Portland-Thornton football grudge match, and other storylines for Week 5

Thornton Academy, Portland Bulldogs Set for Third Consecutive Class A Title Battle

Saco, Maine – Saturday, November 22, 2025 – The stage is set for a high‑stakes showdown as Maine’s top high‑school football teams converge for the Class A championship. The Portland Bulldogs (4‑0) will face the Thornton Golden Trojans (4‑0) in a match that has already drawn a national spotlight, with each side riding a perfect season and a long‑standing rivalry that has spanned three straight title games.

A Rivalry Reignited

The two schools have now met in every Class A championship game since 2023. In the 2023 final, Thornton shocked the state with a 28‑0 win over Portland, the only loss Portland has suffered in its recent Class A history. The following season saw Portland bounce back, defeating Thornton 35‑14 to claim the title in 2024. In 2025, Thornton reclaimed the crown in a defensive masterclass that left Portland scoreless, finishing the game 28‑0.

Thornton’s dominance extends beyond a single season. Since 2018, the Golden Trojans have played in seven straight Class A championship games and have compiled a 72‑8 record against Maine‑based opponents (73‑12 overall). Portland, meanwhile, has posted a 32‑5 record against in‑state teams (33‑6 overall), with three of its five losses coming at the hands of the Trojans.

The Undefeated Contenders

Both squads enter the game with spotless records. Portland’s offensive line is a blend of experience and speed, highlighted by sophomore running back Alex Martin, who has already rushed for 629 yards on 62 carries this season. Martin is complemented by David Gomes, a 38‑carry, 414‑yard workhorse who has helped the Bulldogs average 409 yards per game and 34.8 points.

Quarterback Reece Wildes, a 32‑of‑52 passer who has thrown for 499 yards, has been the catalyst behind the Bulldogs’ balanced attack. The team’s ground game averages 10.1 yards per carry, a statistic that is expected to dip slightly under the pressure of a championship atmosphere.

Thornton’s offense has been led by second‑year quarterback Noah Fullerton. The 21‑year‑old has completed 26 of 32 attempts for 381 yards, throwing eight touchdown passes with only six incompletions and no interceptions. Fullerton’s last‑game performance against Westbrook was a flawless 9‑of‑10 passing for 156 yards and two touchdowns, part of a 42‑0 victory that highlighted his precision.

Running back Brennan Tabor has been the team’s workhorse, racking up 353 yards on 40 carries. Josiah Blain and Caleb Parenteau have provided depth with 207 and 148 yards on 31 and 20 carries, respectively. Thornton’s offense averages 328 yards per game and 45.4 points, a figure that underscores their ability to move the ball consistently.

What’s at Stake

With both teams undefeated, the stakes are clear: the winner will claim Maine’s most prestigious high‑school football title. Analysts predict a competitive matchup, noting that both teams will likely see a dip in yardage and completion percentages under championship pressure. “The winner will likely be the team that comes closest to its average production,” one source noted, pointing to Portland’s rushing average and Fullerton’s completion rate as key metrics.

Thornton’s defensive prowess was on full display in 2025, stifling Portland’s offense with a 28‑0 shutout. The Trojans’ defense will look to replicate that performance, aiming to neutralize Portland’s powerful backfield and limit Reece Wildes’ passing efficiency.

Portland, on the other hand, will seek to overcome its past defeat to Thornton by tightening its defense and leveraging its offensive depth. The Bulldogs have already shown they can dominate opponents, as evidenced by their victory over the Golden Trojans the previous year.

The Broader Picture

While this game represents the culmination of a season’s worth of effort for both teams, it also reflects broader trends in Maine high‑school football. Thornton’s streak of championship appearances since 2018 highlights a sustained programmatic strength, while Portland’s consistent performance—especially in offensive yardage and scoring—illustrates a balanced approach that has proven effective across seasons.

The championship also serves as a showcase for individual talent. Players such as Noah Fullerton, Alex Martin, and Reece Wildes are on the radar of college recruiters, and a strong performance could elevate their prospects in the coming recruiting cycles.

Looking Ahead

The field is set, the teams are primed, and the fans are ready. The 2025 Class A championship promises to be a high‑energy, back‑to‑back showdown that will likely be remembered for years to come. As both squads prepare for the game in Saco, the question remains: who will emerge victorious from this storied rivalry and claim Maine’s high‑school football crown?