Windham cross country teams a major success at regional competition

Windham senior Estella Inman makes her way into the last stretch
of the Southern Maine Class A Regional Championship race
on Oct. 23 at Twin Brook Recreation Area in Cumberland.
PHOTO BY MATT PASC ARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham cross country team returned to Twin Brook Recreation Area in Cumberland for the Southern Regional Cross-Country Championships for the first time since 2019 on Saturday, Oct. 23 and both Windham boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams had high enthusiasm as they ran the course for the first time in two years.

Windham senior Isabel Dionne finished first in the girls’ race and 34^th overall with a time of 22:57.62 minutes.

The girls pushed and gave an incredible effort coming within one spot of qualifying for States. They finished ninth with a total of 225 points and a team total of 1:59:13.62.

Windham junior Caleb Young finished first in the boys’ race and 49^th overall with a time of 19:04.43.

Nobody held back on the boys’ team, and they finished with an average team time of 20:05.52.

“There was literally nothing but success today on every level of sport; athletic, team effort and individual effort,” said Windham’s cross-country coach Jeff Riddle. “No one left anything out there and it was just so great to have the opportunity to be back.”

Riddle said the last three weeks of preparation manifested itself today. He added the system is working and both teams are finding their confidence and that way to race together and race forward. He said there was a lot of maturing with regards to the sport.

Girls

“It was a lot more sentimental because it was my last time running here,” said Dionne. “I had a lot more drive and every single hill I took more as a gift than as for granted. We all have learned how to run this course … everyone had fun and that was our main goal.”

She added holding back for the first mile helped a lot because once she hit her second and third mile she began passing people and that upped her adrenaline.

Behind Dionne was senior Estella Inman who finished second for Windham and 45^th overall with a final time of 23.39.53.

Windham junior Elise Schultz finished third for Windham with a time of 23.43.53 and placed 47^th overall. Windham senior Eve Schultz followed and placed 54^th overall with a time of 24:09.29.

Boys

“It’s a really tough course; a lot of hills, especially towards the end,” said Young. “It’s a fun course … a lot more energy. We did really well as a team; everyone ran … pretty strong.”

Young added his strategy was to keep pace with a couple different groups and get into a comfortable place and not worry about where other runners were until the end.

Windham freshman Andrew Young finished second and 51^st overall with a time of 19:10.21. Windham Junior Roman Thomas finished third for the team with a time of 19:32.45. Sophomore Graden Joly finished fourth for Windham with a time of 19:38.58.

“If you understand what [the team] did and how the system is working and how they are responding to it together, today was a major success,” said Riddle. “It was high success on every level. And we’re here doing it – so that already puts us over the top.” <

Improvement all around shown by Jordan-Small Middle School soccer

Raymond eighth grader Eli Powers prepares to take a shot at
Fryeburg's goal at Molly Ockett Middle School in Fryeburg
on Thursday, Oct. 21. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

Coming off strong games against Waynflete where Raymond’s Jordan-Small Middle School girls’ and boys’ soccer teams both showed they had grown and were stronger teams, Raymond traveled to Molly Ockett Middle School in Fryeburg for the final games of the season.

The Raymond girls did not let a couple early goals by Fryeburg dampen their spirits on Thursday, Oct. 21 though a lot was damp as a steady rain early in the game soaked everything.

The girls fought hard the entire game and exhibited great determination, but lost 9-0.

The boys took a lead in the second half, but Fryeburg tied the game at one. The score stayed tied until the final buzzer.

Girls

As the rain continued to beat down on the field and the players, Raymond got to work with strong passing, as they moved the ball nicely around the field. Fryeburg scored a few goals early in the game, but Raymond kept their heads up. Raymond was aggressive, as they worked to move the ball and put themselves on the scoreboard. At the half it was 3-0, Fryeburg.

“The girls showed a resiliency which I think is a gift,” said Raymond girls’ soccer Coach Adina Baseler. “I think they felt [run down]. They kept coming back and they kept digging in; emotions were running high, but they didn’t let that stop them from continuing to dig in.”

In the second half, Raymond had stronger defense. They stopped two of Fryeburg’s scoring opportunities. Sixth-grader Brooke Tuttle blocked a Fryeburg goal kick and then Tuttle took a shot at goal.

Raymond took multiple shots on goal in the half. They also had several blocks that denied Fryeburg more goals.

Tuttle said she’s seen an improvement over the season in  Raymond’s passing and team bonding.

“I think when we got the ball up we knew what to do with it, more so than in the [start of the season],” said seventh-grader Ela Mae Allen.

Coach Baseler said they’ve really come together as a team multiple times during the season. They’re a great group of kids.

Boys

Raymond took the field aggressive and ready to end this season on a high note. They took multiple shots on goal. They pressured and worked to be first to the ball. Their defense was solid as they blocked a few Fryeburg attempts to score. The game was scoreless at the half.

Minutes into the second half, Raymond eighth-grader Eli Powers scored. Raymond continued as they took multiple shots on goal. They were first to the ball and although Fryeburg did find the back of the net, Raymond’s defense held them to just that goal.

“I thought we did a good job of keeping the ball away from [Fryeburg] and defense in general,” said Powers. “Overall I think the game went pretty well.”

Raymond Coach Scott Allen said they hustled during this game. He’s seen improved passing, both during the game and over the season. Allen added communication has also improved over the season. <

Windham eighth grade boys’ soccer wipes out Gorham; seventh grade prevents shutout

By Matt Pascarella

Windham Middle School eighth grade soccer scored once in the first half and three times in the second with Windham’s Braeden Smith who took a shot from roughly half field that went over the goalie’s head and into the net. Windham eighth graders won 4-0 during a game Monday, Oct. 18 at Windham.

Windham eighth grader Daniel Hancock kicks the ball at
Gorham's goal on Monday, Oct. 18 at Windham. Hancock
scored  to add to Windham's sweep of the Rams 4-0. 
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

The seventh grade Windham Middle School team were down 1-0 going into the second half and were able to come back within one goal as they worked to get ahead of Gorham. Once all was said and done, Windham got close, but Gorham got the win by a 4-2 score.

Eighth Grade

Right out of the gate, Windham was aggressive and took several shots on goal. Their defense held off the Rams and kept Gorham away from Windham’s goal. Windham had strong passing and hustle.

Windham’s Tyrie James took a shot at goal that slipped by the goalie and found the back of the net. At the half, Windham led 1-0.

Windham goalie, Tate Robinson made several great saves throughout the game. In the second half, Windham overpowered Gorham. They continued to be aggressive and fought hard to be first to the ball.

The Eagle’s Daniel Hancock scored. Then Windham’s Aiden Dufour put the ball in the net. Windham’s Braeden Smith scored next. Windham’s defense prevented Gorham from many scoring opportunities.

James said his goal in the first half coupled with Windham’s teamwork and passing led to the win.

Windham eighth grade coach Rick Drapeau said this team has been together a long time. They pass well and have strong communication. They never give up.

Seventh Grade

Windham started going hard after the ball. They had strong defense and kept Gorham at bay early on. Windham moved the ball well.

Quick hands by Windham goalie Ben Lanser kept Gorham’s score to a minimum.

At the half Gorham led 1-0.

“I think we played pretty well,” said Coach Drapeau. “We could have done a little bit better as a team. “We kept our heads up; we didn’t get down after that first couple goals. We’re growing every day; very proud of the kids.”

Windham’s Cameron Drapeau headed the ball in to put Windham on the scoreboard in the second half. At that point, it was 2-1 Gorham.

Windham’s Matthew Bilodeau hit the ball up in the air, Gorham’s goalie fumbled it and Drapeau was there to recover it and score. Now it’s 3-2, Gorham.

“I was really excited … we were able to score and excited I could help my team get closer to a win,” said Cameron Drapeau. “I think we could have done a little bit better with passing, maybe shooting more open shots, but overall we played really good.”<

Windham Middle School field hockey has a mighty return against Portland

By Matt Pascarella

In their first game back from quarantine, the Windham field hockey team had had only one practice before their game against Portland.

Windham eighth grader Abby Trainor makes her way to
Portland's goal on Tuesday, Oct. 19 at Doherty Field in
Portland. Windham Middle School fights hard for two halves,
but Portland recorded a 3-1 win.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

It wasn’t noticeable as these girls gave it all on the field and played hard for the full 40 minutes.

Windham was aggressive and kept their heads up after Portland scored early in the game. Windham eighth grader Abby Trainor got the ball and broke away from her defenders to score and tied the game. Windham fought very hard and had strong defense, but Portland got the 3-1 win.

In only her third time playing goalie Windham eighth grader Olivia McPherson stopped many, many shots against Portland and kept their score to only three.

“It’s kind of exciting but also never-racking,” said McPherson. “You get kind of nervous if a ball comes toward you and you don’t have defense or if it’s a one-on-one sort of thing. I try to come out of the goal as much as possible so I can kick the ball before they get a chance to [score].”

Windham stayed with the ball in the beginning of the game. After Portland scored in the first quarter, the Lady Eagles turned up the intensity in the second quarter and really went hard after the ball.

Windham’s defense kept the ball away from their goal in the second quarter as the Lady Eagles took multiple shots at Portland’s goal. They passed well and worked to be first to the ball. At the half, Portland led 1-0.

Windham’s aggressiveness did not stop in the second half and it didn’t take long for Trainor to rush at Portland’s goalie and got the ball by her.

“It felt I was just running … and no one could stop me,” said Trainor. She said passing and getting open went really well during the game. She thought Windham did well overall.

Windham seventh grader Sarah Smyth said they did really well communicating with teammates.

Windham continued to pressure and had several shots on goal, not letting the Portland goalie take much of a rest.

At the buzzer, Portland was able to maintain their lead.

“They are doing really good, we have a very small team,” said Windham Middle School field hockey coach Carrie Colby. “It was a really good game for us; I know they’re discouraged, but they … played well.” <

WHS volleyball continues to improve

Windham varsity volleyball junior Victoria Lin returns a volley
from Greely during a match on Oct. 8 at Greely. Windham
fought hard, but Greely won the match 3-0.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams continue to improve and show they are getting stronger.

The varsity team lost 3-0 to Greely on Friday, Oct. 8 at Greely and JV lost 2-0, but both coaches and players are seeing an increase in Windham’s abilities as we near the end of the regular season.

Both teams really fought, as they showed the Rangers that they were worthy competition.

Varsity

In Game One of this best of five matches, Windham got on the scoreboard right away. They kept up their energy and effort. Windham had excellent serves and volleys.

A block by the Lady Eagles denied the Rangers and gave Windham the opportunity to serve. Windham stayed aggressive for the entire game. Windham junior Victoria Lin scored several points. Greely pulled ahead and while Windham fought, Greely got the win, 25-13.

Greely took the lead in Game Two, but Windham put themselves on the scoreboard a short time after. Greely had a significant lead, and Windham slowly gained on the Rangers.

Windham junior Odessa Files scored multiple points. Greely had a big lead, but Windham came back from behind and really closed the gap. Greely took this one 25-15.

In Game Three, Greely jumped out in front right away, but a stellar return by Windham tied the game up early. Windham took the lead with strong volleys. The Lady Eagles were not about to give up.

A block from Windham senior Samantha Murphy kept Windham in the game. After Windham stuck with it and battled, Greely got the win 25-12.

The Rangers won the match three games to none.

“I think the effort was pretty good, the energy was definitely up,” said Windham varsity volleyball coach Chuck Fleck. “We fought them … pretty hard, we just need to end up on top next time.”

Fleck saw a lot of trust and teamwork on the court. That hasn’t always been present and is a big plus.

Everybody makes the playoffs and Fleck is hoping to surprise a few first rounds; if Windham wants it, they can do it.

“I think we did really well today … I don’t think I’ve ever seen us push that hard before,” said Lin. “We played smarter. We were really good at not getting ourselves in a rut.”

Lin said she saw teamwork and trust, which makes for a better team.

Junior Varsity

In Game One of this best of three matches, Windham sophomore Kailyn Webster got things going with a strong serve.

Greely took the lead, but not before Windham freshman Kaitlyn Webber put a few points on the scoreboard. The game was tied at seven.

Greely pulled away again, but Windham was not going to give up. Windham sophomore Lilly McLean scored several points for the Lady Eagles. Windham was aggressive and did not quit, but Greely got the 25-14 win.

In Game Two, Windham scored immediately and pulled ahead. Soon the game was tied at five.

Windham’s serves were backed with a lot of force. Game Two was tied at 10.

With Greely up, Windham began to make a comeback. The game was close, but Greely got by in the end, 25-20.

This gave the Rangers the 2-0 games to none match win.

Webber said she’s seen a lot of improvement over the season. Many players can get their serves over and can get passes straight to each other. Webber said the team wasn’t in the game 100 percent, which contributed to the loss.

“They definitely have improved over the season,” said Windham JV coach Megan Fleck. “Their serves have been amazing, it’s impressive to see from JV players. Our team is working on getting a bump, set and a hit and I think we really got that going in the game even though it might not win points, it’s something I want them to work on.” <

Windham High School eSports showing promise as new fall sport

Windham High's eSports team does a pregame warmup
before their meet on Tuesday, Oct. 12 at Windham High
School against Florida's Southeast High School. From left
are Alex Pooler, Alexander Greslick, Brady White, Aidan 
Poitras and Brayden Roberts.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

By Matt Pascarella

A new sport has joined the fall line up at Windham High School. What’s known as eSports, or electronic sports, is competitive video game play, which can be played individually or on a team.

The eSports program is offered at high schools and colleges all over the country. For Windham High School’s team, there were not enough Maine eSports teams, so the Eagles are part of the Eastern Region eSports League.

Although the Eagles lost their second match of their season, 2-0, to Florida’s Southeast High School on Tuesday, Oct. 12 at Windham High School, Windham had great communication and a solid game plan, adapting well to changes during the match.

If eSports seems like a new thing, it’s not. The earliest known competitive video game match was held at Stanford University for the game “Spacewar” in 1972. Since then, competitive video game play has grown exponentially.

The game played by Windham’s eSports team is “League of Legends,” a multiplayer game where two teams on either side of a playing field clash in the middle and battle it out with the goal being to destroy the opposing team’s base. Matches are two games, with a third match played if needed to break a tie.

In Game One of Tuesday’s match, Florida’s Southeast High School jumped to an early lead and couldn’t be stopped after that as Florida took Game One.

In Game Two, Windham tied with Florida early on. The Eagles held their own in the beginning of Game Two. Southeast High School pulled ahead, but the Eagles were steadily putting points on the board.

While Windham had better communication in Game Two, they fell to Southeast High School and lost the match 2-0.

In addition to game play, Windham eSports Coach Seth Fournier ends practices with a workout and a run.

“There’s a lot of hand eye coordination, a lot of fast mouse movements,” said Fournier. “A lot of fast key movements and they have to be thinking, they have to be ready; that’s why I think the physical training is just as important.”

Fournier wants to teach his athletes balance, that video games can be an aspect of their life.

For Windham sophomore Alex Pooler, this is his first time playing video games competitively.

“It’s nice, it’s something new,” said Pooler. “It’s nice to have a team instead of playing with people I’ve never met before.”

Pooler said there’s strategy to eSports. There are many qualities, like strategizing, that mirror a sport like soccer or football. He said you have to plan and execute strategies well.

Fournier said Game Two was better communicated than Game One; the Eagles had better movement in Game Two.

“It just came down to execution for us. If we had brought it together in that second game, we could have at least forced a game three. That’s what I was most impressed by was the plan we had going in,” said Fournier. <

 

 

Tales from the Outdoors: The Adaptive Moose Hunt

By Bob Chapin

For over 12 years, I have been applying for a moose tag through the State of Maine Moose Lottery, always with the same result—not selected—until this year. When the results this year were announced in June, I was excited to receive notice that I was selected, only slightly disappointed that it was for a cow tag then confused by the news that it was an ‘Adaptive Moose Hunt.”

What is an Adaptive Moose hunt? A little research gave me the answer.

The Adaptive Hunt is an experimental hunt that Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is conducting over several years in a restricted area of Unit 4 in the North Maine Woods above the Golden Road on the western border between Maine and Canada. The biologists hope to improve the survivability of post-rut cows and young calves from over winter mortality caused by a heavier than normal load of winter ticks.

The ticks are sort of a double-edged sword in that not only do they rob the moose of a good portion of their blood supply, but they also cause the animals to rub their itching hides on trees and rocks trying to scrape off their tormentors. This action rubs off their hair, which is hollow and a good insulator, making them more susceptible to winter weather and they die due to exposure.

By reducing the high number of cow moose in Unit 4A, IF&W hopes to rob the ticks of hosts and improve the survivability of the remaining moose. That particular WMD (Wildlife Management District) was chosen for several reasons. They have a lot of data on the moose population having studied it there for years and the country is sparsely populated so there is little interference with the local residents.

The lumbering industry is continually logging off sections that allow the sunlight to reach the forest floor and promote the new growth that moose rely on for food. It is a living laboratory that they can use to validate their scientific theories and extrapolate data that can then be used to formulate sound management policies. These will end up in future hunting regulations that are good for the moose as well as the hunters.

Subsequent to the hunt, the biologists will closely monitor the remaining moose population with aerial surveys and moose they have collared with transmitters to determine if the experiment is working. If it is, then they may export the practice to other Wildlife Management Areas. If it shows no impact other than the reduction of moose densities due to the focused hunting, then it is back to the drawing boards to find another solution to the vexing problem of ticks. If the tick problem is so bad for moose, why doesn’t it affect the deer herd as well?

To a certain extent it does but the two animals act differently. Most deer will have a minimal tick load and that is because they spend more of their average day on their feet. Moose and deer are both considered crepuscular, meaning most active during periods of reduced lighting, such as dusk and dawn.

Moose will browse for a couple of hours in the morning then go lie down until nearly sunset. Deer will spend longer periods of time searching for food sources, browse a little bit, then move on to the next source until they are full. That is one reason why as humans we see so many more deer out and about than we do moose. Moose are also less tolerant of human interaction and prefer woody vegetation to the wider variety of things that deer feed on.

Right now the moose rutting season is on and bulls are traveling greater distances to find receptive cows so are seen more often by people. They are also in a transition period regarding their feeding preferences. Where you would normally expect to see them in marshy bogs eating the succulent aquatic vegetation, after the rut they will be moving further up the hills and mountains in their area looking for the more woody areas.

Following my own advice from an earlier column, I spent several days this past week scouting the area I will be hunting next month. I expected to see a lot of moose as we were out and about dawn and dusk – we saw three – one almost in the Seboomook Wilderness Campground where we stayed for three nights. I also expected to see more grouse as this area is renowned for its bird hunting as well – we saw four. We also had bonus sightings of whitetail deer and a pine martin. The foliage was approaching its peak and absolutely beautiful. <

WHS boys' soccer turns in solid effort against Gorham

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham varsity and junior varsity boys’ soccer teams went head-to-head at home on Saturday, Oct. 2 against rival Gorham in a game where both Windham teams played hard but ultimately came up short.

Windham varsity boys' soccer player Tyler Johnsen pushes
back against a Gorham defender as he races to the ball during
Windham's home game against Gorham on Oct. 2. Gorham
defeated Windham, 4-0. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

Gorham’s varsity defeated Windham 4-0 and the Eagles’ fell to Gorham 3-0 in the JV game.

Although these were two losses, the Eagles will pick themselves up, learn from this and return to the field ready to go. There is plenty of season left for both teams to show they are even stronger because of these losses.

Varsity

While Gorham found the back of the net twice almost immediately into the start of the game, Windham worked to keep their heads up and kept fighting.

After those Gorham goals early on, the Rams had an opportunity to take a couple shots at an unprotected goal and Windham junior Owen Weatherby blocked them both.

Goalie and Windham senior Colby Connolly had save after save throughout the game.

Windham did go after the ball and took shots on goal in the first half but could not put the ball in the net. At the half, Gorham was up 3-0.

“We had a couple chances, we tried to stay motivated, but I guess we couldn’t really pull it together as a team,” said Windham junior Tyler Johnsen. “We need to come out stronger, faster, better and not get down on each other.”

Johnsen added Gorham’s two goals at the start was discouraging for Windham, but they tried to stick with it.

Windham fought hard in the second half and their defense did keep Gorham’s goals to a lower number but could not get ahead at game’s end.

“We were [seven wins, zero losses] coming into the game,” said Windham varsity boys’ soccer coach Ben Schulz. “We still think we’re a good team, we just got punched in the mouth by another good team. You have games like this ... the most important thing for us is recognize we’ve got work to do and come back ready to go.”

Junior Varsity

Windham started with good passing and had strong defense that held off Gorham for most of the first half.

With about 12 minutes left in the half Gorham fired two in the net consecutively and led at halftime.

Windham kept going. They worked hard to be first to balls. They pressured. Windham goalie and junior Sam Plummer had several nice saves.

Windham freshman Levi Hayman took a shot at goal. So did Windham sophomore Jacob Gagne. The Eagles fought until the end.

“We had good passing and good communicating,” said Windham freshman Matteo Sandora. “We couldn’t really get the ball past [Gorham].”

Windham JV coach Nick Dubay said Windham came ready to play, though a little flat early on. Dubay said it took them a little bit, but the JV team was able to settle in. Gorham got the upper hand.

Dubay said the team can learn to focus on the game more seriously, so they’re ready when the pressure comes. <

Windham’s U14 girls’ soccer take control against Cape early and maintain lead

Windham eighth grader Neve Ledbetter turns toward the goal
in the second half of Windham Youth Soccer Association's
U14 D1 Green team's game against Cape Elizabeth at
Windham on Sunday, Oct. 3. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA
 

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham Youth Soccer Association’s U14 D1 Green team scored early in their game against Cape Elizabeth and that first goal established a momentum that boosted Windham through the entirety of the game.

The Lady Eagles scored three more times to leave Cape lagging behind and kept Windham undefeated with a 4-1 win and a record of 5-0 as WYSA’s U14 D1 Green team hosted Cape Elizabeth on Sunday, Oct. 3.

The Lady Eagles started strong with solid communication and great passing. Early on, many Windham players took several shots at Cape Elizabeth’s goalkeeper.

“The thing that makes them a particularly good team is the fact that they are willing to pass,” said girls’ U14 D1 Green coach Craig Broadbent. “It’s no one individual that makes this team really good, it’s how they work as a team.”

Broadbent said Windham had solid runs all game long and their passing was really precise. They never gave up going after a ball and used their teammates to move the ball from one half of the field to the other.

Windham was aggressive and kept up the pressure for both halves. Windham eighth-grader Marley Jarvais scored on a corner kick during the first half. Eighth grader Kyla Harvie scored next.

Windham had a 2-0 lead at the half.

At the start of the second half, Windham showed excellent defense as they only let one goal get by.

The Lady Eagles remained aggressive until the end of the game. Eighth grader Neve Ledbetter fired the ball in the net.

“I feel like we worked really hard on communicating,” said Ledbetter. “Especially overlaps, something like corners, cheering each other on.”

Ledbetter said runs went well; getting the ball up and passing to certain people as opposed to just kicking it and seeing open space too.

Right before the final buzzer, Windham eighth grader Nola Bryant took a penalty kick and scored.

Bryant said she was a little nervous to take this one, but it felt good when she got the ball past the keeper.

According to Bryant, they always do better as a team when they are communicating, and she thought teamwork and the fact that they made better passes helped contribute to the win. <

Windham High football mows down Brewer, remains unbeaten

Windham junior Haddon Boyle shows his speed as he makes 
it past several Brewer defenders during Windham's game on
Sept, 25 at home against the Brewer Witches. Windham won
the game, 51-0.  PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

 By Matt Pascarella

The Windham varsity football team continued their winning streak as they scored early and often during game three of the season against the Brewer Witches at home on Saturday, Sept. 25. Windham remained unbeaten at 3-0 with a 51-0 shutout victory over Brewer.

An early touchdown from a pass by senior quarterback Robert ‘Will’ Ledbetter to junior Max Arbour, got Windham started when Arbour ran it into the end zone. The Eagles started the second quarter with a pass from Ledbetter to junior Alex Yeaton who ran the ball in after a 45-yard strike. Windham crossed the goal line several more times during the game.

Brewer won the toss and decided to receive. The Eagles weren’t allowing them many yards and Brewer’s opportunities near their end zone were few. Windham’s defense took down Brewer often and with force. An incomplete pass by Brewer and now it’s first and 10 Windham.

After Arbour’s touchdown in the first quarter, Windham went for the two-point conversion, and it’s 8-0. This touchdown turned up the dial on Windham’s already high energy. They remained ready to get it done against Brewer for the rest of the game.

“We had to start early,” said Arbour. “We had to come out strong and that’s what we did.”

Windham senior Nick Garrison scored a touchdown before the end of the first quarter. Windham went for the two-point conversion and succeeded.

After Yeaton’s touchdown in the second quarter, Windham junior Jordan Bridge put the ball through the uprights and Windham led 23-0.

Whenever it was Brewer’s turn to gain some yardage, Windham barely allowed it. Brewer could not get by Windham’s defense.

In the second quarter, it was second and seven, Windham possession, from the Brewer 34-yard-line. Then, first and goal. Windham junior Haddon Boyle scored a touchdown.

There were 10 seconds left in the half, and it was second and goal from just inside the one-yard-line; Windham senior Tate Chork got the touchdown at the buzzer. The Eagles led 37-0 at the half.

Yeaton scored another touchdown in the third quarter.

Windham’s defense only got stronger as Brewer made little progress.

Windham sophomore Dan Mitchell made it into the end zone less than two minutes into the start of the fourth quarter.

“We weren’t sure what [Brewer] would come in offensively ... we had to make adjustments on the fly,” said Windham varsity football coach Matt Perkins. “We talked all week about teams who change their offense week to week, what you’ve got to do.”

Perkins said teams are going to give you wrinkles each week and you’ve got to be ready to adapt. He said everybody got in the game and was pleased with how Windham did.

Six of Ledbetter’s nine passes were completed for 150 yards. Boyle had 16 carries and 86 yards rushing.

On defense, lead tacklers were Windham senior Jason Scott and Chork, both with three tackles. <

Windham Middle School cross country teams show promise in first meet

Windham sixth grader Beckett Bragdon heads to the finish line
 during Windham Middle School's first cross country race of the
season against Westbrook and Friends School of Portland on 
Wednesday, Sept. 22 at at Smiling Hill Farm in Westbrook.
PBY NMATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

In Windham Middle School’s first cross country meet of the season, a one-and-a-half-mile run, many members on the team showed immense achievement and with future meets on the horizon, Windham looks very promising for the upcoming season.

Windham eighth grader Nathan White was first for Windham and came in second overall for the boys with a time of 11:15.31 minutes.

Windham eighth grader Sydney Broadbent came in first for Windham and fourth overall for the girls with a time of 11:23.84.

WMS traveled to Smiling Hill Farm in Westbrook on Sept. 22 to compete against Westbrook Middle School and the Friends School of Portland.

As a team, the Windham boys beat Friends School of Portland 37-28. Westbrook had no score during this race.

The Windham girls came in second with a total of 42 points, Westbrook was first with a total of 49 and Friends School of Portland had a score of 32.

Both Windham teams showed their training has already begun to pay off.

Boys

Windham sixth grader Adam Slomczynski finished second for Windham and fifth overall with a time of 11:21.31.

Windham eighth grader Nathan Paulding finished third for Windham and ninth overall with a time of 11:56.94.

Windham seventh grader Mason Bragdon finished fourth for Windham and 10th overall with a time of 12:07.44.

Nine Windham runners were in the top 15.

White said the race went well, not many hills, though the last hill was pretty steep. White said it felt good to finish first for Windham; he thought he was going to get at least fifth place, so this was great.

Girls

“I think the race went well but I’m still working on finding my pace,” said Broadbent. “The thing that went well was that I had motivation to run faster to catch up to the person in front of me. It felt good to get first for Windham.”

Windham sixth grader Habour Libby finished second for Windham and seventh overall with a time of 12:43.15.

Windham sixth grader Taylor Lucas finished third for Windham and eighth overall with a time of 12:43.88.

Windham sixth grader Mila Thomas finished fourth for Windham and ninth overall with a time of 13:38.69.

Windham eighth grader Kaitlyn Dickson finished fifth for Windham and 14^th overall with a time of 14:14.31.

Six Windham runners were in the top 15.

“I think it went really well,” said Windham Middle School Coach Phil Jackson. “The kids were really excited to run; it’s been two years since we’ve had actual in-person competition.”

Jackson said the team came ready to run and had good attitudes. They went out and did their best, tried hard and had fun. Jackson is excited to see what Windham can do the rest of the season. <