Former New London High School quarterback Casey Cochran was named the Gatorade Connecticut Football Player Of the Year for the second straight year. The award honors a player for his academics, character and athletic accomplishments.

Cochran, a Masuk of Monroe senior, has a 3.92 GPA and has volunteered at food banks and as a peer tutor.

The UConn-bound Cochran has thrown for 2,764 yards this season with 36 touchdowns and four interceptions for the defending CIAC Class L champion Panthers (11-0). He needs seven more touchdowns to set the state record for most passing touchdowns in a season, currently held by New Canaan's Matt Milano (42 touchdowns, 2010). Cochran has thrown for a state-record 10,464 career yards.

- Ned Griffen