Thornton Academy News
Sports Spotlight: Football 2017
The Thornton Academy football team comes into the 2017 season with a lot of question marks
but also a lot of promise. After a run that included three Class A State Championships in four
years, the Trojans crashed to a surprise loss to Scarborough in last year’s Class A South
semifinals. With the loss, TA also said goodbye to some program stalwarts through graduation,
including the 2016 Fitzpatrick Award winner, Mike Laverriere, who will be taking his football
talents to the University of Maine to play for the Black Bears.
Coaches Agreste and Pulsifer conference as the Trojan offense huddles during practice.
On offense, the 2017 Trojans feature a new quarterback in sophomore Will Mitchell, new
running back in junior Grant Dow and a couple new linemen. C.J. LaBreck, who featured at
running back last year, has moved to wide receiver and had an impressive pre-season. Fans will
find the experience on the offensive line, anchored by seniors Jack Webb, Adam Metayer, and
Garrett Lynn, who moves to right tackle this year. Perhaps the most dangerous weapon for the
Trojans will be junior Anthony Bracamonte, who will play wide receiver, but also take some
handoffs in certain situations.
Quarterback Will Mitchell receives the snap and the team launches into action.
On defense, the Trojans are almost completely new from last year’s lineup. Joining the
secondary are juniors Eli Aresenault and Athan Gikas, as well as fellow junior LaBreck going
back to play safety. Junior Ean Patry helps anchor the middle linebacker spot with senior
captain Cam Houde. The defensive line will be largely rotational with Webb, junior Tommy
Palmer and senior Cam Jones getting many reps.
Head Coach Kevin Kezal talks to the defensive line.
TA enters the season in an unfamiliar position of underdogs to win the Class A South title.
Scarborough returns almost an entire lineup from a team who beat the Trojans, and perennial
power Bonny Eagle are the defending undefeated Class A State Champions.
The Trojans enjoyed a successful preseason with a solid showing against Pinkerton Academy of
New Hampshire and an exhibition win over Windham. TA then opened up the season with a 46-
6 win over Massabesic in the regular season opener. Ahead lies the night game against Deering,
then a showdown at Scarborough in Week 3.
You can watch replays of the Trojan football road games at YouTube.com/TATVsaco and all of
the home games are live streamed online at munzingmediasports.com.
