The Thornton Academy (Saco, ME) varsity football team will host a home playoff game against Noble (North Berwick, ME) on Saturday, November 16, at 1:00 PM. This matchup is part of the “2024 MPA Football Championships presented by Hammond Lumber Company – Class A” tournament.

What: Maine High School Football
Who: Thornton Academy (ME) vs Noble (ME)
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 MPA Football Championships presented by Hammond Lumber Company – Class A
Live stream: Watch live on NFHS Network

Noble vs. Thornton Academy: A Playoff Preview

The stage is set for a highly anticipated playoff matchup between two of Maine’s top football teams: Noble (North Berwick) and Thornton Academy (Saco). The two teams will face off on Saturday, November 16, at 1:00 PM at Thornton Academy in Saco, ME.

Season Overview

Both teams have had successful regular seasons, but their paths to this playoff meeting have been different in terms of records and scoring.

• Noble enters the playoff matchup with a solid 8-2 overall record. Their performance this season has been highlighted by a strong offense, averaging 28.3 points per game. Noble’s defense has allowed 125 points across 10 games, averaging 12.5 points per game allowed. Key players for Noble include Tommy Gagnon, who has been a standout on the ground with 101.3 rushing yards per game, and Jamier Rose, the team’s leader in passing yards with 138.1 yards per game.
• Thornton Academy finished the regular season with a 10-2 overall record, earning a reputation as one of the state’s elite teams. The team has been dominant both offensively and defensively, putting up an average of 38.8 points per game while allowing just 148 total points on the season. Thornton Academy’s offense is led by Jamier Rose, who is also a top performer for the team with 138.1 passing yards per game and a significant role in total yards (219.3 per game). On defense, Connor Boucher has been a key player, with 0.6 sacks per game.

Head-to-Head

Thornton Academy won the most recent meeting between these two teams on October 4, securing a 33-26 victory at Noble. The game saw Thornton Academy get out to a strong lead, with a 6-point edge in the first quarter, followed by dominant performances in the second and third quarters. Noble couldn’t quite recover despite a strong start in the opening quarter. Thornton Academy has shown their ability to pull away in the second half, which could be a key factor in this rematch.

Key Statistical Comparison

Looking at both teams’ offensive and defensive statistics provides a glimpse of what might happen in this high-stakes playoff game:

• Scoring: Thornton Academy holds a clear edge in scoring, with an average of 38.8 points per game compared to Noble’s 30.3. Thornton Academy has been more consistent throughout the game, scoring an average of 6.8 points in the first quarter, while Noble has averaged 5.6.
• Rushing & Passing: Noble’s offense is more balanced, with 198.8 rushing yards per game, led by Gagnon’s strong performances. Thornton Academy, meanwhile, does not focus as much on rushing, but rather passing, with Jamier Rose directing the offense for 138.1 passing yards per game.
• Defense: Both teams have solid defenses, though Thornton Academy has had the advantage in limiting points. The team allows only 14.8 points per game, whereas Noble has given up 12.5 points per game.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced similar opponents this season, and Thornton Academy holds a perfect 6-0 record against common foes, while Noble has posted a 5-1 record. Some notable results from the season include:

• Windham: Noble defeated Windham 28-13, while Thornton Academy also topped them 54-14.
• Scarborough: Noble had an impressive 38-0 win, and Thornton Academy won 69-0.
• Bonny Eagle: Noble had a 28-24 victory, but Thornton Academy cruised to a 35-12 win.

The Road to the Playoffs

Both teams have had solid playoff appearances so far. Thornton Academy enters this game with a 1-0 playoff record, having won their opening playoff game, while Noble is also 1-0 after securing a playoff win. This sets the stage for a thrilling showdown where both teams will be looking to build on their momentum and continue their postseason journeys.

Key Players to Watch

• Tommy Gagnon (Noble): A key offensive weapon, Gagnon will be a crucial factor in the rushing game for Noble.
• Jamier Rose (Thornton Academy): With his ability to lead both in passing and total yards, Rose will be a major playmaker for Thornton Academy’s offense.
• Connor Boucher (Thornton Academy): As a defensive standout, Boucher’s ability to pressure the quarterback will be critical in neutralizing Noble’s offense.

Conclusion

The rematch between Noble and Thornton Academy promises to be an exciting and competitive playoff game. Thornton Academy, with their high-powered offense and impressive defensive statistics, enters as the favorite. However, Noble’s solid rushing attack and their ability to compete against top-tier teams throughout the season means they will not go down easily.

As both teams square off in what promises to be a hard-fought contest, all eyes will be on the key players and their ability to execute under pressure. For fans in North Berwick and Saco, this is a game that will surely go down to the wire.