Windham varsity girls’ soccer falls to Cheverus after hard-fought game

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham High School varsity girls’ soccer team played their final home game of the season against Cheverus on Thursday, Oct. 15 and Windham came out a little slow in the first half but kept the game scoreless at intermission. While the Eagles picked up the intensity in the second half, the Stags scored late and held onto the lead to defeat Windham, 1-0.

Windham junior Emily Wardwell prepares to take a shot
during a girls' varsity soccer game against Cheverus at
Windham High School on Thursday, Oct. 15.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

It was also Senior Night and seniors Elizabeth Hartwell, Denali Momot, Isabella Vassoler, Maya Dries, Mackenzie Delewski and Grayson Cornish were each presented with a small gift to thank them and their families for their time and efforts to Windham Athletics.

“They came out hard, fast, but we’ve got to play with a little more urgency earlier in the game,” said Windham varsity girls’ soccer coach Deb LeBel. “If they played with their sense of urgency at the end, it could’ve been a different (outcome). We need to be a little more precise with our passing, not just clear it and get it out. Positives from the game were that the team never gave up; they had a ton of energy at the end with a lot of different players contributing in different areas.”

Early in the game, Windham moved the ball well and took several shots on goal.

Both teams’ defense held their opponent back and Windham goalie Hartwell had many nice saves, five overall for the game. At the half, the game was tied, 0-0.

“We came into this game knowing we have to win to keep our rank going into playoffs to stay in the second seed,” said Momot. “We need to keep our composure the whole time. We did well after Cheverus scored, but we need to play like that the whole game. I think we expected to win ... we were just holding back a little bit more for some reason. We started connecting very well; we started hard in the first half, and we started the same way in the second half, but as the game went on we kind of dialed down, which was a mistake – we shouldn’t do that ever. Keeping that intensity needs work, keeping our composure overall ... we need to read the defense a little bit better.”

In the second half, Windham remained aggressive and really went at Cheverus’s goalie hard, not giving her rest for most of the half. There were many shots at goal, but nothing found the back of the net.

Windham defense kept Cheverus at zero for over half of the second half. Then with roughly 13 minutes remaining, the Stags scored. As the clock ticked down, Windham worked extremely hard to tie the game, but despite their effort, fell short.

LeBel said they need to fine-tune staggering themselves in the midfield and when they need to go back and help defensively; also, they need to head more balls in the air, take possession and go. She said sometimes a loss going into playoffs is not a bad thing – it keeps them hungry. LeBel said she thinks they are in good shape, they have a lot of kids who have grown and continue to grow.

“Having energy from the start of the game and building off it as the game goes on and winning 50-50 balls (could have turned this game around),” said Windham junior Emily Wardwell. “Knowing we have to treat every team as a top team and there is no guaranteed win against any team. Not giving up was a positive when we were down a goal, late in the game. Finishing balls in the box and switching the fields when stuck on one side needs work.” <

Seventh and eighth grade youth football squad prepares for playoffs

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Youth Football’s seventh and eighth grade team fell to Saco 26-0 in the final game of the regular season but does remain optimistic about making a strong postseason playoff run.

William Youth Football's seventh and eighth grade team
gathers during a team dinner at Windham Middle School on
Tuesday, Oct. 20. After a loss to Saco on Saturday, Oct. 17,
the team's regular season record is a strong 7-1 as it
now looks to prepare for the playoffs.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA
   

Playing in Saco on Saturday, Oct. 17, Windham’s defense held the Trojans back for the entire first half, but Saco ran up the scoreboard in the second half to win. Windham finished their regular season with a very impressive 7-1 record.

Eighth grader Lucien Kri said that while Windham had a really good run defense at the start, and they could have could have believed in themselves more to have a better outcome in the second half. Kri said they need to work on doing well the entire game, not just one half.

“This is a special group of kids,” said Windham Youth Football seventh and eighth grade coach Bryan Freese. “We have size, speed, and athleticism. I have coached these kids for years in football and other sports as well, and one thing that stands out, to me, is their strong work ethic. Each week we add a little more to our playbook, and the football IQ that the boys have makes it easy for us to change and add formations and plays either in practice or on the fly during games. We've been working countless hours since the beginning of August to reach our one goal, a league championship.”

As Windham prepared for this game, it knew Saco was going to be big and physical up front. The Eagles felt that if they could match their physicality on the line, control the line of scrimmage and time of possession, they would have a good chance of being successful.

After a 0-0 tie at the end of the first half, Windham made some adjustments offensively but mostly how to block the different looks Saco’s defensive front was showing them.

“I think the defensive side of the ball did great we had some big tackles from (Windham’s) Troy Prum and Avery Russell,” said Windham eighth grader and quarterback Kody Freese. “We just had a few mistakes in the passing game. I also think that we were getting good yardage up the middle with Cam Young, and Connor Wade in the first half.”

In the second half, Windham stayed in the game, but Saco found the end zone several times.

“As a team we have dealt with a fair amount of adversity this year,” said Bryan Freese. “Injuries, some disciplinary stuff, and low numbers have taught us firsthand that the ‘next man up’ mentality is something that needs to be taught, understood, and executed in order to sustain success throughout the long season.”

With playoffs on the horizon, Windham will continue to do the things that have gotten them this far; being physical, knowing responsibilities and limiting mental errors will dictate their success.

“We’re ... a really strong team,” said eighth grader Russell. “We’ve worked hard to get here and have been through good times and tough times together. We always help each other get better and support one another. The best part is that we’re really close almost like family. I’m proud of how our season is going, and I’m proud to be on this team.”

Windham will play its first-round playoff game against Bonny Eagle on Sunday, Oct. 25. Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m. at Windham Field 9. <

WHS golf posts strong showing in Class A Maine State Golf Championships

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School's varsity golf team sent three participants to the Class A Maine State Golf Championships at the Natanis Golf Course, a par 72 course, in Vassalboro on Friday, Oct. 9. Freshman Stella Veilleux and sophomores Emma Mathieu and Hunter Pulkkinen each played in the championship for their first time.

Windham freshman Stella Veilleux hits the ball with a lot of
force during the Class A Maine State Golf Championship at
Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro on Friday, Oct. 9.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Veilleux tied for third place with a score of 99 and birdied on the fourth hole. Mathieu finished sixth with a score of 100; Pulkkinen shot a 93, and birdied on hole 13, while finishing in the top 60.

“Stella started on junior varsity this year and worked her way into varsity matches halfway through the year,” said Windham varsity golf coach Adam Manzo. “She learned a lot along the way and will be a big part of our team the next three years. Emma started the year fairly strong, then went through a rough patch and turned around at the end of the year. She’s a competitor and will have two more opportunities to win a championship. Hunter has really been steady and an excellent teammate all year, so to be rewarded with an 81 at Qualifier and the opportunity to compete today is a great way to cap off his sophomore season.”

By finishing in the top 10 both girls will play in the New Englander Qualifier at the Natantis Golf Course on Saturday, Oct. 17.

“I was really excited to have made it this far, and I went into the tournament with a positive attitude and an open mind,” said Mathieu. “My goal going into the championship was to stay positive, play my best, and enjoy the experience. My drives and putting were probably the strongest parts of my game that day, but overall, it was a challenging round for me.”

For Mathieu, she’s really been working on the mental side of golf. She’s struggled with staying focused and not letting a bad shot impact the next one. She knows she has the skill to compete at this level, but she’s learning how much of golf is mental. Sometimes having confidence in yourself is just as important as making a good swing. She’s excited to have made it this far and for another chance to compete on Oct. 17.

“How it felt going to states as a freshman was something I didn’t expect I would make it to,” said Veilleux. “All I thought about was to do my best and my goal was to be top five. Tying for third was good, but ... I was hoping for a better score or better shots of the day. On hole seven I was short of the green having to chip it close to save par. Then made the par putt for a score of a three. On hole four I hit a light nine-iron because my pitching wedge had been not going straight the whole round. I ended up one putting for a birdie with a score of two.”

Pulkkinen said he had a good mindset coming into the championship and he planned to try his best. His goal for the championship was to have fun and push himself to become a good player. He was not pleased with his score and said he did better during the Qualifier. The conditions during the championship were not the best and Pulkkinen said it was very windy and the ball didn’t go where he wanted it to. His chip shots they were so dialed he had an easy putt for every good chip shot he had. Pulkkinen struggled with tee shots; they weren’t as accurate as he wanted.

“I know all three are competitive kids and all wanted to have played better today, but all are underclassmen and 100 percent should be back again,” said Manzo. “I’m highly encouraged about the team's future. It was tough conditions, and the kids fought hard and, in my eyes, never quit. Really, all you can ask for.” <

Windham varsity volleyball drops match to Marshwood

By Matt Pascarella

It was Senior Night for Windham varsity volleyball in their final home game against Marshwood on Thursday, Oct. 8 and seniors Arihanna Ramos, Shaylin Burrell, Taelyn Morris, Chloe Poitras and Zoi Candelmo were each presented with a small gift to thank them and their families for their time and efforts to Windham Athletics. Windham played two very strong sets against the Hawks and kept their heads up during the third set. Despite their efforts, they fell 3-0 to Marshwood.

Windham High junior Alyvia Kenney hits the ball back over
the net from mid-air during a prep volleyball game against
Marshwood on Senior Night at WHS.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

 on “We had a lot of motivation for beating this team for playoffs; this would have been our bridge to making playoffs,” said Ramos. “I think the fact that it’s our Senior Night tonight gave us a lot of motivation. The plan for this game was to have fun and celebrate the seniors ... I’m very glad I got to work with this team. I think we did great, the first two sets were one of the best we’ve played. We fought, we put in a lot of energy, we didn’t want to give up. What went well in this game was our attitude, our effort. We were setting up, we were playing simple; we were playing the game that we usually play.”

During the first set, Windham began strong with a small lead and smart volleys. The game was soon tied 5-5. Marshwood took the lead, but Windham was working hard to make up the difference.

Junior Avalon Sibley had a solid block. Now, the game was tied 15-15. Windham kept it up with only two points separating the teams at one point. The Hawks pulled ahead and won this set 25-19.

The Eagles pressured early on, and the game was tied 8-8. Marshwood began to pull away again, but Windham worked to close the points gap. Marshwood won this set 25-19.

“We really wanted to win tonight; we wanted to go into it with a positive mindset and play our hearts out for our seniors,” said Windham junior and libero Alyvia Keeney. “I think we played our hardest, we did our best and that’s what matters. We were getting the swings on the balls we were attacking well, but we need a lot more work on communication, because we are still a very young team.”

Windham was not about to give up in the third set. However, Marshwood took a big lead early on and stayed out in front. The Eagles kept their heads up but trailed by 10 points. Soon it was game point and Marshwood won 25-12.

“We know that Marshwood has been working hard in the offseason, so we knew we couldn’t underestimate them,” said Windham varsity volleyball assistant coach Cassie Fleck. “Tonight our main goal was to anticipate and read instead of react, which in the first two sets they did very well, I’m very happy with them. In the third set they got a little tired. Our talking, pulling out who needs to play that ball ahead of time, was getting better. Recently we had just worked on our out-of-system setting, so getting a ball to a hitter that’s from not the ideal spot. I’m very pleased with how they did that, too. Endurance (needs work). Being able to go five sets – it’s hard for any team. We’re looking from our players that we can have that core group that we can trust; but then keeping that energy going for however many sets we play.” <

Windham varsity football falls in homecoming game against Bonny Eagle

By Matt Pascarella

It was the annual homecoming game for Windham varsity football as they played Bonny Eagle on Friday, Oct. 2 and although the Eagles were pumped up for the occasion, Bonny Eagle dominated the game and won, 42-6.

Windham senior Landon Wyman runs the ball up the field
during Windham High School's football homecoming game 
against Bonny Eagle at Windham High on Friday, Oct. 2.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

The Scots took a big lead in the first quarter, but Windham answered in the second quarter. While Windham prevented Bonny Eagle from scoring in the fourth quarter, the Scots won handily.

“The kids played hard ... we got some young guys playing against older guys,” said Windham varsity football coach Matt Perkins. “Our guys didn’t fold; they kept battling and I was proud of their effort. It’s not about if you win or what the score is; it’s about getting better and seeing guys progress. Tonight, going against a good team, I thought we played hard, but have things we need to build on. The thing about playing really good teams is they’re going to show you what your weaknesses are. We were there a few times and had them in the backfield and didn’t finish tackles. We had a couple chances for picks (needs work). The effort was great and the next steps are to continue to get better.”

Bonny Eagle began the game with a strong start and scored early. They converted the extra point and led 7-0.

A few moments later, Bonny Eagle’s solid offense regained possession of the ball and scored again. The extra point was good.

Before the end of the first quarter, Bonny Eagle scored for a third time and took a 21-0 lead.

Windham responded in the second quarter with the ball on the 23-yard line. Junior and quarterback Patrick Davenport earned a first down after a 12-yard pickup that put the ball closer to the end zone. Davenport completed a pass to senior Tegan Perkins for another first down. Davenport had 68 rushing yards and 29 passing yards during the game. Tegan Perkins had 20 receiving yards.

Windham junior Jordan Pastore ran in from five yard out for a touchdown to put Windham on the scoreboard in the second quarter. A two-point conversion failed, and Bonny Eagle led at halftime, 28-6.

“This week coming in we knew it was going to be 10-times harder (than Bangor),” said Pastore, who had 11 rushing yards. “We tried to stay the same way and play with our hearts, leave everything on the field. They just got the better of us. Coming off that drive to end the half, we realized we could play with these guys, and we were driving down the field in one of our best offensive drives all season. Everyone did good, we had some passing plays, we had some crazy plays from our QB, Pat Davenport. Our O-Line kept their heads up and every time in the huddle ... everyone was trying to encourage people. We had our right reads, and we did what we could ... but (Bonny Eagle) didn’t graduate a single lineman. They could just run the ball on us, so wrapping up tackle needs work.”

A short time into the second half Bonny Eagle scored and while Windham was struggling, they stayed in it.

With Windham on offense, sophomore Dre O’Neil on the return made it to the 48-yard line for a first and 10 Windham.

The Eagles’ defense held back the Scots in the fourth quarter, as neither team scored.

“Our blocking for our run-game went well,” said O’Neil, who had three rushing yards. “Definitely keeping our heads up after halftime (might have turned the game around) and energy from the sideline. Keeping the energy up and picking each other up needs work.” <

Varsity field hockey earns second consecutive shutout with win over South Portland-Westbrook

By Matt Pascarella

In a rare Monday game and coming off their Homecoming Week 8-0 victory against Massabesic, Windham’s varsity field hockey played South Portland-Westbrook at Windham on Monday, Oct. 5, rolling to a 5-0 win.

Windham junior Mirabelle Kri passes the ball during a varsity
field hockey game against South Portland-Westbrook on
Monday, Oct. 5. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

While Windham was a little slow to start, they scored in the first half and Eagle defense kept South Portland-Westbrook scoreless the entire game. The second half brought intense Windham offense as they knocked in four goals and not only secured their second win in-a-row, but their second consecutive shutout with a win over South Portland-Westbrook.

“I think they see their skill, and they see their teamplay and they see that it works,” said Windham varsity field hockey coach Maddy Perfetti. “It was really nice after a stretch of really tough games to have a game where we could open up, work on some stuff, get some shots on cage. Today they played a really good team game. They came in excited about the game and wanting to repeat. They haven’t had a Monday game (so they came out a little slow); I chalk it up to exhaustion and not being focused on the task at hand. We shook it off, the second half and really just dialed in.”

As the game began, Windham was ready to earn another win and it showed. Windham junior Mirabelle Kri scored in the first five minutes to give the Eagles the 1-0 advantage.

Their intensity remained as Windham entered the second quarter. Eagle defense kept this quarter scoreless, and Windham led 1-0 at intermission.

“To start it off, it was a little bit sloppy on our end,” said Kri. “Once we started working as a team, everything started to click toward the end, we used our units together and pushed the ball up more and that’s what gave us the score, and I think that just boosted moral. After the second goal it really motivated us to get more. Teamwork led to the win. Communicating and looking at passes were positives from today. It’s not a one-man-show; using a team to move the ball up is really good. Attitude (needs work); that’s why we encourage each other and that can brighten up everybody’s mood. We want to end the season with some hard-fought games and make it to playoffs.”

The second half began with Windham speed and strong defense. Kri scored in the first three minutes. Less than a minute later, she scored again.

On a penalty corner, Windham senior Sarah Smyth scored. The Eagles continued pressuring.

“We haven’t had very many Monday games, so we really were focusing on working hard and coming out strong,” said Smyth. “We really had great passing up the field, we had great finishing around the net in the second half, defense was great, getting it out of the circle, our corners worked great; we had a lot of those today. Communicating (needs work). We want to finish the season with wins and go deep into the playoffs.”

Windham controlled the game in the fourth quarter, and with less than two minutes remaining sophomore Haley Johnsen scored.

Sophomore Windham goalie Courtney Cotter had eight saves on eight shots at goal.

“Once we started communicating with each other and letting each other know where we were, we were able to start connecting on those passes; and that’s where we find success is when we pass the ball,” said Perfetti. “Defense played strong through the middle. That pressure through the middle, to then bring it out wide was really good, we’ve been working on that. Being able to be mentally tough is something I’m seeing more and more of throughout the season, this was a good challenge for them today. Dropping on the press needs work; playing that team defense through the whole midfield is exhausting mentally ... we get more reps and they get better at it.” <

Dylan Crockett of Windham making a name in boxing with ‘International King of the Ring’ win

By Matt Pascarella

Windham graduate Dylan Crockett loves boxing. He’s fallen in love with the journey it’s taken him on, and Crockett is 100 percent in. Back in 2022, at the age of 14, he won his second “King of the Ring” title. Crockett has only continued to improve and compete in the past four years. Last month he traveled to Puerto Rico, where he won his first “International King of the Ring” Championship.

Windham High School graduate
Dylan Crockett celebrates after
winning his first International
King of the Ring title at the
San Juan Convention Center
in Puerto Rico on Sept. 19.
SUBMITTED PHOTO   

“Competing at the highest level has always been a goal of mine,” said Crockett. “Competing at the international level and being selected to represent team U.S.A means everything to me. It's a blessing to be recognized to compete on this stage. My current goal is to compete in as many fights as I can and get as much experience as my team believes I need before I'm ready for the pros. Another goal of mine is to win and compete at as many national tournaments as I can because that is where I will get serious experience.”

Crockett had to take a two-year break from boxing due to frequent, chronic migraines.

Once fully recovered, he was ready to pursue his dream of becoming a world champion professional boxer. Since he officially stepped back into the ring, Crockett has been training six days a week, doing what it takes to make up for the lost time and pursue his dreams.

On Sept. 19, he fought in an invitational bout in Puerto Rico. Invitational means if you are fighting there, you were selected. Everyone who fought in this tournament happens to be a current or previous champion in their region and the best of the best were selected to fight there. Crockett fought a boxer from Columbia and won in three rounds.

“It honestly feels great to have accomplished something of this pedigree knowing how much time I've put into this sport,” said Crockett. “The second I was declared the winner every single emotion hit me at once. I was so happy that it all worked out. All the late-night drives, extra training sessions, clean diet, and the sacrifices I’ve made it all became worth it.”

Crockett said this has definitely not been an individual journey and that his coaches and team have all helped to get him to this point. Coaches Glenn Cugno, Scott Frost and Allen Huntington have put an immense amount of time into Crockett’s career.

Cugno’s confidence in Crockett makes him believe there is nothing he cannot achieve. Crockett said he has been able to accomplish so much because of his team and family surrounding him. All this support is a motivator for him to keep going.

“He has come back strong with six fights so far this year,” said Cugno. “His strong mindset and drive to succeed is what has gotten him to this point. He is a student of the game. He is always looking for ways to improve.”

Cugno is putting on an event on Oct. 24 at the Lewiston Armory called “Gritty in the City 3” where there will be a lot of great up-and-coming fighters. This will be a professional and amateur event with Crockett as the main event for the amateurs of this show. The doors open at 5 p.m.

“Being around Dylan has played a big part in my development,” said sparring partner and Lewiston resident Jamear Burton. “I met Dylan when he was around 14, and I’ve been able to watch him grow from a young boxer into the fighter he is today. He’s also constantly trying to learn. He picks up new techniques, studies the sport, works on his weaknesses, and then brings that into the gym. Winning an international tournament shows what that work can produce. I look up to Dylan a lot because he pushes me to be better, not just as a boxer but as a person. I’ve seen how hard he works when nobody is watching, and I’ve seen firsthand how talented he is.” <