Chad Kelly added one more keepsake to his ever-growing trophy case, winning the Connolly Cup, awarded to Western New York’s outstanding football player in a ceremony Saturday afternoon at Ilio DiPaolos restaurant in Blasdell.
Kelly, who earlier in the day was also named the Buffalo News Player of the Year, beat out nine other finalists to win the award, which celebrated its 40th anniversary.
“My teammates made the plays,” Kelly said. “I just did what the coaches asked me to do and every day I came to work ready to do what I had to do and that’s what happens. Winning this… it’s a great honor and I’m happy to be part of it.”
One of the most prolific offensive threats in Western New York high school football history, Kelly had a record-setting season; throwing for 3,050 yards to break Joe Licata’s (Williamsville South) 2010 single-season record and the second-most in state history. He threw 27 touchdowns and also ran for over 1,000 yards—becoming the first player in state history to throw for over 3,000 yards and surpass 1,000 yards in the same season.
