his qualifications for the award considering:

* Leadership qualities.
* Teamwork and team spirit.
* Dealing with adversity.
* Respect and sportsmanship.
* Dedication and commitment to team.
* Academics and citizenship.
* Other admirable qualities.

All nominees will be reviewed and voted upon by the Commissioners and head coaches of each program (one vote each and must be for a nominee from another town).  The winner will be announced at the annual CAYFL All Star Banquet.

 

2026 Gnoza Nominees

Ipswich Triton

Ronan Hunter

Hamilton Wenham

Jack Dorey

I am proud to nominate Jack Dorey for the Bob Gnoza Award. During his four years with Hamilton Wenham Generals Youth Football, Jack has shown a deep love for football and a commitment to improving. His dedication, perseverance, and appreciation for the bonds between teammates make him a deserving candidate for this honor.

Following a difficult 2025 season, Jack was the only player from that team to return. His decision speaks volumes about his resilience and loyalty to the program. Despite the challenges, Jack chose to keep playing the sport he loves, working hard and building connections with teammates. Through steady effort and determination, he has become a better player each year.

Jack’s story reflects the dedication, courage, and team spirit that the Bob Gnoza Award celebrates. His commitment is measured in four years of effort, continued growth, and the determination to return after a hard season. I enthusiastically recommend Jack for this recognition and am proud of the example he sets through his love of the game.

 

North Reading

Wyatt Baker

I proudly submit Wyatt Baker of the North Reading Hornets for the Cape Ann Youth Football League Gnoza Award. Wyatt doesn’t just play football; he elevates everyone around him through his conduct, work ethic, and daily character. He entirely embodies the award’s criteria.

Dealing with Adversity and Commitment to FamilyTo understand Wyatt’s character, you must look at how he responds to adversity at home. Wyatt’s father battles Multiple Sclerosis (MS). In the face of this unpredictable hardship, Wyatt has chosen maturity over self-pity. He has taken on extra responsibilities around the house to support his family and actively assists with his father’s care.

What truly separates Wyatt from his peers is his emotional awareness. At an age where most teenagers are trying to fit in with the crowd, Wyatt’s priorities remain rooted in what matters most. While other kids are out running around town, Wyatt can frequently be found sitting with his father—yelling passionately at a football or basketball game or sharing a movie. The maturity required for a young man to joyfully trade typical adolescent freedom to ensure he spends quality time with his dad is extraordinary. He faces home-life adversity not as a victim, but as a devoted son.

Leadership, Teamwork, and Dedication on the FieldThis same fierce loyalty and grounded perspective translate seamlessly to his role as a Team Captain for the North Reading Hornets. Wyatt is the quintessential leader who leads by example. He is invariably the very first player to arrive at the field, spending 30 minutes before every practice running routes. When practice concludes, Wyatt stays late to run routes again.

Wyatt is not the biggest or the fastest athlete on the field, but he is undeniably one of the most impactful. Through sheer discipline and a relentless work ethic, he has earned a starting spot on both sides of the ball and on all special teams units. This rare versatility is born from his dedication to knowing every single position on the field. He plays with a “max effort” mentality on every single snap, and his discipline allows to execute with consistency. He serves as a stabilizing, unbreakable force for our team spirit.

Academics and CitizenshipWyatt’s discipline does not stop on the gridiron. Academically, he is an honor roll student who challenges himself by enrolling in advanced courses. He treats the classroom with the same rigor as the football field, proving that academic excellence is a top priority.

In the community, Wyatt’s citizenship is driven by a faith that manifests in his daily character. He is active in his church, routinely volunteering his time to serve in food lines and participating in local food drives. He does not volunteer for recognition; he does it out of a conviction to support his community. Furthermore, his friends and peers look to him as a trusted confidant and a beacon of grounded perspective whenever they need help or advice.

ConclusionThe Gnoza Award honors a young person who demonstrates exceptional leadership, sportsmanship, and citizenship while overcoming adversity. Wyatt Baker does all of this while maintaining the highest academic standards and serving as a model teammate. Instead of feeling sorry for his circumstances, he has allowed adversity to forge him into a leader of unparalleled grit and empathy. He is a credit to our league and a thoroughly deserving candidate for the Gnoza Award.

 

North Andover

Matthew Chien

North Andover is proud to nominate Matthew “Chieny” Chien for the Gnoza Award. If you were at a game or practice for most of this season, you definitely saw Chieny wheeling around. He broke his ankle in the preseason (playing soccer, but let’s not go there… he was supposed to be our kicker!) and was unable to return this season, but that didn’t stop him from being one of the leaders on our team.

Chieny could have used his injury as an excuse but he shows up to every game, practice, and film session with an upbeat attitude and a smile on his face. Although he is not on the field, he is very much a part of the team. He follows his position group around practice and cheers them on and always lends a hand to snap the ball for the QB, hold the practice plan, kicking tee, ball, or whatever else needs to be accounted for, or help clean up after practice.

It’s no surprise that Chieny brings the same attitude away from football, too. Over the summer, he chose to go to math camp instead of the usual summer activities and participates in the math club in school. He helps his elderly neighbors with the groceries, the lawn, and shoveling. He communicates with his teachers and does not fall behind in class even when he misses school for his follow-up appointments. At the end of the Feaster Five, he collects unwanted pies as donations and gives them to the less fortunate. As a member of the ski team, he always waits at the finish line to cheer on his teammates and stays late to help the coaches clean up.

Chieny could have taken the loss this year and checked out on the team, but that’s not who Matthew Chien is. On and off the field he takes the initiative and does the right thing, regardless of whether it benefits him. Even though he’d do anything to be on the field with his teammates this year, he did not let that get him down. He did what you’d expect: start preparing for his return to football in high school next fall!

 

Pentucket

Evan Flanagan

It is the pleasure of Pentucket’s A team to recommend Evan Flanagan for the Gnoza Award.Evan has been a part of our youth football program since D Team, and throughout those years, he has consistently represented exactly what we hope for in a player and teammate. He is humble, dependable, and a true team-first young man.

One of Evan’s greatest qualities is his willingness to do whatever is needed to help his team. He never questions what is being asked of him and never puts himself ahead of the group. Whether he is being asked to fill in at a different position, take on a different responsibility, or simply help wherever an extra hand is needed, Evan consistently steps up. More often than not, he volunteers before he is even asked.

Evan goes above and beyond what is expected of him, and he does it with a positive attitude. He understands that being part of a team is about much more than individual recognition or playing a particular position. It is about supporting your teammates, accepting your role, working hard, and being ready when the team needs you. Evan has demonstrated those qualities throughout his entire time in our program.

As coaches, we value players who are talented, but we place an even greater value on character, attitude, effort, and selflessness. Evan has consistently demonstrated all of those qualities. He is the type of young man every coach appreciates having on their team and the type of teammate other players can rely on.

For these reasons, we believe Evan is extremely deserving of the Gnoza award and are proud to recommend him.

 

Danvers

Kenny Blake

It is with great honor and pride that I nominate Kenny Blake for the Bob Gnoza Award, which recognizes the qualities that define not only an outstanding football player, but an outstanding young man. Kenny embodies the values this award represents: leadership, teamwork, dedication, sportsmanship, and commitment to his teammates.

Kenny joined our Danvers Youth Football program at the D team level and has developed into one of the most dominant and dependable players in the league. A starter on both sides of the ball at offensive tackle and defensive end. For five years he has consistently dominated the line of scrimmage and continues to do so today. In my opinion, he is one of the best defensive ends and offensive tackles in the league.Kenny’s leadership is second to none. He may not be the loudest player in the room or on the field, but he leads through his actions, discipline, and work ethic. It’s hard to remember a time Kenny has been flagged for a penalty on either side of the ball. He plays with toughness and discipline while respecting the game, understanding that leadership means doing your job, holding yourself accountable, and earning the trust of your teammates and coaches.

As a teammate, Kenny is everything a coach hopes to see in a young leader. He is always willing to help others, whether explaining a play, clarifying an assignment, or stepping up when someone needs support. One of the things we regularly hear from Kenny is, “Coach, put him on my side. I’ll make sure he is good.” That simple statement says it all.His teammates have even given him the nickname “Unc” or “Uncle Kenny.” Whenever things get dicey on the field and someone needs help, they know they can call on Uncle Kenny to make things right. The best part is that he usually does. The nickname reflects the trust and confidence he has earned from his teammates and knowing that they can always depend on him being there.

Kenny’s character is just as impressive off the field. He is respectful, humble, and accountable. When speaking with a coach, he looks you directly in the eye, listens carefully, and responds with a simple, “Yes, Coach.” Then he follows through. He does the right thing even when no one is watching, demonstrating an integrity that extends beyond football and reflects the young man he is becoming.His dedication is also evident in the way he balances academics and athletics. Kenny is a high-honors “Principal List” student at St. John’s Prep Middle School, while also playing on the SJP middle school tackle football team. On days when his schedule requires two practices, he shows up ready to work without complaint. Kenny continues to demonstrate the discipline and determination needed to succeed both in the classroom and on the field.

Kenny also exemplifies sportsmanship. He respects his coaches, teammates, opponents, and the game itself. He plays hard, accepts coaching, and consistently puts the team ahead of himself. He is someone younger athletes can look up to and teammates can depend on.

As coaches, we are fortunate to work with talented football players. But the impact of a truly special player goes beyond tackles, blocks, and wins. It is measured by how he leads, how he supports his teammates, and the example he sets every day. Kenny Blake embodies those qualities.

It is with great honor that I nominate Kenny Blake for the Bob Gnoza Award. He is a dominant football player, a dedicated student, and an exceptional teammate who represents our program with pride. Kenny exemplifies the values this award recognizes, and his teammates’ nickname for him says it best: when they need someone they can count on, they call on “Unc”.

 

Newburyport

Mason Pilsmaker

It is with tremendous pride, admiration, and a unanimous decision from our coaching staff that Newburyport Youth Football nominates Mason Pilsmaker for the Bob Gnoza Award.

Mason’s football journey began in sixth grade, although not in the way he had imagined. The summer before his first season, Mason was diagnosed with an extremely severe case of Lyme disease. For a boy who had always been exceptionally athletic, energetic, and active, the diagnosis was devastating. His illness left him physically debilitated, requiring extensive treatment and forcing him to step away from the activities that had always been such an important part of his life.As he battled the disease, Mason also suffered a severe wrist fracture that ended any possibility of playing football that season.

For most sixth-grade boys, that would have been the end of their football season. After all, what 11 year-old wants to spend months attending practices for a sport he cannot actually play?Mason did.Every. Single. Day.Four to six days a week, through the heat of August, the rain, the wind, and the bitter cold of fall, Mason showed up. He attended every practice and every game, knowing full well that he would never step onto the field for a single play.He stood on the sidelines. He listened to his coaches. He learned the plays. He encouraged his teammates. He celebrated their successes. He was present, engaged, enthusiastic, and completely committed to his team.Think about that for a moment. At an age when most children are still learning what commitment and teamwork truly mean, Mason was demonstrating both at a level that many adults struggle to achieve.He had every reason to stay home. Every reason to feel sorry for himself. Every reason to walk away and try again the following year.Instead, he chose his team.And in doing so, he taught every player and coach around him a lesson that went far beyond football.When Mason was finally medically cleared to return to sports the following season, he didn’t just return. He embraced every opportunity with the same extraordinary enthusiasm and dedication he had shown from the sidelines.

As coaches, we often talk to our players about effort, accountability, respect, and doing the right thing even when nobody is watching. Mason doesn’t just understand those lessons. He lives them.He is relentlessly positive. He listens. He works incredibly hard. He respects his coaches and his teammates. He accepts every challenge with a smile and gives everything he has, regardless of the task.And perhaps one of his most admirable qualities is his willingness to lead, whether that means being the loudest voice on the field or quietly setting an example through his actions.When we ask Mason to step up, he steps up. When we ask him to be vocal, he is vocal. When we ask him to do something difficult, uncomfortable, or outside his comfort zone, he does it without hesitation.That may sound simple, but anyone who has coached middle school boys understands how extraordinary that can be. At an age when standing out can feel like the scariest thing in the world, Mason is willing to do whatever his team needs, even if it means being the only one doing it.And he does it with a smile.There is something especially meaningful about watching a young athlete who once had the game taken away from him approach every practice, every drill, and every opportunity with such genuine gratitude. Mason never seems to take a single moment on the football field for granted.His effort is unmatched. His attitude is infectious. His dedication is unwavering.

In a sport where we often celebrate the biggest hits, the longest runs, and the winning touchdowns, Mason reminds us that some of the most important contributions a player can make will never appear on a scoreboard.They are measured in character. In perseverance. In loyalty. In the ability to make everyone around you better.As coaches, we hope that the lessons we teach on the football field will help shape the young men our players eventually become. But every once in a while, a player comes along who reminds us of those lessons himself.Mason is that player.

The Bob Gnoza Award was created to honor the values of dedication, courage, discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. We cannot imagine a young man who embodies those principles more completely than Mason Pilsmaker.He was a teammate before he could be a player. He was a leader before he ever took the field. And he has been an inspiration to our entire program from the very beginning.It has been an absolute privilege to coach Mason, and we are incredibly proud to nominate him for this honor.

 

Winthrop

Gavin Sorrentino

Gavin Sorrentino is a dedicated student-athlete who has shown commitment, hard work, and determination both on and off the field. As an eighth-grade student at Winthrop Middle School, Gavin takes pride in his academics, athletics, and involvement in the Winthrop community. He is a great example of a young athlete who understands the importance of balancing school, sports, and being a positive member of his community.

Gavin has been playing for Winthrop Youth Football since the third grade. Over the years, he has developed a strong love for the game and has learned many valuable life lessons along the way. Football has taught him the importance of teamwork, discipline, leadership, and never giving up. Throughout his years with the Winthrop Vikings Youth Football,Gavin has continued to grow as both a player and a teammate. His dedication to the sport and his team shows how much pride he takes in representing Winthrop Youth Football.

In addition to football, Gavin is a three-sport athlete who also plays baseball and basketball. Participating in three sports throughout the year takes a great deal of time, energy, and commitment. Gavin works hard to balance his athletic responsibilities while continuing to succeed in the classroom. Being involved in multiple sports has helped him develop strong teamwork skills, sportsmanship, and the ability to work with others toward a common goal.

While athletics are an important part of Gavin’s life, his education remains a top priority. Gavin is an honor roll student at Winthrop Middle School, demonstrating his dedication to academic success. Maintaining good grades while participating in three sports is not always easy, but Gavin understands that being a successful student is just as important as being a successful athlete. His hard work in the classroom reflects his responsibility, determination, and desire to do his best.

Beyond academics and athletics, Gavin is also involved in the Winthrop community. He understands the importance of giving back and being part of something bigger than himself. Growing up in a close-knit town like Winthrop has taught him the value of community pride, respect, and supporting others.

As Gavin prepares to move on to high school, he can be proud of everything he has accomplished so far. His years with Winthrop Youth Football have helped shape him into the student-athlete he is today. Through his academic achievements, dedication to three sports, and community involvement, Gavin continues to demonstrate the qualities of a well-rounded young man. His commitment, determination, and Viking pride will continue to guide him as he takes on new challenges and opportunities in the future.

 

Gloucester

Kayden Louis

I am proud to nominate Kayden Louis for the Gnoza Scholarship. As his coach, I have watched him grow since joining our program at the C-Team level into an outstanding eighth-grade football player and teammate. He represents the five values this award honors: dedication, courage, discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Kayden’s dedication is evident in his daily commitment. He never misses practice and lifts year-round, putting in the work long before the season begins. He understands that improvement takes consistent effort, and he brings that commitment to our team every day.

Kayden is autistic, and learning and remembering plays can sometimes present additional challenges for him. He meets those challenges with determination and perseverance. When something is difficult, he keeps working. His willingness to push through frustration and continue learning demonstrates both courage and discipline.

That hard work has translated into an impressive season. At nose guard, Kayden has been a standout on defense, making numerous tackles and sacks. On offense, his powerful running has produced touchdowns and helped our team succeed. His contributions on both sides of the ball reflect the effort he puts into preparing himself.

Beyond his performance, Kayden is a great teammate. His reliability, commitment, and willingness to work through challenges set an example for those around him. He contributes to our team through both his ability and his character, embodying the teamwork and sportsmanship we strive to teach.

I strongly recommend Kayden Louis for the Gnoza Scholarship. His accomplishments deserve recognition, but the dedication and perseverance behind them are what make him such a deserving nominee. I am proud to coach him and proud to put his name forward for this award.

 

Marblehead

Connor Rodgers

Marblehead nominates 8th grader Connor Rodgers for the 2026 Bob Gnoza Award.

Connor came to football for the first time this fall, as an eighth grader. Most of his teammates have been in the program since the D team. Connor started on the offensive and defensive line, the hardest place on the field to learn the game, with no experience and a lot of ground to make up. He never treated that as an excuse. He came to every practice ready to work, asked his coaches for feedback, listened to it, and put it to use on the next rep.

What set Connor apart was the example he set for the whole team. A first-year lineman gets little attention, and Connor never asked for any. Every day he did the unglamorous work of footwork, stance and fundamentals. His attitude was the same whether we won or lost and whether he’d had a good day or a bad one. Our veteran players saw a newcomer to the sport give full effort every snap. When a first-year player takes coaching that seriously, it’s hard for anyone else on the roster to take it lightly. Connor raised the standard for everyone around him.

Connor got better every week.  Off the field, he is a respectful and dependable.

Bob Gnoza valued dedication, discipline and teamwork. Connor’s season shows all three: he chose a hard road, stayed on it, and made the people around him better. Marblehead is proud to nominate him.

 

Masco

Drew Ordman

It is with great pride that I nominate Drew Ordman for the Gnoza Award. Throughout his three years in Masco youth football, Drew has demonstrated tremendous character, perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to his team. He is a deserving candidate who represents the values this award should recognize.

Drew has faced his share of adversity during his football journey, including battling injuries and balancing multiple sports during the same season. Despite these challenges, he has continued to make football a priority and has shown an unwavering commitment to his team. Even when injuries have kept him from participating fully, Drew has continued to attend practices and support his teammates. His willingness to show up, stay involved, and encourage others speaks volumes about the kind of teammate and young man he is.

What truly sets Drew apart is his attitude and character. He consistently gives 100% effort, respects his coaches, and approaches the game with a positive mindset. He demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship, treats others with respect, and understands that being part of a team means contributing in ways that go far beyond what happens on the field.

Drew’s dedication, resilience, and team-first mentality make him an excellent example for his teammates. He has shown that commitment is not just about playing time or individual accomplishments; it is about showing up, supporting others, overcoming adversity, and doing the right thing even when things get difficult. He also adds a fun factor that his teammates love with his occasional jokes and sense of humor that is addicting.

For these reasons, I wholeheartedly recommend Drew Ordman for the Gnoza Award. He embodies the qualities of a great teammate and a true student-athlete, and I believe his character, effort, and sportsmanship make him a very deserving recipient. Drew embodies the exact values and principles Bob Gnoza instilled in all his players.

 

Salem

Nathan Cream

As Nathan Cream’s eighth grade football coach, I have had the opportunity to witness tremendous growth in him, both as a football player and as a young man. When Nathan first joined our team, he had very little understanding of how the game of football was played. What Nathan lacked in experience he made up for it with hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn.

Throughout the season he consistently showed up to practice ready to improve day in and day out to develop the confidence and understanding the game of football to contribute to his team at both the center and guard positions. His progress from the beginning of the season to the end was truly impressive. One of the things that stood out most about Nathan was his toughness and resilience that he developed At the beginning of the season Nathan was hesitant about the physical nature of football and often shied away from contact. Nathan continued to show up listen to his coaches, and challenge himself every day, overtime his coaches had challenged himself every day, and watched him become a more confident player who was no longer afraid of contact or the challenges that come with the game of football.

Nathan is naturally a quiet young man, but he is not afraid to speak up when needed, Nathan leads by example through his attitude, effort, and consistency. He is the player who showed up to practice every day ready to work, he took coaching extremely well and never complained even when things were challenging. What makes Nathan that impressive is his ability to balance his commitment to football with his participation in the band  all while maintaining strong academic performance. Nathan’s dedication to all three demonstrates a level of discipline, responsibility, and maturity that deserves recognition.

I believe Nathan is incredibly deserving of this scholarship because he represents what youth sports are truly about: growth, perseverance, character, and the willingness to work toward becoming better every day. Nathan was not the most experienced or naturally gifted player when he started, but that never stopped him from putting in the effort. Nathan showed   that toughness is something you don’t have to be born, but something you can develop through hard work. As his coach I am proud of the progress that Nathan has made, but even more proud of the young man he is becoming. I strongly recommend Nathan Cream for this scholarship and believe he will make the most of any opportunity that is given to him.