BYFIELD – Almost three a long time have handed since Thayer Academy was victorious at Governor’s Academy.
That drought got here to a halt Saturday when Thayer defensive again Jack Sullivan intercepted Governor’s quarterback Aiden Bly, preserving a 16-14 victory in enemy territory.
“It’s the primary time we’ve received right here in my 29 years in this system,” stated Thayer coach Jeff Toussaint, who has been head coach since 2004. “A lot of the credit score goes to our seniors. We solely have 9 seniors, however they set the instance for your entire program.”
A senior captain, Sullivan made an ideal learn on Bly’s move with one minute and twenty-two seconds remaining. His interception interrupted a 48-yard drive that appeared headed straight for the top zone.
“The receiver sunk his hips early and I jumped in entrance and caught the ball,” stated Sullivan. “I used to be prepared for it. Our coaches ready us.”
Governor’s had three timeouts remaining, so there was an opportunity to increase the sport with a cease. Thayer (3-2) couldn’t danger placing the ball again into the arms of Bly (12-19, 116 yards, 2 TDs, INT), so Toussaint trusted his crew to throw on third-and-10. That was when freshman quarterback Dray Evriviades hit receiver Joey Fisher on the sideline for 11 yards to safe the win.
“We needed to make a cease after which get the primary down on the finish,” stated Toussaint. “This is a vital one for us.”
Thayer put factors on the board through the second drive of the sport when Fisher kicked a 23-yard discipline aim. Governor’s responded with a 15-play, nine-minute drive that ended with a 14-yard move from Bly to Quinn Martin, giving the house crew a 7-3 lead. Then a five-yard landing from Thayer’s Drew St. Pierre ended the first-half scoring. Governor’s blocked the additional level try, however St. Pierre’s run into the top zone put the guests forward, 9-7, on the half.
Thayer saved their momentum by scoring 4 performs into the third quarter. It was an excellent two-and-a-half-minute drive that resulted in factors when Evriviades (4-10, 50 yards, TD) discovered Neil MacKinnon for a 28-yard landing move. That gave Thayer a 16-7 lead, which lasted till Governor’s narrowed the deficit to 2 when Bly linked with Gus Psaradelis for a nine-yard landing reception with 9 minutes left within the fourth.
Governor’s (0-4) would have relished the possibility to have fun Household Day with a comeback victory, however bumped into obstacles each time they got here shut.
“That’s been the story of the final couple video games,” stated Governor’s coach Luke Boria. “Our youngsters are shopping for in and competing. We simply have to proceed to develop and cease capturing ourselves within the foot.”
A key second occurred within the third quarter when Thayer senior defensive finish CJ Talabi-Oates sacked Bly for a 19-yard loss.
“We now have one thing to show, and we need to take this program to new locations,” stated Talabi-Oates. “We now have an excellent defensive coordinator (Ken Burke) – he has an excellent thoughts. We play an aggressive model and we’re not afraid to blitz.”
Toussaint echoed that flatter, highlighting his defensive coordinator.
“Ken Burke is a superb coach and he’s additionally an excellent trainer,” stated Toussaint. “I can’t say sufficient about our seniors. One other senior, Will Bewley, does an excellent job serving to lead the protection. We’re coming collectively, and it feels good to win a recreation like this.”
The adhesive that brings Thayer collectively is St. Pierre (14 carries, 98 yards, TD), who’s a twin risk at operating again and defensive again. The senior captain is headed to Wake Forest within the fall, and he embraces each alternative.
“I’m the youngest of 4, so I’m used to getting overwhelmed up,” stated St. Pierre. “I adore it. And I really like taking part in with this crew. It’s not about one in every of us; it’s about your entire unit. We’re not taking part in for ourselves – it’s all about taking part in for our brothers.”
