There were several question marks heading into Saturday’s Class A state championship game.

Would Portland be able to stop the high-powered Thornton Academy offense?

Would Mother Nature rear her ugly head and affect the game like last week’s regional final?

Would Portland’s home-field advantage play a factor?

One question that wasn’t tough to answer was: Will Thornton Academy’s senior standouts show up big on Saturday? The answer – an emphatic yes.

From quarterback Austin McCrum to defensive tackle Eli Ayotte and several more in between, the Trojans’ most experienced players made a statement in their final high school contest.

Let’s start with McCrum, who put an exclamation point on a career that ranks up there with the best quarterbacks in the history of the state.

The senior, who is heading to Division I Lafayette College next fall, threw for 137 yards and ran for 78 more to lead the TA offense.

McCrum’s biggest contribution – other than his clear leadership on the sidelines – came in the fourth quarter when he raced down the field for 38 yards to the Portland 14-yard line. On the very next play, McCrum sprinted into the end zone to put the Trojans up 10 points with just 4:55 left.

“Austin had a couple key runs late,” said TA coach Kevin Kezal. In the passing game, McCrum found his favorite targets – seniors Ben Lambert and Corey Hart – for 94 of his 137 passing yards.

Lambert, who had 76 receiving yards, was happy to see the TA passing game click after the wind hindered the air attack in last week’s regional final.

“I thought it was great because we finally got to put the ball up in the air, and we haven’t been able to do that in a while because of the wind. I think that opened up our offense,” said Lambert.

Lambert gave plenty of credit to McCrum.

“There is nobody better than Austin,” said Lambert.

Lambert also came up big on special teams as he returned a first-quarter punt 79 yards for a score to give the Trojans a 14-0 lead. On the big return, seniors Greg Ruff and Owen Elliott provided big blocks, which according to Lambert, sent him “off to the races.”

Ruff, who scored the Trojans’ first touchdown, played a strong game on the defensive side of the ball. The senior laid some big hits on Portland ball carriers and was clearly a leader on the field.

Speaking of big hits, Portland quarterback Issiah Bachelder will probably have nightmares of Ayotte for at least a few weeks.

Ayotte was in the Portland backfield almost as much as Bulldogs’ starting running back Joe Esposito – and he came up with a big sack late in the game.

Elliott also came up big on the defensive side of the ball as he sealed the Trojans’ second straight state championship with an interception with just 23 seconds left.

Lambert was thrilled to win a second title with this group of seniors, which have formed a special bond.

“We’ve been together since we were in seventh grade and today was our last game together,” said a reflective Lambert.

It may be bitter-sweet for this group of seniors as they won’t get to strap on a TA helmet again – but what a way to go out.

— Sports Editor Pat McDonal can be reached at pmcdonald@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 322. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @ JournalTsports.