SACO — The University of Maine football team will be welcoming two Trojans next fall, as Thornton Academy seniors Mike Laverriere and Johnny Rosario signed their National Letters of Intent on Wednesday to play for the Black Bears.

Laverriere emerged as one of the state’s top players, and received numerous awards this past fall including the Fitzpatrick Trophy, awarded to Maine’s top senior football player. He was also named to the Southwestern Maine Activities Association’s All-Conference teams for both offense and defense, and was also named the Gatorade Player of the Year for Maine.

Laverriere was a four-year starter for the Trojans, and played defensive back, running back and quarterback during his tenure. Laverriere accounted for over 2,000 yards in total offense for the Trojans in 2016, and will continue to serve on the offensive side of the ball as a fullback for UMaine. 

“I’d like to thank my friends and family for supporting me throughout this entire recruiting process. I’m proud to be able to play for the University of Maine and play Division I football,” said Laverriere.

Laverriere and Rosario will join a handful of TA alumni in Orono, and Laverriere believes that moving up north will be a smooth transition.

“Maine has always been on my list, I went up for my visit and it felt right, it was the right place for me. I know a lot of guys up there so it’ll be an easy transition,” said Laverriere. “It’s a lot easier, especially going in as a freshman. It’s a big schedule and you have to get used to that, having someone you know helps.”

“We here at Thornton Academy and the rest of the family are so proud of Michael’s accomplishments. I could not be happier for a man that has done so much for our program,” said TA football coach Kevin Kezal.

After spending three years playing high school ball in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Rosario transferred to TA and quickly became one of the program’s most explosive players.

Not only was Rosario an elite outside receiver, but he also was one of the state’s top kick returners. Rosario also won the Massachusetts state title for the 300 meter run in track and field last year, and is also an impact player on the TA basketball team.

Rosario appreciated his experience at Thornton.

“I was supposed to go to (Boston College), but since I went for my official (visit) at UMaine it switched my choice. Thornton helped me a lot academic-wise, and it helped me achieve what I needed to be successful,” said Rosario. 

Kezal was proud of the way Rosario quickly assimilated in the TA culture, and the impact he made both on and off the field.

“A lot goes into team building and I was worried if Johnny would fit in to our football program. I think it’s a testament to what type of person Johnny is and how easy the transition went,” said Kezal. “Johnny quickly adjusted to life at TA and became a model student in the classroom and his teammates on the playing field.”

— Associate Sports Editor Alex Sponseller can be reached at asponseller@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.