BYFIELD – Nearly three decades have passed since Thayer Academy was victorious at Governor’s Academy.
That drought came to a halt Saturday when Thayer defensive back Jack Sullivan intercepted Governor’s quarterback Aiden Bly, preserving a 16-14 victory in enemy territory.
“It’s the first time we’ve won here in my 29 years in the program,” said Thayer coach Jeff Toussaint, who has been head coach since 2004. “So much of the credit goes to our seniors. We only have nine seniors, but they set the example for the entire program.”
A senior captain, Sullivan made a perfect read on Bly’s pass with one minute and twenty-two seconds remaining. His interception interrupted a 48-yard drive that appeared headed straight for the end zone.
“The receiver sunk his hips early and I jumped in front and caught the ball,” said Sullivan. “I was ready for it. Our coaches prepared us.”
Governor’s had three timeouts remaining, so there was a chance to extend the game with a stop. Thayer (3-2) could not risk putting the ball back into the hands of Bly (12-19, 116 yards, 2 TDs, INT), so Toussaint trusted his team to throw on third-and-10. That was when freshman quarterback Dray Evriviades hit receiver Joey Fisher on the sideline for 11 yards to secure the win.
“We had to make a stop and then get the first down at the end,” said Toussaint. “This is an important one for us.”
Thayer put points on the board during the second drive of the game when Fisher kicked a 23-yard field goal. Governor’s responded with a 15-play, nine-minute drive that ended with a 14-yard pass from Bly to Quinn Martin, giving the home team a 7-3 lead. Then a five-yard touchdown from Thayer’s Drew St. Pierre ended the first-half scoring. Governor’s blocked the extra point attempt, but St. Pierre’s run into the end zone put the visitors ahead, 9-7, at the half.
Thayer kept their momentum by scoring four plays into the third quarter. It was a superb two-and-a-half-minute drive that resulted in points when Evriviades (4-10, 50 yards, TD) found Neil MacKinnon for a 28-yard touchdown pass. That gave Thayer a 16-7 lead, which lasted until Governor’s narrowed the deficit to two when Bly connected with Gus Psaradelis for a nine-yard touchdown reception with nine minutes left in the fourth.
Governor’s (0-4) would have relished the chance to celebrate Family Day with a comeback victory, but ran into obstacles whenever they came close.
“That’s been the tale of the last couple games,” said Governor’s coach Luke Boria. “Our kids are buying in and competing. We just need to continue to develop and stop shooting ourselves in the foot.”
A key moment occurred in the third quarter when Thayer senior defensive end CJ Talabi-Oates sacked Bly for a 19-yard loss.
“We have something to prove, and we want to take this program to new places,” said Talabi-Oates. “We have a great defensive coordinator (Ken Burke) – he has a great mind. We play an aggressive style and we’re not afraid to blitz.”
Toussaint echoed that compliment, highlighting his defensive coordinator.
“Ken Burke is a great coach and he’s also a great teacher,” said Toussaint. “I can’t say enough about our seniors. Another senior, Will Bewley, does a great job helping lead the defense. We’re coming together, and it feels good to win a game like this.”
The adhesive that brings Thayer together is St. Pierre (14 carries, 98 yards, TD), who is a dual threat at running back and defensive back. The senior captain is headed to Wake Forest in the fall, and he embraces every opportunity.
“I’m the youngest of four, so I’m used to getting beaten up,” said St. Pierre. “I love it. And I love playing with this team. It’s not about one of us; it’s about the entire unit. We’re not playing for ourselves – it’s all about playing for our brothers.”
