When Lawrence took the opening kickoff of Saturday’s Class A football title game and ran it back for a 6-0 lead, one could hear the air let go from the Thornton Academy crowd.

After 10 minutes of heavy cheering from the Thornton crowd during the game’s opening ceremonies, that opening play suddenly quieted the fans. Only for a little bit, however. After all, this was the same way the 1988 Class A state title game began between Lawrence and Thornton Academy. And Thornton went on to beat them back then, too.

The Golden Trojans’ players responded to Lawrence’s quick strike, driving 80 yards down the field and capping a scoring drive with a Nick Kenney touchdown run, evening the game at 7-7.

Although Lawrence went on to take a 14-7 lead, the Thornton players never panicked as the Bulldogs seemed to be in control in the game’s early stages.

Maybe it was the battles with Cheverus ”“ one where TA had lost and another in which TA had to hold on to win ”“ that allowed the Trojans to maintain composure. Maybe it was the group of upperclassmen who had played through adversity during their careers in a TA uniform. Maybe it was confidence. Maybe it was destiny. Whatever it was, Thornton didn’t get rattled.

Lawrence nailed a field goal late in the first half to take a 17-16 halftime lead. Still, Thornton wasn’t shell shocked.

What Thornton was, however, was a team on a mission. The Golden Trojans opened the second half with clock-killing drives and defensive pounding stands, eventually taking control of the game like they did most of the season.

Thornton’s players were ready for their moment on Saturday. It had been 24 years since the rich and proud TA program had hoisted a gold ball.

The Trojans had been oh-so-close the past two seasons of reaching the pinnacle, only to see their summit trip marred by losses in the playoffs.

None of that mattered on Saturday as Thornton improved to 11-1, winning the title game 37-23.

After the game, the team celebrated, shed tears, embraced and shared the moment. This season was a culmination of sorts for Thornton head coach Kevin Kezal. He had never won a state title, but he consistently puts together one of the toughest teams in all of Maine.

Players such as Kenney, Andrew Libby, Eric Christensen, Dylan Morton, David LePauloue, Dakota Tarbox, Cody Meserve, Bobby Begin, Josh Cyr and Connor McCrum battled the Bulldogs the entire game to bring home that elusive championship.

The fans did their part, packing the Thornton side of Fitzpatrick Stadium, showing their enthusiasm with boisterous yells.

It all paid off at the end as the clock wound down and the Thornton players rushed the field. After celebrating for about 15 minutes on the field, one player yelled that the fans should get to touch the gold ball trophy. The Thornton players rushed to their fans, shook hands, embraced and enjoyed the title with their friends and families who had supported them through this epic journey.

Yes, the players on the field won the game in between the white lines as it was their plays, their runs, their passes, their tackles and their sweat that led to the outcome, but it was much more than that. This victory was a culmination of years of sacrifice from parents spending their hard-earned money on football equipment and gas to get their sons to and from practice, probably starting when they were in elementary school. This win was the product of a school that has stood behind the football program and allowed it to blossom. The title was a product of the Saco community that supported the players and coaches throughout the years.

It takes a village to raise a football champion, which is exactly what Thornton Academy celebrated on Saturday.

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Today’s editorial was written by Sports Editor Al Edwards on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.