STANDISH — Brothers Greg and Demel Ruff combined for three touchdown to lead Thornton Academy to a 28-12 win over Bonny Eagle in a Western Maine Class A football game Friday night.
The two teams entered the game tied for first in Western Class A Crabtree Points. Thornton, which bounced back from a 48-41 overtime loss against Cheverus, moved closer to securing homefield advantage throughout the regional playoffs.
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“We knew this game in all likelihood was for the top seed in the playoffs,” said Thornton Coach Kevin Kezal. “We really played outstanding defense, and (quarterback) Austin McCrum took advantage of the defense to make some nice runs.”
The game was a rematch of last year’s Western Maine final, won by Bonny Eagle on its way to the state championship. Thornton put this game away in the second half by controlling the tempo. The Golden Trojans (6-1) didn’t allow a first down in the second half.
Thornton scored on its second drive of the second half on a 3-yard run by Greg Ruff, his second touchdown of the night. Michael Laverriere clinched the victory with a 1-yard run with 6:16 left, set up by Demel Ruff’s 41-yard run.
“We knew that this game was for homefield advantage,” said Greg Ruff. “The coach gave me a chance to run the ball and the line really blocked well. I’m glad I could contribute.”
Thornton led 15-12 at halftime, scoring late in the half after recovering a Bonny Eagle fumble.
The Scots (5-2) were leading 12-7 when Greg Ruff recovered a fumble by Bonny Eagle quarterback Zach Dubiel at the Bonny Eagle 42. McCrum ran for 11 yards, and three plays later Greg Ruff broke off left tackle for a 26-yard touchdown with 1:16 left in the half. McCrum passed to Lambert for the 2-point conversion.
“You can’t turn the ball over against a team like Thornton Academy and expect to win,” said Bonny Eagle Coach Kevin Cooper. “Give Thornton credit, they played very well.”
Both teams have one game remaining. Thornton finishes up at Biddeford, and Bonny Eagle is at Windham.
“We knew after we lost to South Portland in the second game of the year that we might have to go to Thornton for the regional final. If we have to play there, it’s fine with us,” said Cooper.
Bonny Eagle received the opening kickoff and scored on the second play – a 45-yard pass from Dubiel to Ben Malloy.
Thornton came right back, scoring on its first play from scrimmage as Demel Ruff went 73 yards for a touchdown. Cameron Cadorette’s extra point gave the Trojans a 7-6 lead.
The defenses controlled things after that until Bonny Eagle fullback Matt Smith broke free for a 56-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
Tom Chard can be contacted at 791-6419 or at:
tchard@pressherald.com
Twitter: TomChardPPH
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