Bonny Eagle-Thornton game highlights this week’s football storylines
Saco Sets Stage for Maine’s Elite High‑School Showdown as Thornton Academy Faces Bonny Eagle
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Maine News Now
October [Current Date]
SACO – Saturday’s 1 p.m. kickoff at Hill Stadium will feature one of the most anticipated regular‑season clashes of the year, as the Thornton Academy Golden Trojans (7‑0) host the Bonny Eagle Scots (7‑0) in what many see as a preview of the Class A South championship. The two programs have been the state’s dominant forces this season, and the backdrop includes a historic rivalry that has tilted heavily toward Thornton over the past half‑decade.
Series History and Stakes
Bonny Eagle is hunting its first victory over Thornton since the 2019 Class A title game. Since then, the Scots have fallen short in six straight contests, including two victories for the Golden Trojans last fall. Those wins came in Standish during the regular season and in Saco in the regional final, both times wearing down Bonny Eagle in the second half. The upcoming encounter marks a fresh chance for the Scots to break that streak, while Thornton aims to extend its dominance.
Key Players and Statistics
Bonny Eagle will lean on junior quarterback Lucas Klehn, a first‑year starter who has emerged as a leading candidate for statewide player‑of‑the‑year honors. Behind a stout offensive line, Klehn has amassed 870 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns on 110 carries, while completing 68 percent of his passes (46 of 67) for 789 yards, seven touchdown passes and no interceptions. His supporting cast includes running backs Ben Noe (466 rushing yards on 58 attempts) and Ben Havu (291 yards on 31 attempts). Wide receiver Drew Gervais has collected 25 catches for 428 yards and three touchdowns. Havu also leads Bonny Eagle’s defense with the most tackles.
Thornton’s offensive identity has shifted this year to a balanced attack. Second‑year starter Noah Fullerton has completed 70 percent of his passes (42 of 60) for 772 yards, 16 touchdowns and three interceptions. Logan LeBlanc is the primary deep threat, hauling in 18 passes for 454 yards and nine scores. Brennan Tabor has emerged as the team’s leading ground attacker, gaining 634 yards on 69 carries and scoring 13 touchdowns. Josiah Blain contributes 371 rushing yards on 57 attempts. Both Tabor and Blain anchor the inside linebacking unit, combining for 85 solo tackles (42 and 43 respectively).
Coaching Perspectives
Horns coach Mike Hathaway offered a measured take on the rival Leavitt Hornets, noting that while his squad isn’t on par with the historic 2023 team that went 11‑0 and toppled several Class A powerhouses, this year’s group is “very good.” Leavitt (7‑0) will face Greely (6‑1) on Friday, and Hathaway praised the team’s depth, returning players, and defensive performance that has limited opponents to just 39 points all season.
Other Notable Games This Weekend
Biddeford Tigers (5‑2) continue their climb after the season’s biggest upset—a 37‑14 triumph at previously unbeaten Marshwood, after rallying from a 14‑0 deficit. The Tigers can secure a bye to the regional semifinals with a win over Cheverus (2‑5) Friday at Waterhouse Field. Coach Steve Allosso described his squad’s development, saying, “Our team is maturing, and as they're maturing, they're understanding the game better and getting better.” Junior slot back Estevao Lembissa has become a centerpiece, delivering a 71‑yard touchdown reception and a 49‑yard rushing score against Marshwood. Allosso added, “He's fast. He's quick. He's tough. And he has super character.” Additional contributors include senior quarterback Ernest Dore, left guard Caiden Howe, junior RB/DE Stanley Richerson, junior WR/OLB Alex Gosselin, and rising linebacker Marcus Perkins. However, the Tigers have yet to string together two strong performances, a weakness Allosso says he is working to correct.
Class B South could see a defining clash as Kennebunk (6‑1) travels to Marshwood (6‑1). Both teams sit tied atop the Crabtree division, and the winner earns the No. 1 playoff seed. The loser could drop to No. 3 and lose a first‑round bye if Biddeford clinches a spot. Marshwood is dealing with injuries: fullback Greg Castoras is listed as day‑to‑day after a late‑season hurt, and star halfback Noah Goodwin remains questionable after missing the past two games. Coach Andrew Elwell confirmed the roster is “dinged up” heading into the contest.
The Thornton‑Bonny Eagle game not only carries immediate bragging rights but also serves as a potential barometer for both programs’ postseason trajectories. With the Class A South final looming, fans and recruiters will be watching closely as the two best teams in Maine square off at Hill Stadium.
