The rivalry between Thornton Academy and Cheverus has developed into one of the state’s best. It doesn’t have the longevity of other football rivalries but makes up for it in intensity and interest.

The drama was heightened with Western Maine final meetings in 2011 and 2012. Last year’s regular-season meeting wasn’t close – Cheverus won 56-7 at home – but the other games have been competitive.

With Thornton in the West and Cheverus in the East because of realignment at the start of last season, this is a crossover game between regions.

“This is the second year in a two-year scheduling cycle so we don’t know if we’ll play them in the regular season next year. Likely we won’t,” said Thornton Athletic Director Gary Stevens.

Saturday’s game at Thornton has similarities to the one two years ago when the teams entered with 6-0 records. Cheverus won 28-14, which gave it the No. 1 seed and home field for the regional final, which Thornton won 20-13. A week later the Golden Trojans added the Class A state title.

Thornton is 5-0 this year and the Stags are 4-1, losing 35-7 at home to unbeaten Windham two weeks ago.

In 2011, Cheverus beat Thornton 21-10 for the regional title, then beat Lawrence in the state final.

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. The time was pushed back for students who may be taking SATs.

“We’ve had some great games and I don’t expect anything differently this time,” said Thornton Coach Kevin Kezal. “Cheverus is going to play fundamental, good football. Joe Fitzpatrick is one of the best backs in the state. Zordan Holman is a great tight end.”

The Golden Trojans have been able to get a number of players into the offense this season. Last week against Massabesic they rolled up 613 yards, 520 on the ground. The key to opening chances for other players was moving Kevin Barrett from wide receiver to tight end. Barrett, who is getting looks from colleges, readily accepted the move.

“We’ve been able to spread the ball around and get a lot of people involved in the offense,” said Kezal.

Justin Boure had 174 yards rushing against Massabesic. Quarterback Austin McCrum ran for 115 yards and threw for 100, and Demel Ruff scored three touchdowns.

Michael Laverriere, Ben Lambert, Corey Hart and Derek Boissonnault also have contributed.

PORTLAND WILL have senior tackle Stephen Walsh back for Saturday’s game at Windham. Game time is 1 p.m. Walsh missed last week’s game against Oxford Hills because of the effects of a concussion.

“His presence helps the run game immensely,” said Coach Jim Hartman. “Stephen had a very good game the week before against Bangor.”

THE SECOND Portland High football Hall of Fame induction banquet will take place Nov. 26 at the Italian Heritage Center in Portland at 6:30 p.m. The inductees are Carl Frye, a running back who won the Fitzpatrick Trophy and played on a state championship team in 2002; Joe D’Andrea, a running back who won the 1995 Fitzpatrick Trophy; Peter O’Malley, a running back/defensive back, who was named to the all-state team three straight years in the mid-1980s; Paul Vachon, a two-year all-state lineman on the 1982 state title team; Gene Gillies, an all-state lineman in the early 1970s; and Joe Sabsteanski, class of 1939, who played at Fordham, and for the NFL’s Boston Yanks and New York Bulldogs in the late 1940s.

For tickets, call Coach Jim Hartman at 329-5224.