Windham Middle School football team launches 2014 campaign - By Eric Colby

The Windham Middle School football team showed some promise during a scrimmage against Portland at the Deering turf field last Friday evening. First, on the defensive side, newcomer Blake Houser intercepted a Portland pass in the end zone keeping the opponent from scoring. Then on the varsity team’s last offensive possession, tailback Treva Valliere pounded his way into the end zone scoring for Windham as time ran out.
 

It was a fitting transition for Houser, who moved to Windham from Texas earlier this year, as he announced his arrival on the Windham scene. He replaces Valliere at quarterback and will play safety on defense. Coaches, parents and teammates are all optimistic about the team’s chances with the transplanted Texan under center.

Houser will be taking snaps from Blake Colby who anchors an experienced offensive line that includes Braxton Cassidy, Logan Douglas, Ricky Brichetto, Jack Alderman and tight end Josh Mora. In addition to Valliere, expect Grant Jacobsen, a punishing north-south fullback, to see time in the Eagles’ backfield. Houser also has some versatile wideouts including Garrett Peeples, Rich Graham and Parker Varney to catch his passes. Peeples and Varney both had some quality receptions in the Portland scrimmage. Look for speedster Michael Fahey to also see plenty of time on varsity. Among the defensive highlights heading into the season are the linebacking trio of Jacobsen and Valiere, while up front nose tackle Colby and defensive end Brichetto wreaked havoc on the opposition at the end of last season.

 

Head coach Tony Leslie is working with assistants Rusty Babb, Mark Wall and we’ll just call him Coach G, because no one can spell or pronounce his real name correctly. 

On the junior varsity side, some intriguing prospects include quarterback Anthony Guliuzza, Noel Redlon and defensive juggernaut Mattingly Babb. Another JV stalwart who should see some varsity time is Seth Wall.

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The Windham Middle School’s 2014 season starts at home against Sanford on Sunday August 23^rd. On Labor Day Weekend, they play at South Portland on Sunday at 1 p.m. if you’re looking for some inexpensive entertainment. On September 7, Windham hosts Scarborough and then on September 13 is a tough battle against neighbor Bonny Eagle. Windham hosts a difficult Portland team on Sunday September 21 and the following week takes on Massabesic as the teams start to gear up for the playoffs. Finally, the season wraps on up October 5 when the Eagles travel to Saco. Playoffs begin October 11 and, based on the pre-season scrimmage against Portland, Windham hopes to be a contender.