SACO – It’s been six months since the Thornton Academy football team topped their perfect season with a Class A State Championship but they are still receiving accolades.

The Maine Sports Hall of Fame selected the Golden Trojans as their choice for “Team of the Year.”

“It was a great season with a phenomenal group of kids,” said Thornton Academy head coach Kevin Kezal. “It was just fun to be out there. When the season ended, it was great that we won but it was sad that you’re not able to practice with those guys anymore.”

The senior leadership on last year’s Thornton football squad was one of the reasons that the team was so successful.

The Trojans were led by Anthony Bracamonte, Ethan Logan, Athan Gikas and Ean Patry. The four captains all brought something different to the table.

“Anthony Bracamonte brought the speed and just the unique playing style that ended up earning him the Maine Gatorade Player of the year,” said Thornton Academy athletic director Gary Stevens. “Bracamonte was our catalyst. Logan was our only two-way player, he played both offense and defense. He had the knack for catching a big pass and making a big block when the team needed it. Gikas was an outstanding defensive back, a game-changer and also a tremendous special teams’ player. Patry was a very talented linebacker type with great leadership skills, character and a player everybody would gravitate around.”

Another reason for Trojans’ dominant 2018 performance was the Thornton Academy community.

TA’s coaching staff, youth feeder programs and volunteer support all contributed to the victory that took place.

“The championship this last year was not just about the young men on the field, that really was a community-driven championship,” said Stevens. “We had a lot of people contributing from the time those young men were in second grade all the way up to the present. The honor is a testimony to the greater Saco community and the Thornton Academy community.”

Since earning the state championship, the Trojans have been honored by the City Hall in Saco and the Maine Red Claws.

Thornton Academy will be honored again with a banquet on Sunday at Merrill Auditorium.

“It’s outstanding honor…to have your high school team be recognized in the same ceremony as some of the greats in Maine sports history is certainly an incredible honor,” said Stevens. “We’re humbly touched and honored that the Maine Sports Hall of Fame chooses to recognize our kids and coaches.”

— Sports Writer Sienna Barstow can be reached at sbarstow@journaltribune.com or at 780-9018. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports

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