Windham football edges Skowhegan in semifinals to advance to regional championship game

Windham senior Tate Chork pushes Skowhegan junior Joseph
Cote to block his pass during the Class B North football
semifinal game at Windham High School on Nov. 5.
Windham won, 7-6. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

In what started as a completely scoreless game for the entire first half, it ended with Windham holding onto their reign this season as they beat Skowhegan 7-6 during the Class B North semifinal at Windham on Friday, Nov. 5.

At the start of the second half, Windham senior Robert “Will” Ledbetter charged up the field and into the end zone. The kick was good, and the Eagles led 7-0.

Skowhegan would score a touchdown in the fourth quarter, but a blocked kick by Windham left Skowhegan a point shy of gaining any traction.

“All of our guys stepped up,” said Ledbetter. “Defensively that was an amazing effort. I can’t thank [Windham] enough; those guys are the real deal.”

Ledbetter said this season has been a journey. Trying to stay disciplined and get better every week is what it’s all about. He is ready to begin getting better for when they will take on Lawrence. He said he is ready to play them tough.

Skowhegan won the toss, but deferred, so Windham received and began first and 10 from their 20-yard line. In the first quarter, Skowhegan got within first and goal. A fumble from the River Hawks and the Eagles recovered to put the ball on the 10-yard line. This blocked a scoring opportunity to keep the game tied at zero.

In the second quarter, Skowhegan got close to crossing into the endzone. A pass from the River Hawks was intercepted by Windham senior Tayshawn Lindsay and he made a break to the opposite end of the field after he denied Skowhegan the touchdown.

“I think it was our band but don’t break mentality [that enabled the win],” said Lindsay. “We got a lot of ... guys who just don’t give up – that’s the reason we won this game. Whoever we do play [in Regionals] they’re going to have a real fight on their hands.”

There was less than 7 minutes left in the game and Windham defense continued to do exceptional work. It was 3 and goal, River Hawks and after a false start Skowhegan fumbled and Windham recovered.

As the clock wound down, Windham was able to hold off the River Hawks. With 13 seconds left on the clock a false start lost Skowhegan six yards. Windham sacked and that’s the game.

“I think [Skowhegan] got inside our 10 a few times and we were able to stand tall and keep them out,” said Windham varsity football coach Matt Perkins. “Defensively we have a fight attitude where they find a way to get it done, just real proud of how tenacious and tough our guys are.”

Windham faces Lawrence at Lewiston High School in the Regional finals on Friday, Nov. 12. <