Marshaun Thornton played the first half of his initial high-school football season on the freshman team before being moved up to varsity last year.
Now as a sophomore, the standout wide receiver has quickly become a key contributor on the potent Caravan offense.
He is very appreciative for the opportunities he’s getting at Mount Carmel, which beat visiting St. Rita 35-14 on Sept. 5, and is trying to maximize his potential.
“You have to be grateful for the moment, and make the most of your opportunities,” Thornton said.
After catching a touchdown in the opening week against Moeller (Ohio), Thornton kept it going in Week 2 with two touchdown catches against the Mustangs.
It did not happen overnight for Thornton, the consensus No. 5 sophomore in the state according to 247Sports.com.
“I am really just preparing myself in the playbook everyday, working as hard as I can, and going 100 percent every time,” Thornton said. “Even if I make mistakes, I’m giving 100 percent.”
Mount Carmel coach Jordan Lynch has taken notice and is glad to see the work translate on Friday nights.
“He wants the ball every single time,” Lynch said. “He’s really taking strides in practice and it is starting to show in the games.”
Thornton has his listening ears on when his coaches and even his teammates are talking.
“Being coachable is most important,” Thornton said. “He’s (Lynch) going to teach you everything we need to know and he’s played at a high level on the field.”
The sophomore receiver is part of a dynamic receiving corps with Quentin Burrell (five catches, 61 yards, TD vs. St. Rita) and Jamari Brown (6 catches, 117 yards, TD).
“We are all out here to have fun, eat and make special plays. That’s what we’re taught,” Thornton said.
The Mustangs were kept quiet by the Caravan defense for most of the night including no scores in the first half.
“It’s definitely one of those games where you can’t make mistakes early on and we did,” St. Rita coach Martin Hopkins said. “It’s hard to come back. They’re good.”
Steven Armbruster went 19-for-31 with 132 yards and a touchdown pass to Damon Sutton. Donovan Evans caught six passes for 76 yards, one of which was a 5-yard touchdown from John Fennell.
“I know he’s (Armbruster) going to be ready to get back to work,” Hopkins said.
The Armbruster-Evans connection has been a common occurrence since the second half of last season. It is to no surprise of Hopkins.
“I know him and Steven, and all the receivers, have worked hard all offseason,” Hopkins said. “They are more familiar with our offense, and of each other and it’s starting to pay off.”
Other than Lynch, Thornton speaks of the leadership from Burrell and in the past from his former quarterback Jack Elliott, who’s now at Vanderbilt. Thornton said senior quarterback Emmett Dowling has picked right up where they left off last season.
“That’s my guy,” Thornton said. “I love how he’s playing. I love how he’s putting his name out there for his senior season. I love that.”
Dowling went 19-for-31 for 263 yards and four touchdowns, and ran for one score as well.
“It’s a great Catholic League opponent we just beat, but it’s on to week three,” Lynch said. “This schedule is grueling. We have a state championship team (Nazareth) to get ready for. But I am proud of how these guys bounced back from Moeller.”