BIDDEFORD – After starting slowly last week in its biggest game of the season, Thornton Academy was determined to make amends in a pretty big game in its own right:
The annual Battle of the Bridge game against Biddeford.
With a steady diet of Nick Kenney and Andrew Libby, Thornton rolled to a 42-14 victory Saturday at Waterhouse Field.
While it wasn’t one of the more competitive games in the long series, it was played in some of the warmest weather. The sun broke out before kickoff and temperatures were in the high 60s.
The game was postponed from Friday night because of rain and what would have been very sloppy conditions.
Thornton (7-1) gained the No. 2 seed for the Western Class A playoffs. Biddeford (3-5) needed a win plus help from other teams.
After punting on its first possession, Thornton scored on its next four to take a 28-0 halftime lead.
“I thought we played with a lot of emotion,” said Coach Kevin Kezal. “We established our power game at the start.”
Kenney and Libby scored three touchdowns each. Libby also intercepted passes in Biddeford’s first two series, the second setting up Thornton’s first touchdown.
The Golden Trojans pounded the middle with their runs, taking advantage of size and power.
“We wanted to play physical football,” said Kenney. “We didn’t play physical football last week against Cheverus (a 28-14 loss).”
Libby and Kennedy swapped touchdowns. Libby gave the Trojans a 6-0 lead. Then it was Kenney’s turn. Back and fourth they went until Thornton led 42-0.
By then it was time for the second team to play.
“Thornton is very good up front,” said Biddeford Coach Scott Descoteaux. “Thornton controlled both lines and that’s what it comes down to in football.”
Still, the Tigers feel better about themselves than they did a year ago after an 0-8 season.
“We have 17 seniors. They were part of an 0-8 year, but they all came back and gave me everything they had. I’m extremely proud of their efforts,” said Descoteaux.
Kenney finished with 127 yards on 19 carries. Libby had 111 yards on 11 carries.
Staff Writer Tom Chard can be contacted at 791-6419 or at:
tchard@pressherald.com
Twitter: TomChardPPH
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