SACO — The Thornton Academy football team learned a lesson last year in losing the Western Class A final to Bonny Eagle. The Trojans learned that they had to be more physical. So ever since that Friday night last November, class has been in session on becoming a more physical football team.
“We got out-physicaled, and that ended up being the downfall,” said senior co-captain C.J. Michaud of the loss to the Scots, which prevented a return trip to the state title game. “The physicality, it was there, we just weren’t tapping into it as much as we should have. We got to come firing right from the get-go, and we’ve got to out-physical teams in order to win games.”
Head coach Kevin Kezal agreed with Michaud that the team has to be more physical than it was a year ago. That starts up front with the offensive line, which had talent last year but had trouble keeping all five starters healthy.
“We got to be more physical up front offensively,” said Kezal.
“We want to be big, strong. That’s where the game is won and lost, inside the trenches,” said senior co-captain Tyler Fleurant.
Kezal said that the two teams that played in the state championship ”“ Bonny Eagle and Cheverus ”“ both beat his team, and were more physical in doing so. To beat them this season will mean to do so physically.
The Trojans will try to keep a balanced offense like they have in years past, but Kezal said running the ball will still be key. That was something that was a strength in winning the state title in 2012, but became a drive-stopper in last year’s Western Maine final.
“I only rushed for like 30 yards in that game. I can’t do that again,” said running back Demel Ruff, who is at the top of the depth chart this season.
Ruff was thrust into action early last season after injuries to departed seniors Andrew Libby And Jesse Meikle. Ruff turned out to be a diamond in the rough, but he said he’s more prepared to lead the running game this year.
Leading the offense as a whole will be junior quarterback Austin McCrum, who is back for his second season under center. McCrum showed a lot in his debut year a season ago, but Kezal said he’s much improved physically ”“ he put on 20 pounds ”“ and mentally.
The Trojans will have to replace their quarterbacks on defense, as safety Cody Lynn and middle linebacker Jack Grondin both graduated. Owen Elliott will be back at middle linebacker, while Greg Ruff is a returner in the defensive backfield. Michael Laverriere, who played some quarterback in direct-snap packages on offense last year, will see some time at safety this season.
While Lynn and Grondin leave big shoes to fill, the defense has plenty of returners, including Jimmy Remmes at outside linebacker as well as much of the defensive line. Remmes, who plays close to the line as an attacking, hybrid linebacker-end player, says his unit has to set the tone for the defense.
“It starts up front. If we’re nasty, and we’re mean and we’re hitting up front on defense, the rest is going to follow,” said Remmes.
Despite a long list of players that have graduated the past two years, the players on this year’s team said they are re-tuning and refining, rather than rebuilding.
The team is also re-learning to be physical, so as to not repeat the way last season ended.
“They understand they did come up short last year. I think they understand the reasons why we came up short. And I think they’re trying to do their best so that doesn’t happen again,” said Kezal. “Between the offseason and the preseason and everything, I think they’re doing everything in their power to have the best season they can.”
— Staff Writer Wil Kramlich can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 323 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @WilTalkSports.
Trojans At A Glance
Coach: Kevin Kezal (15th year)
Last year’s results: 7-3. Lost in Western Class A final
Key returning players: Seniors, Kevin Barrett (WR/LB), Matt Cleary (TE/LB), Tyler Fleurant (OC/LB), Ashton Lord (OT/DE), C.J. Michaud (WR/DB), D’Andre Morgan (OG/LB), Jimmy Remmes (OT/LB), Demel Ruff (FB/DB), Dylan Smith (WR/DB), Ben Zuke (OT/DE); juniors Elijah Ayotte (OC/DT), Owen Elliott (FB/LB), Corey Hart (WR/DB), Austin McCrum (QB/DB), Greg Ruff (RB/DB); sophomore Cameron Cadorette (WR/DB/K)
Key newcoming players: Senior, Jack Lemoine (RB/LB); juniors, Justin Boure (FB/DB), Ben Lambert (WR/DB), Isaac Patry (OG/DE), Evan Russell (TE/LB), Jonah Wells (OG/DE); sophomores Nick Bartholomew (OC/DE), Kyle Holman (OG/DE), Michael Laverriere (QB/DB), Tyler Lynn (RB/LB), Rome Pura (TE/LB)
Coach’s outlook: “Getting back to playing physical football both offensively and defensively is the key to our success. There is plenty of experience with 15 starters back. In a very competitive Class A league, each game is important.”
Thornton Academy Football Schedule
Sept. 6: South Portland at Thornton Academy, 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 12: Noble at Thornton Academy, 7 p.m.
Sept. 19: Thornton Academy at Scarborough, 7 p.m.
Sept. 26: Thornton Academy at Sanford, 7 p.m.
Oct. 4: Massabesic at Thornton Academy, 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 11: Cheverus at Thornton Academy, 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 17: Thornton Academy at Bonny Eagle, 7 p.m.
Oct. 24: Thornton Academy at Biddeford, 7 p.m.
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