Who is the greatest high school football player to come out of the Fall River area?

FALL RIVER — The Herald News takes a look at some of the greats in the Greater Fall River area who ever played sports during the fall season as part of a Summer series.

These athetes, who graced the fields, indoor settings and terrain, goes back as far as the late 1940s. Now is your chance to cast your vote on our version of Mount Rushmore fall's greatest ever. This poll includes football.

Supporters of the schools and athletes can visit heraldnews.com to vote for the athlete of their choosing. Voting will conclude Aug. 10 with the winner announced on heraldnews.com or X (formerly known as Twitter).

Don't wait, vote now and often for your favorite choice.

( If you have a suggestion, email Steven Sanchez at ssanchez@heraldnews.com )

YOU CAN VOTE HERE

Football

Joe Andrews, Durfee High School

During his junior and senior years, Andrews rushed for over 100 yards per game with some games of 200 yards or more. He ran away with the state scoring championship (155) in 1948. Andrews hit paydirt 26 times and had 97 points as a junior.

Billy Burgess, Somerset High School

Burgess was quick as lighting. The Somerset running back scored a state-record 159 points, breaking Joe Andrews’ record during his senior year in 1953. He earned a football scholarship to the University of Alabama. Burgess was a 10.2 second sprinter in the 100 yards.

Elmer 'Ike' Gagne, Somerset High School

One of the toughest player to don a Somerset uniform. Head coach Carlin Lynch, whose team was 8-0 in 1958 and won the Class D championship, said Gagne was pound-for-pound the best player he coached.

Tom Gastall, B.M.C. Durfee High School

The Hilltopper star was arguably the best quarterback in Durfee history. Played football, basketball and baseball at Boston University where he was one of the top 10 quarterbacks in the country. He was drafted by the Detriot Lions but opted to play baseball for the Baltimore Orioles.

Rick Kowalski, Somerset High School

Kowalski rushed for 1,125 yards and 15 touchdowns for Somerset in 1981 to be the fifth leading scorer in Eastern Massachusetts Division 3. Despite missing the first two games, he rushed for 1,000 yards his senior season. Kowalski tallied 23 career touchdowns, including an 80-yard TD interception return.

Fred Kozak, Durfee High School

On Thanksgiving, with Kozak rushed for three touchdowns and kicked five extra points as the Hilltoppers ended a 16-year win drought against the Whalers in 1944.

Adam Silva, Joseph Case High School

Silva rewrote the Cardinal record book, especially during his senior season in 1989. He rushed for 1,369 yards and scored 186 points. His career numbers include 3,459 yards rushing and scored 368 points. He was Eastern Massachusetts Division 4 Player of the Year in 1989.

Lucien Silva, Durfee High School

Silva was an offensive end for three seasons and was known for making the difficult catches for the Hilltoppers. On defense, he started for two seasons at defensive back and then switched to outside linebacker in 1968.

Tim White, Durfee High School

White (Class of 1984) was known as the best blocking lineman ever at Durfee High School. He earned a football scholarship to Northeastern University. White was one the area's top offensive players and he played defensive end.

Shane Viveiros, Bishop Connolly High School

Viveiros was one of the most versatile athlete for the Cougars in their history. In his senior season (2006) he passed for 1,054 yards and ran for 1,365 yards.

Write in nominees

Marc Megna, Durfee

Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette sports editor Steven Sanchez can be reached at ssanchez@heraldnews.com. You can follow him on Twitter @Chezsports

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Who is the greatest high school football player to come out of the Fall River area?