SACO — Last November, the Thornton Academy football team left Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland with the 2014 Class A state championship trophy.

On Monday, the 2015 version of the TA football squad got its first taste of live action when the Trojans battled Edward Little in a preseason scrimmage at Hill Stadium – and head coach Kevin Kezal says his team is focused on the upcoming season, not last year’s championship run.

“We’re not defending anything. If we were defending, we would have all our players back,” said Kezal.

That’s not to say Kezal isn’t expecting big things from this year’s squad.

“We are certainly trying to pursue another (state title). We want to put ourselves in position where we have a chance at the end (of the season),” said Kezal.

Kezal was happy with what he saw out of his first string on Monday.

“I thought we executed pretty well,” said Kezal, who said the work will continue today. “We will come in (Tuesday), practice, watch film and try to get better.”

Kezal was also excited about the work his younger players put in on Monday.

“I thought our young kids played well. For not getting as many reps as they want or need, I thought they executed very well,” said Kezal.

Thornton Academy will open the season on Friday, Sept. 4 when the Trojans host Sanford.

NOTE: Look for the Journal Tribune’s Fall Sports Preview on Thursday, Sept. 3.

— Sports Editor Pat McDonald can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 322 or [email protected]. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.