Small changes in Varsity Maine football polls, but big games on top
Thornton Academy tops Maine high‑school football poll, Bonny Eagle keeps second spot
Saco, Oct. 10 – In the latest Varsity Maine poll, Thornton Academy secured every first‑place vote, while Bonny Eagle claimed all the second‑place votes, keeping the two schools at the top of the 11‑man rankings.
The 11‑man poll, which reflects the results of Week 6 games played through October 10, lists the top ten teams in order of total points. Thornton Academy leads with 90 points, a perfect score from nine first‑place votes. Bonny Eagle follows with 81 points, the highest second‑place tally. The remaining positions are:
- Thornton Academy (9) – 90 points
- Bonny Eagle – 81 points
- Lawrence – 68 points
- Marshwood – 63 points
- Portland – 49 points
- Leavitt – 45 points
- Oxford Hills – 31 points
- South Portland – 21 points
- Cony – 19 points
- Hermon – 12 points
Other teams that received votes include Massabesic (7), Kennebunk (6) and Greely (3).
The eight‑man poll, based on the same Week 6 schedule, has Yarmouth at the summit with 90 points, followed by Old Orchard Beach (78) and Stearns/Schenck (73). Old Town earns 61 points, and Spruce Mountain climbs back into the top five with 32 points after its upset of Cape Elizabeth last week.
Key games that could reshape the standings
A number of matchups in Week 7 may shift the rankings, particularly in Class A North and Class C. No. 7 Portland is set to host No. 5 Thornton on Saturday, a game that could decide the top seed in Class A North. In Class C, a rivalry between Greely and 10th‑ranked Hermon in Cumberland is scheduled. That game is viewed as a defining moment for the division; in Week 2 Leavitt defeated Greely 30‑12, but Hermon still has a chance to secure the top spot with two more games: a contest this week against the Rangers and a home matchup next week against No. 6 Leavitt.
South Portland, ranked eighth in Class A South, stands to benefit from the outcomes of these games. The Red Riots have outperformed both Thornton and Bonny Eagle more than any other team this season, and last week they defeated then‑No. 8 Massabesic. A victory over Noble on Friday is expected to lock in the third seed for South Portland in the Class A South playoffs.
The 11‑man story
Thornton’s dominant performance in Week 6, highlighted by a 43‑13 win over Portland in Saco on October 3, was a key factor in its unanimous first‑place ranking. In that game, senior wide receiver Brennan Tabor celebrated a first down, underscoring the team’s offensive rhythm. The Trojans’ strong defense kept Portland to a single touchdown, while the offense amassed 43 points, pushing the Bulldogs into the fourth spot on the list.
Bonny Eagle’s consistent play throughout the season earned it a firm second place, with the team currently holding a 6‑0 record in the league. Their next matchup, a home game against Lawrence, could determine whether they maintain a close second or drop to third.
Lawrence and Marshwood have also posted solid records, each winning four of their six games. Portland remains in the top five but has slipped slightly after a loss to a lower‑seeded opponent.
Eight‑man updates
The eight‑man poll saw a significant shift with Spruce Mountain’s return to the top five after defeating Cape Elizabeth last week. The Phoenix’s victory over the Seagulls gave the team a fresh spark, and the Yarmouth Clippers continue to lead the pack.
Old Orchard Beach and Stearns/Schenck maintain strong positions, while Old Town’s steady performance keeps it in the top five as well. Cape Elizabeth, despite its loss, still garnered fourteen votes, and Orono added twelve.
Looking ahead
The upcoming games in Week 7 will be pivotal. A victory for Thornton over Portland could solidify its No. 1 ranking, while a loss would open the door for Bonny Eagle and the other top teams. In Class C, Hermon’s performance against Greely and Leavitt will determine whether the Hawks can climb to the top of the division.
Maine’s high‑school football scene is set for a thrilling finish to the regular season, with playoff seeding hanging in the balance for several teams. As the stakes rise, fans can expect competitive matchups and the possibility of upsets that could reshuffle the standings in the days to come.
