The Windham Eagle Sports: Windham Eagles win Class A Northern Regional Football Champions by Matt Pascarella

Dylan Varney tackles the Bulldogs

The varsity boys took on Portland last Friday for what was probably one of the coldest games I’ve ever been to. The temperature was below freezing with very strong winds. However, the low temperature wasn’t stopping the fans and players from giving it their all.

Shortly after the game started, I heard one player announce, “We came to play!” after Windham got off to a great start, almost scoring on Portland within seconds of the first half. The Eagles did come to play, and their intensity started from the first second and didn’t end until after the game was over.

Right out of the gate Windham scored touchdown number one of the first half. Tanner Bernier, #20, ran it into Portland’s end zone with #16, Liam McCusker, getting the field goal. From that point on, the Eagles did not let up on the Bulldogs until the end of the game.

Windham had strong offense and defense throughout both halves, keeping Portland from scoring for most of the game and putting the pressure on them by scoring touchdown after touchdown.

By the end of the first half, Windham had scored three more touchdowns. Treva Valliere, #34, ran the ball in and McCusker got the field goal. Bernier scored for a second time, running the ball in and passing it to #81, Matty Babb, who got the two-point conversion.

Right before the end of the first half, #25, Nathan Watson, caught a pass from Bernier and McCusker got the field goal. At the end of the first half, the score was 29-0, Windham.

The cold, which hadn’t gotten much better, didn’t affect the Eagles’ enthusiasm as they began the second half with just as much force as the first. They continued to show Portland, this game belonged to the Eagles. Windham’s excellent teamwork resulted in two more touchdowns before the final whistle. Watson ran the ball in for his second touchdown, but the kick was no good. #21, Stuart Salom, ran the ball in and McCusker got the field goal. The final score: 42-6, Windham.

Coach Matt Perkins spoke about the team and their season, “The heart of the [se] guys . . . how they battled adversity all year has just been so impressive. I’m very, very proud . . . [of] the coaches [and] the players . . . and the passion has just been through the roof.”

After the game, Athletic Director, Rich Drummond presented the team with a plaque for being the Class A Northern Regional Champions.

Congratulations Eagles! Good luck this Saturday!