Thornton Academy claimed the Class A state title with a commanding 28-0 victory over defending champions Portland on November 11, 2023, at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland. This win marks Thornton’s seventh championship under the leadership of head coach Kevin Kezal, who celebrated his 200th career win.
Senior running back Connor Ayoob was instrumental in the victory, rushing for 231 yards and scoring four touchdowns. Despite his standout performance, Ayoob emphasized the crucial role played by the team’s defense. “The offense played great, but it was the defense that won the game,” he stated, noting his total rushing yards for the season now stands at 2,193 yards.
The Trojans’ defense excelled, intercepting four passes from Portland quarterback Cordell Jones, who completed just eight of his 20 attempts for 48 yards while rushing for 166 yards on 22 carries. Defensive back Carter Cormier made two key interceptions, while linebacker Brennan Tabor set the tone early with an interception that led to Ayoob’s first touchdown in the second quarter.
Defensive Dominance and Offensive Efficiency
Both teams faced challenges in converting offensive opportunities early in the game. Portland’s initial drive, spanning 14 plays, ended with a missed 36-yard field goal by Justin Bouchard. Thornton responded with a promising drive but turned the ball over on downs at Portland’s 22-yard line.
Portland showed resilience, with Jones making a notable 64-yard run to reach the 14-yard line, but penalties and a sack by Trent Wilson thwarted their chances. Thornton’s defense maintained pressure, preventing Portland from advancing beyond the 35-yard line for the remainder of the game.
“The momentum shifted in their favor,” remarked Portland coach Nick Cliche. “We missed a field goal, then failed to convert on another drive. Kudos to them; they capitalized on our mistakes.”
Thornton’s breakthrough came when Tabor’s interception set up Ayoob’s first touchdown on a 16-yard run, followed by a successful extra point from Yeonwoo Kim. The score remained 7-0 at halftime, with both teams exchanging defensive stands.
Ayoob Leads Charge in Second Half
In the second half, Thornton’s offense began to shine. Ayoob’s runs and a critical 11-yard pass to Quinn Cook set up another touchdown, bringing the score to 14-0. Despite Portland’s attempts to rally, Thornton’s defense proved unyielding, forcing multiple stops.
With 5:50 left in the game, a sack by Dom Hussey set the stage for Ayoob to take charge. He carried the ball seven consecutive times, ultimately scoring again on an 18-yard run, increasing Thornton’s lead to 21-0. Ayoob’s final touchdown came shortly before the end, sealing the victory with a 25-yard toss sweep.
“We have a philosophy that our best player is going to touch the ball,” Kezal explained. “Connor certainly got the ball in the second half.”
Thornton Academy finished the season with an impressive record of 11-1, while Portland concluded their campaign at 9-3. This championship not only solidified Thornton’s dominance in high school football but also marked a significant milestone for Kezal, who expressed gratitude for the support from the school and the community. “To be at Thornton Academy, it’s a phenomenal school, and we have great kids that work hard every day,” he said, reflecting on his coaching journey.
As the celebrations commence, this championship victory will be remembered as a testament to teamwork, resilience, and the enduring spirit of high school sports.
