The Windham Middle School Football varsity team faced two opponents last weekend in Saco, the other team’s key player and themselves.
Anthony Bracomonte, Saco’s star, took the opening kickoff
and returned it for a game-opening touchdown. “It was real telling that it was
going to be a long afternoon,” said Windham head coach Tony Leslie. “I just saw
way too many of our guys not going after the ball.”
Leslie continued, “I think we rested on our laurels and
that’s a mentality that they will grow out of on their own.” He was referring
to his Windham team after it dominated Massabesic last week. Leslie was quick
to recognize Windham Athletic Director Rich Drummond and the Eagles Boosters
for making the game in the high school stadium such a success. In Saco, the
junior varsity game didn’t go much better as the Eagles also fell to the Trojans.
Unfortunately the fire that propelled the Eagles to the win last
week wasn’t there against Saco. Referring to the play of his offensive line,
Leslie said, “A lot of those guys are used to the same two, three four people
making the same plays. There will be sweeping changes on both sides of the ball
as we head into this weekend’s game.”
Saco wound up winning 42-14, leaving the middle school
Eagles with an uphill climb as they head into the first round of the playoffs
this weekend. Blake Houser scored the Eagles’ first touchdown on a kickoff
return near the end of the first half. In the third quarter, Windham put
together its best offensive drive that Treva Valliere finished with a rushing
touchdown.
Leslie said that he would not let one player beat his team
again. He added that he didn’t show the opposing coaches and players everything
that Windham had up its sleeve because he had a feeling he might see Saco in
the first round of the playoffs. His hunch was right. Seedings were announced
late Monday night and Windham is traveling back to the Thornton Academy next
Sunday at 1 p.m., hoping for a different outcome.
Leslie added that he understands the importance of at least
making a strong showing—if not winning—in the first round of the playoffs to
ensure the future of Windham Middle School football. “This is one of those
games,” said Leslie. “We need this win for the program overall, not just to
advance in the playoffs.”
Because of the changes he has planned and because he knows
his team’s potential, Leslie likes his team’s chances next weekend.
“I personally feel for those kids who want to go out there
and win,” he said. “I have to bring it to fruition for them.” he said. And that
could lead to a big surprise for Saco next Sunday.
Caption
Windham’s Garrett Peeples tackles the Saco quarterback for a
big loss. Photo by Eric Colby
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