Windham football drops home opener to Noble

By Matt Pascarella

In their home opener on Friday, Sept. 6, Windham’s varsity football team left everything it had on the field in a game against Noble. The Knights pulled ahead early, but Windham wasn’t about to get shutout – and they didn’t. They fought hard but could not catch Noble and fell, 28-14.

Windham sophomore Parker Sperry tries to get past a Noble
High defender during a prep football game at Windham
High School on Friday, Sept. 6.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA   

“We had some injuries ... so it was on the fly, and we had a bunch of seniors who haven’t been starters before who had to play; they’re learning on the job,” said Windham varsity football coach Matt Perkins. “That’s the thing with us, stay positive, keep working, it’s a long season and you got to win to get in the postseason. You can’t pout and put your head down – it is what it is. Noble’s a good team and has all their guys back from last year. Windham’s hustle was great; near the end of the game, they didn’t pack it in, they continued to battle. With the injuries we’ve got to see who’s where, and what we’ve got to do to fix that situation. We got to clean that up and continue to execute from both sides of the ball.”

Both teams were scoreless in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Noble made it to the 15-yard line, but Windham shut them down. Unfortunately, the Knights later scored and got the extra point. Before the end of the half, Noble scored again. Windham kept their heads up, and continued to work hard. At the half, Noble led 14-0.

“We put in work all week,” said Windham sophomore Parker Sperry, who had 66 rushing yards in the game. “We lost a few players to injury. We need to prepare more and have our heads in a better place to get ready to go battle. Noble is a good team with really good players, just came up short. All of the guys, we didn’t hang our heads ... we’re all trying our best, we played as hard as we could.”

The second half saw the Eagles taking the field fired up, if not more, than in the first half. Windham had possession at their 30-yard line. After a first down, they completed a pass to junior AJ Moody, and he hauled it into the end zone. Moody had 69 receiving yards in the game. The extra point was good, and Windham only trailed 14-7.

Noble scored another touchdown, but the game was not over, and Windham wasn’t finished. Cheers from the sidelines could be heard of Windham players telling other Windham players “you are still in this” and “keep your head up.”

On a first and 10, Windham sophomore Landon Wyman made it to Noble’s 30-yard line for a first down. Later during that series on a first and goal, Windham senior quarterback Karl Longstreth crossed the goal line. Windham nailed the extra point and trailed Noble, 28-14.

“Offensively, we did really good – we had guys on the line, on the tight end,” said Longstreth, who had 124 passing yards against Noble. “We had a guy that broke, and we had guys that came and stepped up and we need people like that. We have guys that are pushing 100 percent every day and guys that are looking forward to a new opportunity. Little mistakes, penalties, off-sides (got in the way). We came in the end zone four times; it was just little penalties that kept us from getting a touchdown and another. We need to stay consistent; we have great coaches, and we need to believe in them and trust what they give us.”

Despite their efforts, Windham couldn’t get ahead and the Eagles finished with 116 rushing yards and 124 passing yards.

“People might ... look at it as not a great way to start the season, but it’s just team building,” said Moody. “Our team chemistry is getting closer and closer by the second, everyone on this team is a family. We don’t care how the outcome is we care how we build off it. I saw how our defense really competed at the highest level they have this week. Our offensive line ... pushed and left nothing in the tank. We’re such a great team we’re going to get greater and greater as the season goes on. We have seniors that are getting into the mix now, we have some freshman and, man we’re going to go far.” <

WHS varsity golf falls to Greely but shows early season improvement

By Matt Pascarella

After Windham varsity golf opened its 2024 season with a big win over Westbrook, Windham traveled to take on Greely on Thursday, Sept. 5 at Val Halla in Cumberland. That’s a par 36 course and although WHS turned in a strong effort, it lost, 10-3, to the Rangers.

Windham senior Joe Donnelly watches his putt during a prep
golf match against Greely at Val Halla Golf and Recreation
Course in Cumberland on Thursday, Sept. 5.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Windham senior Joe Donnelly shot a 43, while senior Fiona Harmon shot a 44 and junior Nolan McPhail shot a 48. Sophomore Wyatt Richards earned 2 points for the team going 3-and-2 and shot a 51. Junior Davis Jordan shot a 50 and earned 1 point for the team, going all-square, meaning he and his opponent had an equal number of points.

“I think we did good, obviously the plug greens were a little bit of a curve ball, but I think we did alright,” said Donnelly. “I personally played OK; the team played OK, but I think the plugged greens got us, but we’ll come back and beat them next time. For me, posted off the tee pretty good ... we just had a little bit of approach shot issues, putting was fine, but we played OK. Chipping needs work.”

Plugged greens create a bumpy surface on the course which often occurs through aeration during maintenance and helped WHS golfers during the Greely match.

“The course was in great shape,” said Harmon. “I was struggling off the tee a little bit, overall, I did well. My short game was pretty good, greens were aerated so it was kind of hard. Long irons and getting off the tee (still need work).”

In total strokes, Windham was less than 20 strokes behind Greely, 220-238.

“We have notoriously struggled when we play at Val Halla,” said Windham varsity golf coach Adam Manzo. “I think the match was closer than the score reflected. Many of the matches came down to the last few holes, half of the medal scores were all within three to five shots, and while I do not think we gave them our best shot, this was an improvement for us at their course.”

Both Davis Jordan and Wyatt Richards were able to come away with points in the five and six spot. Davis tied both match and medal and had an opportunity to win both on the last hole and Wyatt won both match and medal.

Manzo said each match in the top six matters, so he was happy that both Jordan and Richards were able to come away with some points for the team.

“Team score wise, our goal would be to be below 220,” he said. “I do believe as the season goes on, we will be able to move in that direction with the ultimate goal of saving our lowest round for the Southern Maine Activities Association Qualifier in early October.” <

 

Windham varsity boys’ soccer holds off Yarmouth

By Matt Pascarella

In a complete reversal from when the Windham High varsity boys’ soccer team lost to Yarmouth 1-0 during the summer season, the Eagles turned it around on Thursday, Aug. 29 at Yarmouth where they earned a 1-0 win and kept the Clippers’ offense at bay during this preseason matchup.

WHS senior Sam Rogers focuses on the ball as he heads
toward the goal during a preseason boys' prep soccer 
match at Yarmouth High School.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“Every year we go through growing pains,” said WHS senior Luke Cunniffe. “I feel like we’re still going through them right now; it seems this year we’re getting through them earlier and people are buying in earlier. Now we’re developing a style of play and a culture within our team. Today’s win was honestly just work rate, especially defensively, when kids lost the ball, they worked as hard as they could to win it back right away. I think that’s what helped us get through picking up marks and helped us play as a team and playing for each other. This game shows Yarmouth is no slouch, they are one of the best teams, but this just shows we can compete with the big dogs, and we’re one of them.”

The Eagles showed their adjustment and improvement from their previous summer season game with the Clippers when Windham senior Sam Rogers scored during the first half.

Windham defense was aggressive, and players went hard after the ball. Windham’s offense had several shots at goal, but Yarmouth defense was also strong.

“I think as a team we play better defensively than offensively,” said Rogers. “I think it all comes down to the formation with the players we have. Getting the ball out of the box went well. We did do good communication-wise. We didn’t do great connecting passes.”

According to Rogers, they are starting to click as a team and once the regular season starts, they’ll take it from there.

At the start of the second half, Windham senior goalie Lukas Hammond had a solid stop.

“We came in here and I feel like we matched their energy well,” said Windham junior Tyrie James. “We played our positions well; we played our formation well. We moved the ball well; and on defense everyone gave 110 percent the whole time – everyone was just going, going, going – marking their man, playing their position, playing their role. Yarmouth’s a great team and we beat them, so it shows that we can compete with some of the good teams.”

Windham offense fired multiple shots at goal and its defense kept Yarmouth from finding the back of the net. Windham sophomore goalie Jackson Goodwin recorded a great save to prevent a tie toward the end of the half.

“There’s still some pieces of the puzzle that are starting to lock in a little bit,” said Windham varsity boys’ soccer coach Jeff Neal. “This was about playing the toughest teams we can in the preseason in regard to technical ability and physical prowess too and see how we match up. Windham is more comfortable with the formation we played today. The formation we played today helped out in keeping players in-position and not having to run as much as the previous formation. The work rate was good, and communication was exceptional today. They played a solid match whistle to whistle.” <

WHS varsity field hockey overpowers Noble in preseason match

By Matt Pascarella

As the start of the fall season gets closer and closer, Windham’s varsity team hosted Noble High on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at Windham High School. The Lady Eagles started strong and kept up their intensity to end the game with a 4-2 victory over the Knights.

Windham freshman Mia Kri keeps the ball away from a
Noble High opponent, moments before she scores a goal
in a preseason field hockey game on Wednesday, Aug. 28.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Based upon this early contest, Windham is gearing up to have an incredible field hockey season.

“They read the field better, they saw the passes, they made passes to someone, and they weren’t afraid to pass back to create more space,” said Windham varsity field hockey coach Cory DiDonato. “They communicated, figured out where they need to be to support each other to be an option, they just stayed spread out and were able to make some good passes today. I’m super excited; feel great about the team. All summer I said it to (Windham), we’re going to be a top five team. I think we’ll battle really tough teams and it’ll be a good game. If they come injury free and are ready to play, I think it’s going to be a great season – I feel good about it.”

Against Noble, the Lady Eagles stayed with the ball and had strong defense. They were aggressive and fought hard.

Shortly into the first quarter, Noble’s goalie laid on the ball for more than 5 seconds. This counts as a stroke and entitled Windham to a penalty shot, which senior Zoe Dries took and rocketed the ball into the goal.

“Today was a good representation of how our season’s going to go,” said Dries. “It’s going to be a good season for us; I thought our passing looked really good and our spacing looking really good and we got some goals in. We have a lot of new players, we’re still working with those new players, but I think it looked really good today.”

Dries scored again very early in the second quarter. Windham had solid communication and moved the ball well. Their defense kept the ball away from Windham’s goal and limited Noble’s chances to score.

Before the end of the half, Windham freshmen Mia Kri sent the ball past the goal to give the Lady Eagles a 3-1 lead at the half.

“I think our teamwork was really good,” said Kri. “The varsity team was really welcoming and ... they all connected together as a team – communication and passing was really good. Cheering each other on, even if it’s on the field or off the field was really good too. We’re still trying to get used to playing together because there are a lot of new people on varsity.”

Windham kept up their intensity in the second half. Their defense remained very strong. Offense made good contact with the ball. Before the final buzzer, Windham senior Grace Joly scored.

It’s clear Windham is beginning to gel as a team and could have a promising season ahead. <

Windham varsity football squad on way to great season

By Matt Pascarella

In preparation for the upcoming fall season, Windham’s varsity football team competed in a controlled scrimmage against Fryeburg Academy at Windham High School on Saturday, Aug. 24 and showed great promise.

Windham High senior Brayden Penney makes his way
over the defense toward the goal line during a preseason
varsity football controlled scrimmage against
Fryeburg Academy. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

A controlled scrimmage is more like a practice session for coaches and players to refine skills, evaluate performance and figure out how the team works best to be strongest during the regular season. While no score is kept, Fryeburg Academy never made it into Windham’s end zone and Windham made it into Fryeburg Academy’s end zone twice during the scrimmage.

“The goal was to let them have an opportunity to play,” said Windham varsity football coach Matt Perkins. “You get in practice; you think you have something, and you never really know until you play. Some guys got live repetitions – it was great. The puzzle is constantly moving here; we’re pretty happy and pretty healthy, we’ve got some young guys that have got to step up. Our pass game was good, our routes were good, pass protection was good. Our run game at times had some really good life. Defensively I thought we played well, first drive, played great ten plays, Fryeburg had a long drive on us, and we stood up and stopped them. That’s always huge – that’s something we’ll go back to during the season. You had a fourth-down stand, those are big.”

One of the things that stood out to Perkins during this scrimmage was the team’s effort and guys getting after it.

Windham’s defense shut down Fryeburg Academy early, with several tackles, which stopped their offense, limiting their opponent’s yardage.

Senior Brayden Penney had an estimated 20-plus yard run. This was immediately followed by Windham junior Karl Longstreth’s big multi-yard run.

The Eagles’ defense gave it all and made it very hard for Fryeburg Academy to get through. Junior Wyatt Washburn had a solid tackle.

Junior Mason Arbour made it into the end zone followed by sophomore Landon Wyman who narrowly avoided a defender and crossed the goal line.

“We were just looking to get better,” said Wyman. “We worked really hard all week, and we wanted to show ourselves (we could do it). Our sideline was really loud and that helped a lot, and our defense was really good today. What I think needs work is rallying on tackles, maybe being even louder (from the sideline). I’m hoping we have a great season – we’re looking good ... I think we’re going to show how good we are.”

Windham’s defensive line kept it up until the end of the scrimmage.

“I feel like the goal was to get better,” said Penney. “Get our repetitions in and get ready for season. Takeaway is last season, help the younger guys out and motivate them to get better and push harder ... and set a good role model for the program. The sidelines were hyping our teammates up.”

Penney wants the team to win games and make it to the state championship as well as get better on and off the field. He feels good about the team.

Windham’s home opener is at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6 against Noble. <

Windham girls’ soccer sails by York in preseason game

By Matt Pascarella

As Windham’s varsity girls’ soccer team continues preparing for the upcoming regular fall season, they hit the pitch in a preseason game against York at Windham High School on Saturday, Aug. 24. Windham scored early and kept up their intensity in shutting out York, 3-0.

Windham senior Stella Jarvais focuses on the goal after
breaking through two opponents during a preseason game
against York. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

“I think we did really good today,” said Windham senior Emily Talbot. “It’s probably ... one of the most hard-working teams. For our running in preseason, it’s been some of the best times – we all just really want to win; we’re working really hard to get there. I think we play really well together, especially this year we’ve done a good job moving the ball around and working hard for each other. There’s no separation within our team and it’s really good to see that. It shows on the field and pays off. As the season goes on, I think we’re going to just get better from here, we overall did a really good job today.”

Windham stayed with the ball and commanded the field; they got the ball by York. There were multiple shots on goal. After a short time, Talbot scored; she followed up and found the back of the net again before the end of the half. Windham held a 2-0 lead going into the second half.

“So many good things happening here,” said Windham varsity girls’ soccer coach Deb Lebel. “We’re just building from where we left off last year. I feel like we are a step forward – kids are making runs that maybe they wouldn’t a year ago; it’s becoming second nature to them. I think we have a couple freshmen who are pushing those upperclassmen – they can’t relax – because those freshmen have worked really hard and deserve to be here. I think with some incoming talent, some growth and maturity, this should be a great steppingstone for the year to come. Defensively, we need to sort out a few things in terms of quicker play, getting creative but quickly. If we can sort that out, I think we’re going to be really strong.”

The Lady Eagles’ intensity remained as Windham controlled the ball and had several shots at goal early in the second half. Their strong defense made it difficult for York to get many scoring opportunities. Partway through the second half, junior Myla Vercoe fired the ball past the goalie. Windham gave 100 percent right up until the final whistle.

“I think after a really hard week of tryouts and preseason and us all working really hard together and being able to come on the field and see where we’re at this year compared to last year,” said Vercoe. “We have good potential with us as a team and how we’re going to play; I think this was a good reflection of how we’re going to do this upcoming season. We all work really well with passing ... and our chemistry is getting better. We could always work on more communication ... and finishing. We’ve worked really good coming together and complement each other’s skills.” <

High School All-America soccer team honors 2024 WHS graduate

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High graduate Connor LeClerc received one final recognition for his time on the varsity boys’ soccer team before he heads to the University of Southern Maine in Gorham this fall to major in exercise science and play college soccer. LeClerc was one of 43 senior boys’ players nationwide to be a part of the United Soccer Coaches 2023-2024 High School Scholar All-America team.

Windham High graduate Connor LeClerc 
displays his certificate and medal as one of
43 boys nationwide to be chosen for the 
United Soccer Coaches 2023-2024 High
School Scholar All America Team. He's
headed to the University of Southern
Maine this fall to play college soccer.
PHOTO BY RACHEL LECLERC  

This honor is based on cumulative classroom achievement as well as success on the soccer field during their high school careers.

“I had always held myself to a very high standard in the classroom and on the soccer field,” said LeClerc. “To me this was the perfect way to end my senior season. It felt good to be recognized for my hard work not just on the soccer field, but also in the classroom. This award was the one that I felt the strongest about and was really hoping to be honored with. When I got the call from Coach Neal, it made me feel as though all the work I had put in the last four years was worth it. It also motivated me to continue working harder than I ever have as I take on harder challenges in college.”

To be eligible for this award a player must have a Grade Point Average of 3.75 and above through the first semester of their senior year – LeClerc’s GPA was a solid 4.00. Nominations come from high school coaches and the athletes must have shown excellence on the soccer field and also have performed community service of some kind.

When LeClerc started playing soccer at 3, he never knew how big a role it would play in his life. His father’s passion for the game is what motivated him at a young age to keep playing. LeClerc has been playing year-round since he was in middle school.

“Connor is very deserving (of this honor) because he stands out on the field,” said teammate and Windham graduate Nick Marion. “He also stands out in the classroom; he puts a lot of effort into his schoolwork and is always willing to lend a hand whenever it is needed.”

According to LeClerc, it took a lot of self-discipline to excel on the field and in the classroom. Late-night homework was no fun, but LeClerc knew it was necessary. His mother was a big advocate for him and made sure he stayed on top of his schoolwork. LeClerc said none of this would have been possible without the amazing teachers at Windham who were always there for him when needed.

“Connor places the idea of team before himself,” said Windham varsity boys’ soccer coach Jeff Neal. “He is also a very coachable athlete. Early in his junior preseason he volunteered to play a position that was identified as a team priority, yet one he had never played before and was definitely something out of his comfort zone. In an incredibly short period of time, Connor transformed himself and meteorically emerged as a premier player at that field spot. He isn’t afraid to put in the work, and he expects others to do the same. This was also witnessed this past fall as he helped captain Windham to a season record of 14-1-1. Whether it be on-field leadership, behind the scenes locker room interactions, being the face of the program and interacting-mentoring our youth soccer players – I had complete trust in Connor to do the right thing. He can be counted on to be a leader in the classroom. He managed a challenging and diverse course load of studies, and he prides himself on doing his best and being successful. The caliber of athlete, student, and all-around human being that he consistently demonstrates has placed him as one of the very best I’ve had the pleasure of working with in my thirty-plus years of coaching and teaching.”

LeClerc says that he would like to thank his family and friends for being there and supporting him, his teachers for pushing him to be a great student, and all of the coaches who helped develop him into a great soccer player. He would like to give a special thank you to Coach Neal who changed his soccer career and was more than just a coach to him in the past two years. <