Senior forward Donavyn Thomas has found a more comfortable place at Andrew.

Thomas grew up on the South Side, attending De La Salle as a freshman before moving with his family to Tinley Park. He’s in his second year on the varsity for the Thunderbolts.

And to say he likes it would be an understatement.

“I just love the way our team plays — how we play together, connect our passes and move the ball for each other,” Thomas said, beaming. “We always push each other forward.

“Everybody loves me here, and I just feel really appreciated for what I can do.”

It would have been hard for Andrew to not appreciate Thomas’ effort Monday. He smashed home a header in the 51st minute to spark a 2-0 victory over Sandburg in Orland Park.

In the regular-season finale, junior goalkeeper Luke Herzic recorded five saves as Andrew (9-6-3) posted its second straight shutout. Sophomore midfielder William MacLeod also scored in 72nd minute to ice the SouthWest Suburban Conference crossover win.

That goal illustrated the effectiveness of the fast and explosive Thomas, either on or off the ball. His speed just opens up channels for the rest of the team to operate in and excel.

“‘Don’ is awesome because, once he gives the ball off, you just have to find the space around you,” MacLeod said. “The first instinct is passing the ball, unless you have an open dribble, which I did, and that created the goal-scoring opportunity.”

Toggling between the midfield or playing alongside Thomas, MacLeod has a vivid perspective of what qualities Thomas offers.

“I always know to look for him,” MacLeod said. “He makes that run. You just have to look for him on the top and he will get the ball. Even if he loses it, he has this great ability to always recover and be even more dangerous.”

The 6-foot Thomas has taken his game to a new level this season. His junior year was more about making the transition to varsity and developing.

“My role has definitely expanded compared to last year,” Thomas said. “I was more of a support player for the other seniors that were here.

“You see it now, the runs we make, the back and forth. We have that chemistry down.”

Thomas’ size, combined with his speed and explosiveness, makes him an ideal target. The goal was his fourth of the season.

Senior midfielder Johnny Arvanetes, who assisted on the winning goal, praised Thomas for his ability to break down opposing defenses.

“He’s fast and always zooming toward defenders,” Arvanetes said. “If you’re a defender and you catch sight of him, I think you just want to run away from him. He’s scary that way.”

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Thomas and Arvanetes are the only senior starters for Andrew, which is seeded fifth in the Class 3A Joliet West Sectional. The Thunderbolts host Lincoln-Way West in a regional semifinal on Wednesday, Oct. 18.

“This is an emotional time for us because we’re winding down our last year, so there is kind of a sadness knowing it is ending soon,” Arvanetes said. “At the same time, we’re hitting our high as a team, and that is a great thing as we move toward the playoffs.”

Thomas, meanwhile, started playing organized soccer at age 3 and never looked back.

“My dad, my uncle and my cousin all played,” Thomas said. “I just had to do it.”

And again, it goes back to loving the game. Thomas plays with a passion and a joy, putting a pep into his step that is noticeable. And it’s not just about him.

“My greatest thrill is scoring goals,” he said. “Or watching my teammates score.”

Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.