In a decisive performance, Thornton Academy secured the Class A state championship, defeating defending champions Portland High School 28-0 on October 28, 2023, at Fitzpatrick Stadium. The victory marked Thornton’s seventh state title under coach Kevin Kezal, who celebrated his 200th career win, solidifying his legacy within Maine high school football.
Defensive Dominance Sets the Tone
While running back Connor Ayoob gained attention for his impressive 231 rushing yards and four touchdowns, he attributed the win primarily to the team’s defensive efforts. “The offense played great but it was the defense that won the game,” Ayoob stated. His performance elevated his single-season rushing total to an impressive 2,193 yards.
Thornton’s defense was formidable, intercepting four passes from Portland quarterback Cordell Jones, who completed 8 of 20 passes for only 48 yards while also rushing for 166 yards on 22 carries. Key defensive plays came from Carter Cormier, who recorded two interceptions, and linebacker Brennan Tabor, whose interception set up Ayoob’s first touchdown in the second quarter.
The Trojans capitalized on Portland’s mistakes, including a critical fumble recovery by Grady Hersey and another interception by Brayden Hooper, which paved the way for Ayoob’s final touchdown in the closing minutes of the game. “If the offense isn’t having a great day, then the defense has to step up, and we did that today,” said Hersey, a senior captain.
Game Dynamics and Turning Points
Both teams faced challenges in converting opportunities early in the game. Portland’s initial drive included a 14-play sequence but ended with a missed 36-yard field goal attempt by Justin Bouchard. Thornton also struggled, turning over the ball on downs after a promising 12-play drive.
Portland’s Jones showcased his capability with a 64-yard run to the Thornton 14, but a holding penalty and a sack by Trent Wilson thwarted that drive. Thornton’s offense managed to exploit Portland’s defensive lapses, primarily through Ayoob’s relentless running and a mix of passing plays that kept the Bulldogs on their heels.
The turning point came when Tabor intercepted Jones on third-and-7, returning the ball to the 21-yard line. Thornton quickly shifted to an aggressive offensive strategy, leading Ayoob to score on a 16-yard run, establishing a 7-0 lead. The Trojans maintained this advantage through halftime, though Portland’s defense forced crucial turnovers to keep the game competitive.
After halftime, Thornton’s defense continued to dominate, allowing only minimal progress for Portland. Ayoob’s performance intensified in the second half, where he carried the ball 25 times, demonstrating his endurance and skill. He scored again with an 18-yard run following a sack of Jones, extending the lead to 21-0.
Despite Portland’s efforts, including a strong defensive stand that involved forcing Ayoob to fumble at the one-yard line, they could not recover the momentum. Thornton capitalized on Portland’s inconsistent offense, ultimately sealing their victory with Ayoob’s final touchdown.
With this win, Thornton Academy finished the season with a record of 11-1, while Portland concluded their campaign at 9-3. Coach Kezal reflected on the win, noting, “To be at Thornton Academy, it’s a phenomenal school, phenomenal community support. We’ve got great coaches, great support staff, and most of all, we have great kids that just come and work hard.”
This championship not only underscores the strength of Thornton’s football program but also highlights the resilience and talent present in Maine high school athletics. As the community celebrates this achievement, the legacy of Coach Kezal and the dedication of the players continue to inspire future generations.
