Thornton Academy opens atop Varsity Maine football poll

Thornton Academy begins the 2026 high school football season as Maine’s top-ranked 11-man team in the first Varsity Maine poll.

The Golden Trojans received nine first-place votes and 90 points after opening with a victory over Scarborough. Quarterback Noah Fullerton accounted for a quick lead by completing three touchdown passes in the first quarter.

Bonny Eagle followed at No. 2 with 79 points. The Scots defeated South Portland in their Class A opener. Kennebunk moved into third place with 54 points after beating Falmouth.

Greely and Westbrook are tied for fourth at 53 points apiece following opening-week wins. Thornton Academy, Bonny Eagle and Greely had all been viewed as early contenders, and each backed that standing with a victory.

The rankings become less settled after the top four. Every team placed sixth through 10th was absent from at least three ballots. Portland is sixth with 39 points, followed by Noble at No. 7 with 24, Lawrence at No. 8 with 23, Falmouth at No. 9 with 13 and Cony at No. 10 with 12.

The 11-man poll was compiled by the Varsity Maine staff using games played from Sept. 3 through Sept. 5, 2026.

Yarmouth leads the inaugural five-team eight-man rankings. The Clippers earned seven of nine first-place votes and finished with 86 points.

Old Orchard Beach is second with 58 points and one first-place vote. Stearns/Schenck is third at 57, one point behind Old Orchard Beach. Spruce Mountain, which also received a first-place vote, is fourth with 41 points. Old Town rounds out the poll at No. 5 with 37.

Old Orchard Beach and Spruce Mountain were both state runners-up last season.