WHS swim team sets a high bar for season after Cheverus meet

By Matt Pascarella

Windham’s swim team came out incredibly strong in their first meet of the season at the Portland YMCA on Friday, Dec. 13 against Cheverus. Windham had a first-place finisher in almost every event with Windham’s boys finishing first with a score of 86-64 and Windham’s girls tied with Cheverus with a score of 65.

Windham senior Sarah Inman competes in the butterfly event
at the Portland YMCA during a prep swimming meet on
Friday, Dec. 13 against Cheverus High School.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA
 

“I was really proud of the team and I’m looking forward to the season,” said Windham sophomore Sullivan Scharf. “Today was ... get out there and have a first meet. We were just looking to get in the pool and get some times up there. The cheering was really good, everyone was supporting each other, everybody was really working together. I like our relay teams a lot ... I like how Coach Small puts them every week so they’re a little bit different, so we get to work with different people each time. In practice I think we need to put in a little bit more work.”

Scharf finished first in the 200-yard Individual Medley with a 2:07.72-minute time. He also finished first in the 500-freestyle with a time of 5:04.99.

Windham freshman Rocco DiDonato finished first in the 200-freestyle with a 2:21.16 time. DiDonato finished second in the 100-freestyle with a time of 1:03.65.

In the 100-backstroke, Windham freshman Nick Chasse finished first with a 53.16 second time.

Windham junior Pascal Hentsch finished first with a 1:26.03 time in the 100-breaststroke.

In the 100-butterfly, Windham freshman Peter Funk finished first with a 59.95 time. He finished second in the 100-backstroke at 1:02.55.

“Coming to today, I was excited to know that we were going to have a lot of good teamwork, and we were going to cheer each other on,” said Windham senior Martina Jefferson. “We have a lot of new swimmers, so I expected there would be some nervousness ... but honestly, we barely had that. We had a lot of encouragement from everyone else and I think it went great. I think a lot of us have been great at keeping that stroke long and on the backstroke, we’ve been getting that pop kind of. I think also streamlines have been great. Our starts need a little more work ... because we want to aim to go out farther because that will decrease our time, but otherwise there’s not really a lot we have to change.”

Jefferson finished second in the 100-backstroke with a time of 1:19.32. She finished third in the 100-freestyle with a 1:10.46 time.

In the 200-freestyle, Windham senior Morgan Farley finished first with a 2:28.13 time. She was also first in the 500-freestyle with a 6:34.04 time.

Windham senior Sarah Inman finished first in the 200-individual medley at 2:34.06 and first in the 100-butterfly at 1:14.45.

Windham freshman Stephanie Roghelia finished first with a time of 27.30 in the 50-freestyle. In the 100-breaststroke she finished first with a 1:17.79 time.

“Immediately I think we exceeded the expectations we had for the first meet of the year,” said Windham swim team coach Peter Small. “Six of the 24 kids (on the team) have swum high school before; across the board kids with experience, kids without experience did things today that we were really hoping to see. First meet of the year, we always say this is your benchmark, pace it the way we’ve talked about ... try to get the technique at the greatest level we’ve worked on, but this is your benchmark. It’s from here that we measure improvement over time; times were faster, the technique was better, our turns, while we still need work was definitely better than I was expecting.” <

Windham High’s indoor track and field team ready to start season

By Matt Pascarella

Since mid- to late-November both the Windham High School boys’ and girls’ indoor track and field teams have been practicing and working on their skill sets and technique as the start of their regular season nears.

Windham senior Carter Engelman practices hurdles in the
halls of Windham High School on Thursday, Dec. 12 as
the WHS indoor track and field team gets ready for the
start of the season launching Dec. 21 in a meet at the
University of Southern Maine in Gorham.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

Teams have been practicing indoors, in gyms, working out in the weight room and outside to make sure they start the season strong. Both newcomers and veteran athletes have set goals for themselves and are nervously ready for the season to start.

“With track it’s all about self-improvement,” said Windham senior Carter Engelman. “I love to (achieve personal bests) in my events, that’s my goal. I’m hoping for 14-6 feet in the pole vault; looking to break the school record in the 55-hurdles too. I’d love to see everybody improve, we’ve got a lot of great new freshman, and a lot of great returning runners and jumpers and they’re putting in the work and it’s going to be great to see them improve. There’s always a level of nervousness. I’m able to decrease the pressure myself by making it about improving and not comparisons, but there’s always a little bit of stress.”

To help prepare, Engelman and the boys’ team have been doing a lot of running and have been focusing a lot on strength in the weight room. They are also focusing on the technical aspect and dialing it in before the season, making their forms better and working hard to make improvements.

“We have a lot of good leaders and a lot of kids that are really stepping up helping with practices and helping the younger athletes,” said Windham boys’ indoor track and field coach Paula Pock. “They are getting anxious to compete. We’re really focusing on our strength and (being) mentally strong to help us get through some of those events and just not overthink it. We know we’ve put in the hard work and now we have to put it together in the meet. Our goal is to see a lot of kids qualify for the Southwestern and state meets. We have some kids that are setting some high goals to perform well at those meets.”

The girls’ team has new members who are excited to be part of the team and are ready to compete.

“I love to work out and running is always fun and to be part of a team (is why I joined indoor track),” said Windham freshman Taylor Hall. “I heard great things about the coaches, so I wanted to see what that was like. I would love to do really well in the 50-yard dash as well as the long jump; hopefully come close to the school record, maybe even break it. Definitely (get a personal best) in everything and to become a nicer, more talkative person to my peers, being part of a team helps with that. I love the feeling of the nerves though; it helps you get going.”

According to the girls’ indoor track and field coach Jeff Riddle, each day is an investment in how the team will train to implement into the next day. The first two and a half weeks, they were just investing for the next day and the day after that. The team has responded extremely well to all of it and Riddle helped to ease any nerves by telling the team that the first two meets are like a practice with your uniform on.

"Setting the sequence and flow of each day that’s how you build to capacity,” said Riddle. “I would like to see the team unified and have a blast doing this, to showcase and perform everything that they’re learning into their events and do it for and with each other. I think they’re going to have significant success.”

Windham’s indoor track and field team kicks off the season at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 at the University of Maine in Gorham against Bonny Eagle, Deering and Falmouth High Schools. <

Her Mainely Girl Adventures: Deer Season

By Staci Warren

Deer season began on Nov. 2. I spent the pre-season setting game cameras and hoping to see a big buck, but the cameras showed nothing but a couple spikehorn bucks and does. As opening day approached, the deer went elsewhere. Not seeing any action on my game cameras, I opted for a spot I didn’t have a camera hung, and that is “tried and true” in annual deer behavior, with hopes I’d see a buck chasing a doe.

Staci Warren is shown with
the buck she took home for
the 2024 deer season.
It ended up being the
largest one that she's 
harvested so far.
PHOTO BY
JOHN WARREN

That’s not something I’ve seen often, but the rut and does in heat tend to bring in big bucks that don’t normally hang in my area. I’ve only shot one buck that I’d say was “big.” In 2011, I shot an 8-point buck, but it wasn’t big enough for The Maine Sportsman’s Big Buck Club.

The first morning, I gave myself a half hour to get into my stand. The walk was long, and I have to navigate over a brook and a boulder field before I hike up the hill to my stand. I struggled getting in. I felt like I was exceptionally clumsy in my boots, but I think it was all the tension my body was holding. Once in my stand, I settled in for the sunrise. I could feel myself relax. I listened for sound of deer. I saw a Barred owl, usually a good sign that I’ll see other game. The first day didn’t disappoint; I saw a group of three does that just appeared out of nowhere.

I never heard them coming since the breeze was steady and the leaves rustled constantly. Cautiously they crossed the opening in front of me, only 20 yards away. With the wind in my face, they never smelled me. I watched as they stopped and fed off to my right before heading over a ridge. Not even a half hour later, I got a glimpse of movement. A deer was headed my way. It circled to my left and came up the hill parallel to my stand and then stopped to eat acorns. Luckily, it didn’t smell me.

Then three more joined in and I sat frozen in my stand as I watched them cross out in front of me and leave. I left feeling happy and for the first time in weeks, I felt refreshed and not anxious.

My second weekend was a lot like the first, only the deer that appeared from nowhere seemed to be a buck that had lost its antlers already. The top of its head had clear signs of a pedicle where an antler should be. It was a nice deer, but I chose to watch it since I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I then had a doe come in on my right, but behind me. She didn’t get that far before she blew, alerting others that I was there. She stomped off through the woods. I was actually having fun seeing all this wildlife and again, I left feeling more relaxed than when I got there.

After the first two weeks, things seemed to go dead. No deer sighting and no deer on camera, not even at night. It was a little disheartening since I, for the first time in my life, took the third week of deer season off to hunt, and after the election, I really needed some treestand therapy. I hunted the first of the week without seeing anything. In an effort to change things up, I decided to sit close by in a stand that had no sign, or not much sign, around it when we scouted earlier in the season. I hadn’t sat there for two years. I rode my four-wheeler down to the paved road and parked. I crossed and then walked the remaining 100 yards into my tree stand. I left early because it was such a beautiful day. The sun was shining, and it was sort of cold. I wore my cold weather gear and even though the wind was pretty steady, I was very comfortable.

I knew I’d have to watch for movement since the wind and noise from traffic would drown out any footsteps of a deer. I looked to my left and began scanning the area for movement. I checked the time on my phone. I had two hours to hunt. I put my phone away and looked up. Straight out in front of me, I caught the hind end of a deer. About fifty yards out there is a line of trees, from which the deer appeared and disappeared. I took out my buck grunt and gave a couple grunts.

Disgusted with myself for not seeing the deer earlier, I watched the woods. Then a doe appeared. It ate along the edge of the woods and walked through an opening and moved away from me. I gave a couple more grunts. About five minutes passed. I hadn’t really gotten too excited since it was just more does, when a doe bound out of the tree line, and circled up and around me.

She stopped to eat acorns. I then saw another doe, and I thought what if a buck was chasing her?! And then I saw the buck step out from the edge of the trees. He grunted, spotted her and headed my way with his head down as if being led by the tip of his nose. I got into position without moving quickly. It approached on my right, and I shoot right. I stood up and used the tree to brace myself. I waited for a clear opening, exhaled and squeezed the trigger. I got my biggest buck yet, but I still didn’t make the Big Buck Club. Maybe next year.

Staci Warren provides a unique woman’s perspective and column on the outdoors every month. She is a freelance writer whose blog, My Mainely Girl Adventures, is about a woman hunting, fishing, trapping, foraging and living in the Maine outdoors. She also loves camping, star gazing, wildlife watching, and hunting for fossils. She’s an active member and board member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association and is a monthly columnist and feature writer for The Maine Sportsman Magazine. In her free time, she enjoys mentoring women hunters and trappers. <

WHS boys’ basketball downs Gorham for road win

By Matt Pascarella

In their second game of the season, Windham varsity boys’ basketball showed they can battle against tough teams on the road. The Eagles hit the court to take on rival Gorham on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at Gorham High School. These are two completely different teams from last year and Windham fought hard early in the game. Although Gorham made up some ground in the fourth quarter, Windham secured a 75-67 win.

Windham junior Tyrie James is shown mid-air and about
to take a shot at the hoop against Gorham during a boys'
prep basketball game in Gorham on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“Coming into this game we wanted to play our best basketball and try to get better at the things we’ve been working at,” said Windham varsity boys’ basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen. At times we played pretty well and we kind of let our guard down at other times; at the end of the day our guys found a way through. Staying together (went well), continuing to keep the lead, all those things that help you win come February, March. It’s a good experience for our guys to come into a great atmosphere. Continuing to trust one another and continuing to move the basketball more; on the defensive end, shrinking space – making it harder for the offense (need work). All fixable things. We’re not trying to reinvent something new; it’s just getting better at some of the basics, we’ll get there; our guys are smart, and they’re motivated.”

Windham started the game with extreme hustle. Both teams played a fast-paced game where Windham secured turnover after turnover early on. They rebounded well and moved the ball but despite an Eagles lead, Gorham wasn’t far behind. Windham defense did make it hard for the Rams’ offense.

In the second quarter Windham junior Tyrie James hit two three-pointers. Windham sophomore Colin Janvrin also sunk a three-pointer. Moments before the first buzzer sounded, Gorham went in for the dunk and missed, and after the first half, Windham led 37-30.

“We think of every opponent as the same,” said James. “We’re going to work as hard as we can for each opponent, we’re not going to look past anyone; we’re going to try our best the entire game. We made reads of how (Gorham) played defense. We had to adjust to their offense in the first half. I think we didn’t play our best game, but everyone was playing defense, everyone was hustling, you could tell we had energy. You can always improve. Anything can get better.”

Windham held onto a substantial 10-point lead early in the third quarter. Janvrin knocked down two more three-pointers. Windham held a 15-point lead late in the third quarter.

“The mindset of the game was to ... get a win by playing together as a team and keeping ourselves composed against a team we are rivals with,” said Janvrin. “I think we handled adversity well. Some things we need to work on as a team is hustling back on defense and stopping people from getting open shots.”

Five minutes remained in the game and 10 points separated the teams. Gorham worked hard to close that gap, and succeeded a little, but Windham wasn’t going to let them have this one. The gap fluctuated, but Windham remained out in front until the final buzzer.

“We knew they were a totally different team,” said Windham senior Creighty Dickson. “They got new guys, but they still shoot the ball like a lot, and we needed to come out with energy and play our defense. There were certain times when we just let off the gas and let them come back. I thought our trapping was pretty well on defense. Our ball movement in the first half wasn’t very good, but we improved in the second half.” <

Trail Blazers hockey launches new season with 7-1 home-opening victory

By Matt Pascarella

In the first game of the regular youth ice hockey season, the Windham/Bonny Eagle/Westbrook Trail Blazers pummeled Biddeford/Old Orchard/Massabesic, or Boom, on Thursday, Dec. 5 at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham. The Trail Blazers scored five goals in the first period, kept up the intensity and earned a 7-1 win.

Trail Blazers senior Sam Foley of Windham fires a shot on
goal at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham during
the youth ice hockey team's home opener against
Biddeford/Old Orchard Beach/Massabesic on Thursday,
Dec. 5. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA.

“If we show up prepared, we can take it to them and win,” said Windham senior and captain Sam Foley. “It depends on how we preform, how we start off; if we start hard early, it’s going to be easy for the second and third period. Just keeping that energy early, getting the locker room going, and being positive helped. Shooting (went well); we were getting every puck to the net. Moving as a line, getting everyone through and moving our feet made it a lot easier. Defensive zone ... needs work, because once we get up two or three goals we start focusing more on offense and making it harder to get the puck out.”

The Trail Blazers got the sticks going early when, less than a minute into the first period Foley scored. A very short time later, Windham senior Shaun Traina flicked the puck past the goalie and the Trail Blazers led by two.

Windham senior Philip Traina scored, then Bonny Eagle sophomore Colby Bailey scored for the Trail Blazers. Philip Traina scored again, and the Trail Blazers defense held off Boom for the entire first period. Trail Blazers led 5-0 after one period of play.

“We really just want to make sure we play our game, play hard, physical, outskate teams, outwork teams, we want to play heavy in the offensive end,” said Trail Blazers coach Bobby Fothergill. “Having a young goaltender, we wanted to make sure we protected him; the best defense is a good offense. We got the firepower, we’re three lines deep; the offensive rotation – moving pucks high to low – playing positionless in the offensive zone and having a shooter’s mentality getting pucks on the net early. (The Trail Blazers) were hungry, they’ve been itching to get out there and play. The way last year ended left a sour taste in their mouths, they want a playoff win. We’re going to stay with that attack mentality, shooter’s mentality, pucks to the net, forechecking and backchecking, and good D-zone coverage. We’re also going to talk about just because you’re up five goals doesn’t mean the game is over, you don’t want to let teams back in. We’ll learn and grow from it and get better each game.”

The second period brought just as much hustle from the Trail Blazers players, although Boom’s goalie stopped a few more shots. Bonny Eagle junior Mason Caron scored on a power play. Then Windham senior Erik Dupont sent the puck right through the goalie’s legs.

In the third period, the Trail Blazers did not take their foot off the gas; the game was theirs to win, and they were going to do so. The Trail Blazers consistently had the puck and took shot after shot on goal. Boom’s goalie made several key stops but the Trail Blazers outshot their opponents, 53-11.

“I think we decided we were going to come out, play the body a little bit, get some nice quality shots on goal and try to put the puck in the net – get a nice lead to start,” said Bonny Eagle junior Colby Haskell. “After the first goal, we figured it’s just a 0-0 game, we still got to work as hard as we can and bury some goals. We did play for the full 45 minutes. I liked how we played physically, our shots were nice, selected and our hits were on-point. Our passing needs some work and definitely ... just moving our feet, keeping up with the pace. I think once that second and third period hit us with that long change, it really slowed us down after the first.” <

Wolfpack wrestling off to powerful start in preseason tournament

By Matt Pascarella

In a preseason tournament, the Windham/Gray New-Gloucester/Westbrook Wolfpack varsity wrestling team showed they are ready for the regular season as the team wrestled schools from all over the state in the Westlake Invitational on Saturday, Nov. 30 at Morse High School in Bath. The Wolfpack finished fourth out of 19 schools with a score of 137.

Windham freshman James Swan works to move his opponent
to his back on Saturday, Nov. 30 at Morse High School in
Bath early in the preseason prep wrestling Westlake
Invitational. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

“Our team first round – amazing,” said Gray New-Gloucester senior Jameson Hart. “That was super exciting. It means that we are practicing right. We are at a good spot we just got to work harder and we’re going to be a threat this year.”

The Wolfpack secured multiple wins and Windham senior Ayden Cofone (126-weight class) won his finals match. Other tournament placers were Westbrook sophomore Cole Tanner (165) finished second, Windham freshman James Swan (106) finished third, Westbrook sophomore Sajjad Jumaah (138) finished fourth, Windham junior Junius Pope (190) also finished fourth.

“It always feels good to win even in ... tight matches where you got to dig deep and push the pace,” said Cofone. “That's my fourth time winning that tournament and it felt more competitive each time which is good. I’ll use this tournament to set the season and really push hard to win the tougher tournaments down the road and to work harder and learn; I'm focused on growing as a wrestler and getting ready to flip the switch to college wrestling.”

After a very successful quarterfinal round, all 14 Wolfpack wrestlers advanced.

In the quarterfinals, Jumaah had an incredible match against Mount Ararat. Mount Ararat had a big lead most of the match, but Jumaah was not going down without a fight. Toward the end, mere points separated them and Jumaah’s perseverance earned him the 17-16 victory.

“I went into the match confident and it’s not I have to wrestle the second seed kid – it’s I get to wrestle the second seed kid,” said Jumaah. “I got a pretty hard blow to my nose... during the match. I had to take some injury time as well because ... I couldn’t wrestle right. When I got set on top, I was like the team needs this; that set a fire in me and I just went, I wrestled hard. I took a deep breath, I relaxed myself, I didn’t think about the score ... I had to keep going after it because there was no way I was going out like that.”

In the quarterfinals, Hart (157) took on Mount Ararat and pinned his opponent in under a minute.

Cofone pinned his Gardiner opponent with a minute remaining in the quarterfinals. He won his finals match 5-2 against Oceanside.

Cofone said he saw a lot of great heart and growth from last season. He said they need to wrestle their matches and not their opponents while working on cardio to set the pace of the match.

Windham senior CK Kennedy (175) fought a very close match against Bonny Eagle where he made up points after being down. Kennedy left it all on the mat, but narrowly lost 11-10.

“We have been able to get a lot accomplished in practice because the kids are paying attention and working hard to improve their skills,” said varsity Wolfpack coach John Nicholas. “We also talked about what it takes to win a big tournament and how to prepare yourself for each round. Besides the first round, (that went well) we had many kids that were able to battle back after a loss and push themselves into the consolation finals. We need to continue to work on our conditioning and clean up on some of our technique. I think the future is bright for the Wolfpack. We have a solid core of veterans mixed with some talented newcomers. It may take a little while, but we should be right in the mix by the end of the season.” <

WHS varsity girls’ basketball topples Bonny Eagle to close preseason

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High’s varsity girls’ basketball team played their last preseason game on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at Windham against Bonny Eagle. Windham defense kept Bonny Eagle completely scoreless in the first half and limited their scoring abilities in the second half as the Lady Eagles walked off the court with a 46-17 win.

Windham sophomore Mackenzie Delewski focuses while
navigating her way between two defenders during a
preseason varsity girls' basketball game against Bonny
Eagle at Windham High School on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“We went out and put some good ball pressure on them and forced a lot of turnovers early,” said Windham varsity girls’ basketball coach Brody Artes. “That’s kind of our identity and what we’re looking to do this year. We’re still evolving with our offense, and we try to get better every day with that, but our difference in intensity was good. We rebounded really well. Marley was fantastic on the boards early on, but as a whole we did a really good job.”

While the game took a slow offensive start, Windham defense did not let Bonny Eagle score a single basket in the first quarter, thanks to a last-second block before the buzzer. The Lady Eagles moved the ball well and snagged rebound after rebound, while turning the ball over a number of times.

In the second quarter, Windham junior Victoria Richardson sank one of her three three-pointers she would drop during the game. Windham’s defense kept Bonny Eagle scoreless, and Windham pulled out front with an enormous lead. At the half, Windham led, 22-0.

“We’ve had a bunch of good practices in the past week where we’re just all really connecting as a team,” said Richardson. We have a lot of new freshmen this year and ... recently we’ve been doing a good job connecting and we really showed that in the game today. I think our defense went really well – we’ve been working on that a lot in practice. We could get a little stronger, I know personally I need to get stronger (and not so much in our heads). I think we’re going to be a really strong team and if we play like we did today I think we can beat a lot of the teams that we think we can’t beat.”

Although they had a substantial lead, the Lady Eagles kept up their hustle in the second half. Junior Marley Jarvais connected on a three-pointer early in the third quarter. Windham stayed with the ball and grabbed rebounds.

Bonny Eagle did eventually score, but Windham’s defense continued to limit those opportunities. Windham remained strong with a very substantial lead throughout the game.

Windham freshman Yani Kostopoulos also had a nice block late in the game.

“I think this was a good game,” said Windham sophomore Mackenzie Delewski. “We really showed our defense considering they didn’t score in the first half. I feel like we played really well together, that our zone was really good; we did really good at being patient with the ball. We work really hard not just for ourselves but for each other; we get rebounds, we’re not selfish with the ball, we do good passing, and our shooting was really good today. I feel like a lot of people felt like this year would be a growing year because we’re still pretty young, with only one senior, but I feel like we’re kind of selling ourselves short and we’re a lot better team than we think we are.”

Windham faces Lewiston at home on Friday, Dec. 6 in its season-opener; tip-off is at 6 p.m. <

Windham varsity girls’ basketball looks strong for upcoming season

By Matt Pascarella

The start of the varsity girls’ basketball regular season is just a week away and Windham High is in position to be a contender with experienced returning players and new additions making WHS tough to beat.

Windham sophomore Mackenzie Delewski goes in for a
layup during the prep girls' basketball tryout session
on Monday, Nov. 18 at Windham High School.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“I think our goal is to work together and play as a team and I feel like already with this first tryout that we’ve had, I think we are already achieving that goal,” said Windham junior Addison Caiazzo. “I’m excited to see how the season goes. Our dynamic and team bonding (from last year can be a positive this year), because we only lost one senior last year, so I think just keeping that bond and bringing it over to this year.”

The team focus this year is to bring in as much positive energy to everything the team works on in practice and to translate that positivity to bring high energy into their games.

“We are excited to start the season, with a team that is mixed with some veteran players as well as some new additions to the roster that are going to step into some big roles in a major way,” said Windham varsity girls’ basketball coach Brody Artes. “Our overall goal is always to win a state championship, but the emphasis will be playing our best basketball in February. Marked improvement from November to February is something we always strive for.”

Artes and his coaching staff want players to improve individually each day by working hard in practice, recognizing their strengths and how they can use those strengths to contribute to the team’s success, and to be the best version of themselves during the playoffs.

“I’m really going to focus on being positive with my teammates, especially with it being such a younger team,” said Windham senior Stella Jarvais. “I’m working to be more positive and more team-oriented when it comes to practices and having high energy and being inclusive with everyone. Last year it was ... a growing year for our team. At the end of the year, we started to learn our new offense, so I think working through the summer and being able to incorporate it now in the early season, I think we’re going to be able to get it down and run it continuously. Obviously to make it to the tournament is a goal; making it there, and just having a fun last year with the people that I love.”

Windham will continue to be a strong defensive team. The overall size and strength of their players will be a significant benefit this season. Jarvais and sophomore Mackenzie Delewski will lead the way with both players being great defenders and a significant threat offensively. Junior Marley Jarvais will be a defensive specialist for Windham, as a very adaptable player who can guard all five positions.

“I will approach the upcoming season with a positive and a determined mindset,” said Delewski. “Last year we were a very young team that lost to Bangor early in playoffs by just a few buckets, I feel like this year we can go much farther as long as we work hard and fine tune our skills. Last year I learned what it takes to be a varsity athlete; it meant being a smarter player because I was up against older girls, and it also meant learning new plays and how the team works together. My goals for this year include our team making it to the Civic Center and trying our best in each and every one of our games.”

The regular season opens for Windham at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 against Lewiston at home. <

WHS senior Cunniffe commits to Bates College to play soccer

By Matt Pascarella

Like many kids at a young age, they try out a variety of sports before they find one that sticks. Once Windham senior Luke Cunniffe first played soccer, it did not take him long to fall in love with the game.

WHS Senior Luke Cunniffe
has had a spectacular
prep career and has
committed to attend Bates
College in Lewiston to
play for the Bobcats'
mens' soccer team.
PHOTO BY AMY
WITHAM CUNNIFFE   

He decided early on that this was a sport worth his time and that dedication has continued up until today. Cunniffe will continue his soccer career at the next level and has committed to attend Bates College in Lewiston, where he will major in economics with a minor in math, while also playing soccer for the Bobcats.

After college, Cunniffe would like to get involved in business analytics. He would also like to stay involved in soccer through coaching and provide local communities with the opportunity to play at low or no cost.

“Luke's drive and work ethic to make himself a better player sets an example for others to follow,” said Windham varsity boys’ soccer coach Jeff Neal. “He places very high expectations on himself. More often than not, you'd see Luke out on the pitch, in all kinds of weather, either working out by himself or with a group of teammates he helped organize. Luke's technical ability on the ball, coupled with his vision in reading and understanding the game should definitely help him fit in and adjust to the increased pace and physicality of the collegiate level as he makes the jump to the next level of play.”

The first time Cunniffe stepped on the soccer field he was 3. It wasn’t only the thrill of playing that held his interest, but the relationships he made through playing. He loves the game and the strategy of it; he loves learning from teammates. He’s put in a lot a time practicing his game. He would even shovel the driveway as a kid so he could practice.

“Luke is such a good teammate because he can give advice, but he’s not harping on you,” said his friend and Windham teammate senior Lukas Hammond. “He teaches you and he’ll show you how to do it because he knows how to; he’s always been good at that. He made our (Windham) team so much better with his leadership, whether it was ... how we were acting in school or on the field and how to play and how to improve our game. He’ll bring a lot of talent and his competitive nature (to Bates). He’s just a great teammate and he’ll bring all of what he’s always had, probably much more. I hope to see him grow in the offseason as well. He's not just a great guy on the field, he’s a great guy off the field – he’s awesome, that’s just what he is. He’s smart, he’s always there for you.”

It's taken a lot of hard work on the field and in the classroom for Cunniffe to reach this point. He has seized many opportunities to improve, like playing semi-professionally in the United Premier Soccer League for Lewiston Stars or for Seacoast Soccer in New Hampshire and Kennedy Park Football Club in Portland. This has allowed him to push himself against some of the best players statewide.

“I am extremely excited about having the opportunity to play for Bates next year,” said Cunniffe. “Starting college and playing soccer with a new team will definitely bring its nerves. However, I am looking forward to the opportunity to push myself and work as hard as the more experienced players. With new coaches comes a new culture and I am really excited about being part of that. I am going to bring my drive and dedication to improve myself and others around me every day into training and games. It will take time for me to find my role within the team, but I feel I can be a great addition to what they already have.”

Cunniffe says he would also like to thank his mom, his dad and his brother Sean, who have all supported and believed in him which helped contribute to his successes. <

Windham boys’ varsity basketball gears up for another successful season

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High School boys’ varsity basketball team made history with their first state championship win over Gorham last season. The 2024-2025 preseason tryouts opened on Monday, Nov. 18 and the team is working to find their identity and skillset while preparing for another successful season.

Senior Creighty Dickson head up the court while guarded by
Windham junior Tyrie James during a preseason tryout on
Monday, Nov. 18 at Windham High School.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“We always ask our players to improve here and get better there - our staff is no different - we want to be better coaches then we were last year,” said Windham varsity boys’ basketball coach Chad Pulkkinen. “We don't rinse and repeat, we evaluate and improve. We have a good sense of what we need to improve on and what our strengths are as a group. We want to attack each day as best as we can, be present, be where our feet are and make sure our team is prepared and focused.”

Since Windham performed so well last year, only time will tell if Windham’s opponents might view them as “the team to beat.” The slate has been wiped clean; this is a new group of kids and a new season.

“A lot of people talk about ‘defending a championship,’ which is really unfair – that was last year's teams' success and belongs to them,” said Pulkkinen. “The great thing for some of our eight returners is they were a part of that success and have a blueprint of why we were successful. As coaches we will make sure to align and focus our group to ... build great habits and be process driven instead of outcome driven. We have a very motivated, mature group of guys that understand that we are not defending anything, that we too are in pursuit of reaching our potential.”

Windham varsity assistant coach George McCrillis said the reason WHS was successful last year was because Windham is a family. These are players who want what’s best for each other and what’s best for the team.

Players to look for this season are some of last year’s biggest contributors like senior Creighty Dickson, junior AJ Moody and junior Tyrie James. These returning players are ready to step into bigger roles.

There are also four seniors who are looking to make an impact returning to varsity in Conor Janvrin, Braycen Freese, Grant Coppi and Joseph Blige. Returning sophomore Colin Janvrin is looking to make big contributions too.

“My one big goal is to go back-to-back and win the state championship again,” said Colin Janvrin. “We (need to) be ready for every team to bring their best game to us and we’ve got to perform well every game as a team.”

Dickson said he feels no pressure at all from last year. He considers Windham the team to beat and they need to have their “A” game every night. They are a brand-new team with new players, he said and they have to keep working hard, regardless of the score; with the goal being another gold ball.

Windham freshman Werani Anthony said he has always wanted to play for the team and is trying his hardest; he loves Eagle Pride and the team atmosphere.

“I feel like it’s just another year where we’re going to have a lot of success with our team,” said Windham junior AJ Moody. “We have a lot of new sophomores that are going to be a key role in our offense and defense and family. We’re not going to be the hunted; we’re going to be the hunters hunting for all the other teams. Our mentality has to be a clean slate; we need to go into every game attacking and never pulling our foot off the gas. (Last year taught Moody) nothing’s easy ... we can’t give up ... we need to be an all-game team. Our goal is to make it to the Civic Center again and prove that we ... might not be the biggest, but we’ll give you a hard fight.”

Fans of the team who are wanting to donate to the new Pat Moody Foundation, you can do so through Venmo at moodyfoundation.<

WHS girls’ soccer seniors have big post-high school plans

By Matt Pascarella

Windham varsity girls’ soccer closed its season with an outstanding 14-2-1 record after advancing to the regional finals for the first time since 2021. The team had a strong senior squad of Juliana Gagne, Kyla Harvie, Stella Jarvais, Devan Kennie, Hannah Lee, Tayla Pelletier, Olivia Shaw, Emily Talbot and Ava Wardwell. They all have big plans for after high school with some choosing to continue playing soccer and all pursuing some form of higher education.

Seniors on Windham High School's varsity girls' soccer team
gathered on Media Day at the school back in September. Top
row, from left, are  Devan Kennie, Juliana Gagne, Ava
Wardwell, Stella Jarvais and Hannah Lee. Bottom row,
from left, are Tayla Pelletier, Olivia Shaw, Emily Talbot,
and Kyla Harvie. PHOTO BY NIKKI JARVAIS 

While not yet officially committed, Gagne plans to attend Franklin Pierce University in New Hampshire where she will major in physical therapy and plans to open her own physical therapy office.

Harvie recently committed to Southern New Hampshire University with a commitment signing at Windham High School on Wednesday, Nov. 13. She’s undecided on what she’d like to major in but has been thinking about teaching or education, possibly teaching kindergarten. She will play soccer for them as well.

Jarvais committed to the University of Maine Orono. Both her parents went to college there, and the campus is close to her family. She will enroll in the Explorations program, which is for students who are undecided on a major; this will allow her to make a thoughtful, educated choice about the field of study right for her. She will play soccer for the university’s nationally ranked team. While Jarvais is unsure of her major, she likes working with children and enjoys psychology.

Kennie continues researching, visiting and deciding on where she will attend college in the fall. She is undecided on a major but is thinking of pursuing marine biology or criminology. After college she would like to use her degree helping people, animals and the environment. She isn’t looking at colleges specifically for soccer, but intends to continue playing soccer, at a club or college level.

Lee has applied to many colleges based upon academics. She’s applied to Bryant University in Rhode Island, the University of Vermont, Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina, Endicott College in Massachusetts, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the University of Maine Orono and University of Southern Maine. She plans to attend law school after college. She’s undecided on an undergraduate major, but is considering psychology, international business and history.

Pelletier will either attend the University of New Hampshire or the University of Connecticut. She plans to go into exercise science to become a physical therapist. She will not be playing soccer next year, but instead will continue her success with track and field after high school. She says she’ll be sad to let soccer go but is excited for the next chapter of her life.

Shaw has not committed to a school yet but does have an offer from Saint Joseph’s College for a position on the school’s 2025 women’s soccer roster. She has not decided if she will play soccer in college. Soccer has been such a big part of her life to this point, and she hasn’t decided if she’s ready to stop playing. She would like to major in nursing and plans to become a travel or pediatric nurse.

Talbot has verbally committed to the University of New England where she will continue playing soccer. She said that UNE felt like the best fit for her, and she liked the campus and proximity to home. She also enjoys the environment of the team and UNE coaching staff. At this point, she’s unsure of what she’d like to major in.

Wardwell has not committed to college yet but has applied to the University of New Hampshire and the University of Connecticut to study nursing. She plans to play some type of club soccer at whichever school she chooses but wants to focus more on education when selecting her college. She would like to become a nurse anesthetist, which is a nurse who specializes in anesthesia. <

Windham High football falls to Portland in playoff semifinal

By Matt Pascarella

Fourth-place Windham High School’s varsity football hit the field against first-place Portland on Friday, Nov. 8 at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland. Although Portland jumped out ahead early with a big lead, Windham did not take their foot off the gas pedal until the final whistle when, unfortunately, the Eagles lost, 42-14 ending its 2024 season.

Windham sophomore Parker Sperry refuses to go down as
he mows through Portland High's defense during a prep
football playoff game at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland 
on Friday, Nov. 8. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“You battled all year ... this is probably the greatest team we’ve ever had,” said Windham varsity football coach Matt Perkins to the team in the post-game huddle. “You battled every day; we didn’t have one bad practice; everybody came every day and worked (really hard). That’s what makes coaching fun is guys who want to work hard and get better – this group is the epitome of that. I can’t thank you enough – it’s crazy to think that when this year started, we only had a couple guys on each side who had ever played varsity before. The thing with us is we’ve had so many injuries and so many setbacks and our guys just continue to battle and fight, and they don’t back down from anybody. It’s such a great fun group to be around because they’re just relentless, they give you everything all the time. To see them ... improve and be there for each other, it’s a blast.”

To open the game, Portland kicked off to Windham. On second down, Windham sophomore Parker Sperry picked up nine yards to move the ball to the Windham 38-yard line. Portland moved Windham back to the 35-yard line on fourth down.

Despite Windham’s strong defense, Portland’s offense was a tough contender. After a flag on the play for holding against Portland moved the ball to the 29-yard line, it remained first and 20. Portland moved closer and closer to the end zone. Eventually they crossed it, and their kick was good making it, 7-0, Portland.

Then it was first and 10 for Windham at their 36-yard line. Windham senior Ayden Cofone picked up 12 yards for a first down. Windham fought hard against Portland defense. When Portland took over on downs from the 27-yard line, Windham junior Wyatt Washburn stopped Portland and limited their yardage.

Windham took over on downs shortly before the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, a fumble by Windham gave Portland possession and they would later score several times before the end of the half, but the Eagles never hung their heads. At the half Portland led, 28-0.

In the third quarter, it was first and 10 for Windham from their 20-yard line. WHS picked up a first down on Sperry’s 13-yard run. A completed pass to Washburn put the ball on the 34-yard line. After a 20-yard pick up, Windham got a first down. Windham went for it on a fourth and two, but was stopped by Portland.

In the fourth quarter, Sperry got the handoff and took it into the end zone. The kick was good and it was 35-7, Portland.

“We showed maximum effort,” said Sperry, who had 24 carries and 187 yards. “Our team is one of the hardest working teams I’ve ever played with – we never give up. We knew no matter what we had to work hard, and we did, but they’re a really good team. We got outplayed ... but we did our best.”

Later it was third and five for Windham at their 46-yard line. Windham junior quarterback Karl Longstreth moved the ball to the 48-yard line for a first down. Windham got closer and closer to the goal line. A pass was thrown to Washburn who caught it in the end zone to complete the drive for a touchdown and the kick was good.

“It was a blast playing (for Windham),” said Windham senior Creighty Dickson. “They’re amazing people on and off the field. We had some ups and downs, but overall, it was just amazing to be around these guys. Even though we had a couple of rough plays we kept fighting throughout the game. A few plays and a few fumbles (might have flipped the scoreboard) and on defense we didn’t get the edge. I think we played our hardest.” <

Staci Warren: Her Mainely Girl Adventures

By Staci Warren

Fall brings a lot of feelings for me. The Perseid meteor showers are at the end of their show for 2024. The colder temps and the turning of the leaves and watching them drop brings a certain sadness in knowing that my weekends in the wilderness will soon be coming to an end. The sweet smells of summer are passing, the bees are prepping for winter, and I’ve started thinking about calling moose and deer hunting before snow flies.

Hedgehog mushrooms can be harvested
late into the fall and can grow pretty
large. They can be an excellent addition
to the holiday gathering food table.
PHOTO BY STACI WARREN 

To extend our camping season in to November, we enjoy foraging for mushrooms when we aren’t hunting, although many times we’re hunting and come across a great find that we can’t leave the woods without.

What you use to forage is important. We have mushroom knives with brushes to help clean them as we forage. We also use canvas bags with a large, padded shoulder strap for most of our mushrooms but have found that a good cardboard box works best for larger delicate chanterelles so that they don’t break. Store your mushrooms in the refrigerator in a brown paper bag or container lined with paper towels and the vented lid. This will help preserve your harvest until you use them. Mushrooms can spoil easily so be ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work preserving, drying or freezing them.

The tasty Hedgehog mushroom (Hydnum repandum and Hydnum rufescens) is a great late season mushroom and barring a frost, can get pretty big. Hedgehog mushrooms are peach colored to orange, range in size from dime to the size of your hand depending on which variety you find and have “teeth” on the underside of the cap.

The have a wonderful hearty flavor sautéed, and I use them to make the Modern Proper’s Hungarian Mushroom Soup, one of the best tasting soups I’ve ever had or made. As with any wild mushroom, always know what you’re eating for sure, always cook it thoroughly, and eat just a small amount the first time you try a new one as some mushrooms have been known to cause intestinal distress.

If you’re interested in foraging for mushrooms, I highly recommend: Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms of New England and Eastern Canada, authored by Mainer, David Spahr. The book is a great learning guide for beginners, and most of the mushrooms are easily identifiable in the Maine woods no matter where you reside.

The longer I forage the more I’m discovering that I can use mushrooms in more ways than I ever realized. My latest, which has taken four years to get it right the first time is Trumpet Jelly. Made with the Trumpet Soup base published a couple months ago (see https://lifestyles.thewindhameagle.com/2024/08/staci-warren-her-mainely-girl-adventures.html), 

Trumpet Jelly is a much-loved addition to our family holiday gathering food table. It has a distinct savory trumpet flavor with a hint of sweetness. I serve it as you would serve pepper jelly, for example, over cream cheese and crackers on the side, but I’ve also added it to a meat dish as a condiment. If you haven’t made the soup yet, there’s still time; trumpet mushrooms are still popping up all over! Please feel to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Trumpet Jelly

1-1/2 to 2 pints of Trumpet Soup Base (no cream added)

1 package of low-sugar Sure-Jell

1-1/2 tablespoons of citric acid

1 cup of chicken stock

1 tablespoons of butter

6 cups of sugar

Pour soup base into large kettle. Add Sure-Jell, citric acid and chicken stock. Using a wooden spoon, stir and heat mixture until it comes to a boil. Add the sugar all at once and stir until sugar is melted. Your mixture will be black. Bring mixture to a full rolling boil and continue to boil for two minutes at a time checking to see if jelly will set, or until thermometer reaches 220 degrees but making sure not to burn the jelly. Remove from heat. Ladle into half pint jars. Wipe rims with warm cloth. You can now add shredded wax on top of the hot jelly before applying the lids, or just apply lids making sure rings are tight. Set aside and check for sealed covers by pressing centers. If they pop up after the jar has cooled, you’ll have to recheck the rims of the glass and then pressure cook them on high for 25 minutes. Afterward, label and date your jelly.

As winter creeps in, don’t forget to look up to the night skies for the International Space Station and more meteor showers in the coming months.

Staci Warren provides a unique woman’s perspective and column on the outdoors every month. She is a freelance writer whose blog, My Mainely Girl Adventures, is about a woman hunting, fishing, trapping, foraging and living in the Maine outdoors. She also loves camping, star gazing, wildlife watching, and hunting for fossils. She’s an active member and board member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association and is a monthly columnist and feature writer for The Maine Sportsman Magazine. In her free time, she enjoys mentoring women hunters and trappers. <

WCA wins state soccer crown in sudden-death overtime thriller

By Ed Pierce

Call them the champions. Windham Christian Academy's middle school soccer team claimed the 2024 Maine Christian School Sports League title by defeating Coastal Christian School of Waldoboro, 2-1, in sudden death overtime at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland on Saturday, Nov. 2.

Windham Christian Academy's middle school team won the
2024 Maine Christian School Sports League's soccer
title by defeating Coastal Christian School of Waldoboro,
2-1, in sudden-death overtime in Portland on Nov. 2.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

WCA had reached the league championship game by knocking off Oxford Hills Christian Academy on Oct. 30, setting up the showdown between them and Coastal Christian.

Coach Whitney Coppersmith said the championship matchup was tough for Windham Christian because both teams were well-matched in skill and determination.

“Both sides fought hard, and every play mattered.” Coppersmith said.

In the first half, WCA opened the scoring on a goal by Elija Popov, who capitalized on a rebound to put WCA ahead, 1-0. Coastal Christian evened the score at 1-1 in the second half and that’s how it ended after regulation play, forcing a winner-take-all sudden-death overtime.

Within the first 30 seconds of overtime, Popov scored again with an assist by Liam White, securing the title for Windham Christian.

“I believe the difference came down to our team’s resilience and ability to stay calm under pressure,” Coppersmith said. “Our players communicated well, stayed focused, hustled, and truly worked together. They wanted this win, and it showed in their effort on the field.”

Training for the season started in mid-August and WCA’s first league game was played Sept. 10. WCA progressed throughout the season without major setbacks and Coppersmith said some of the best moments of the year were seeing the team come together on the field, learning to play as one, getting into the right positions, passing, and communicating effectively.

“Watching them grow in unity and confidence was incredibly rewarding. If I had to describe our team in five words, it would be resilient, unified, determined, faithful, and adaptable,” Coppersmith said. “I believe our team won the championship because we focused on continuous improvement throughout the season. Some games presented us with new challenges, and our players showed remarkable dedication to learning and growing together. They supported each other, built strong teamwork, and remained committed to our goals. It was their collective effort and resilience that truly made a difference in our success.”

Team members include Lucas Stewart (Sixth Grade); Leah Sinclair (Seventh Grade); Mason Dodd (Eighth Grade); Jacob Frederick (Eighth Grade); Arseniy Popov (Seventh Grade); Judah Knights (Eighth Grade); Liam White (Eighth Grade); Piper Justice (Sixth Grade); Victoria Presby (Seventh Grade); Toby Dupuis (Seventh Grade); Anna Willings (Fifth Grade); Kirill Popov (Fifth Grade); Elsa Pearson (Seventh Grade); Haddie Coppersmith (Sixth Grade); Brenna Wheeler (Sixth Grade); Abigail Watkins (Eighth Grade); Ethan Brewer (Eighth Grade); Eli Coppersmith (Eighth Grade); Elija Popov (Eighth Grade); Radiance Yer (Fifth Grade); and Zemirah Yer (Sixth Grade).

The coach said that winning the championship is a significant milestone for the WCA sports program and for the school as a whole.

“It’s not only a reward for the players’ hard work, but also a step forward in building stronger sports programs at WCA,” she said. “We’re committed to developing our teams and creating more opportunities for our athletes to grow and succeed, while fostering a culture of kindness, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. This team has exemplified respect and integrity, showing that true success goes beyond just winning.”

WCA’s middle school soccer team is co-ed and made up of fifth through eighth graders from WCA and included some local homeschoolers, allowing them the opportunity to join a sports team. Besides Coppersmith, assistant coaches were offensive coach Michael Manning, and defensive coach Leah Sinclair.

During its run to winning the championship, coaches singled out striker Elijah Popov as the team’s unsung hero.

“He played not for praise but for the sheer enjoyment of the game and shines under pressure,” Coppersmith said. “Elija scored many goals throughout the season, including the most crucial ones we needed. His contributions were invaluable.”

Coaches said WCA’s goalkeeper, Ethan Brewer, was outstanding not just in the title game, but throughout the season.

“This was his third year on the team. He made critical saves that kept us in the game and brought a steady, composed presence to our defense,” Coppersmith said. “His ability to direct the ball and keep morale high was invaluable. In my opinion, he’s one of the best goalies in the league, and his performance throughout the season truly showed that.”

The school is planning a team celebration to honor the players’ hard work and dedication, with awards to recognize individual contributions.

“It will be a great opportunity to reflect on the season’s journey, celebrate each player’s role, and enjoy this accomplishment together,” Coppersmith said. <

Windham varsity football narrowly falls to Bonny Eagle

By Matt Pascarella

Windham varsity football put Bonny Eagle up against the ropes in the final game of the regular season at Windham on Friday, Nov. 1, but ultimately fell, 30-28, to the Scots.

Windham junior Karl Longstreth rushes toward the end zone
during a prep football game against Bonny Eagle on
Friday, Nov. 1 at Windham High School.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

It was Senior Night at Windham High School, and Nathan Cormier, Brayden Penney, David Daignault, Jacob Gagne, Nolan Scanlon, Ayden Cofone, Creighty Dickson, Dylan Fillinger, Byron Rubito, Aiden Heath, Jack Arsenault and cheerleaders Eillieana Archibald, Talia Campobasso, Ella Roberts and Talia Salazar were honored for their time and dedication to Windham High athletics.

“We’re an unrecognizable team from when the season started ... just how the kids have matured, battled to get better and growing and figuring things out,” said Windham varsity football coach Matt Perkins. “They’ve done a really good job and earned the confidence that they can play with anybody. We had penalties and turnovers that cost us; we gave them two touchdowns tonight, two major turnovers – one in our endzone. Playing against a good team, probably the third best team in the state, you can’t do those things. We’re proud of our kids and how they battled. We executed well on both sides of the ball and ... kids really played hard; tackling was better. (We’ve got to) focus on the good things, but also focus on the bad, clean up those mistakes to make sure they don’t happen again.”

It was first and 10 from Windham’s 30-yard line and a fumble gave Bonny Eagle a touchdown. The kick was blocked and the Scots led 6-0.

Then it was first and 10 from the 25-yard line. Windham sophomore Parker Sperry got the ball to the 38-yard line for a first down. Windham junior and quarterback Karl Longstreth had a big run to put Windham on the scoreboard. The extra point was good, and Windham led, 7-6.

In the second quarter, Longstreth ran it in for another touchdown. The kick was good. Longstreth had 139 rushing yards, 28 passing yards and one interception in the game.

Bonny Eagle would answer by making it into the end zone in the second quarter, but their attempt at a two-point conversion was denied.

Windham defense was strong; Rubito blocked a pass and junior Mason Arbour broke up a pass as Windham took over on downs late in the second quarter. Windham led 14-12 at halftime.

Bonny Eagle scored early in the second half, but another attempt at a two-point conversion was stopped.

Windham Junior Wyatt Washburn caught a pass for a first down. Later, it’s second and five and Windham got a first down at the 5-yard line. Washburn completed a pass and it’s first and goal. Subsequently, Sperry throws a pass to Daignault who scored. The kick was good.

“Going into it we knew they were a good team; we worked (hard) all week in practices, and we had each other’s backs tonight,” said Daignault. “We executed well, and we had little mistakes that came to bite us in the end. We had our quarterback go down, which is tricky for any team, but it was a great job of AJ (Moody) stepping up, filling that role. It’s a momentum shift when someone goes down like that. We know what we have now, and we can compete with some of the best teams, and we think we are one of the best teams; we’re not going to look past anybody.”

Bonny Eagle scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter, but Windham’s defense blocked the extra point. Bonny Eagle led by three points.

It was a first and 10 for the Eagles on the 33-yard line. Bonny Eagle intercepted a pass and scored but failed at a two-point conversion try.

Windham took over with a first and 10 Windham from their own 30-yard line. Sperry made it to the 47-yard line for a first down. Sometime later, Windham moved the ball to the 7-yard line for first and goal. Sperry scored and the kick was good; and Windham trailed by two points and the game ended that way.

“We definitely executed really well,” said Sperry, who had 124 rushing yards and two passing yards. “This is probably the best I’ve seen Windham play this year. We did most everything right. We came in ... we knew they were a good team, and we knew we had to work even harder. We tried our best, we knew we just had to fight, ... we’re definitely going to go (into the playoffs) as an underrated team; we’re going to show them what’s up.” <

Windham Christian Academy to compete for MCSSL middle school soccer title Saturday

By Ed Pierce

Windham Christian Academy's middle school soccer team will compete in the Maine Christian School Sports League championship game against Coastal Christian School at 5 p.m. Saturday at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland. 

Windham Christian Academy's Middle School Soccer team
will play for the Maine Christian School Sports League
championship when it faces Coastal Christian School
at 5 p.m. Saturday at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

Coastal Christian School reached the title game by defeating Pine Tree School on Wednesday while WCA knocked off Oxford Hills Christian Academy on Wednesday to qualify for a berth in the championship  match. 

WCA's middle school team is coed and for students in grades 5 to 8. There are currently 15 teams representing Christian  schools across the state competing in the MCSSL for soccer.

The team is coached by Whitney Coppersmith and assistant coaches Kayla Sinclair and Mike Manning.

Team members include Lucas Stewart (Sixth Grade); Leah Sinclair (Seventh Grade); Mason Dodd (Eighth Grade); Jacob Frederick (Eighth Grade); Arseniy Popov (Seventh Grade); Judah Knights (Eighth Grade);  Liam White (Eighth Grade); Piper Justice (Sixth Grade); Victoria Presby (Seventh Grade); Toby Dupuis (Seventh Grade); Anna Willings (Fifth Grade); Kirill Popov (Fifth Grade); Elsa Pearson (Seventh Grade); Haddie Coppersmith (Sixth Grade); Brenna Wheeler (Sixth Grade); Abigail Watkins (Eighth Grade);  Ethan Brewer (Eighth Grade); Eli Coppersmith (Eighth Grade); Elija Popov (Eighth Grade); Radiance Yer (Fifth Grade); and Zemirah Yer (Sixth Grade).

Gates open at Fitzpatrick Stadium for Saturday's matchup at 4 p.m. Admission is $2. <

WHS Cross Country teams qualify for state championship meet

By Matt Pascarella

For the first time since 2015, both Windham’s boys’ and girls’ cross country teams are going to the Class A State Championships after a strong performance in the Southern Maine Class A Regional Championship on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Twin Brook Recreation Area in Cumberland. Since 2015, there has been a variety of combinations of one WHS team qualifying or individuals qualifying, but it's been a while since both teams have qualified. The girls’ team finished seventh with a score of 199 and the boys’ team finished eighth with a score of 237.

Windham sophomore Eva Vancelette maintains her focus
during the Southern Maine Class A Regional Cross
Country Championship race at Twin Brooks
Recreation Area in Cumberland on Saturday, Oct. 26.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“Many of our present athletes appropriately and safely started their quest to get to compete at States in late June – at last Summer’s ‘Unlock Your Potential’ Cross Country Camp to build their present fitness and mindset, both highly needed to extend a cross-country season,” said Windham cross country coach Jeff Riddle. “The boys finally put it all together, together. The girls’ team showed up unified and ready to compete, they were locked in. Our sport is one of true grit with no rest, nowhere to hide, no breaks, and it is raw. So, if fit, feeling well, and with a winner’s mindset, the only thing stopping a cross-country athlete is themselves. Our boys and girls let it fly last Saturday, ran the race plan, then together earned something that very few teams do. Our goals for them at the State meet are to first authentically enjoy their earned time together ... and to then go improve their finish position by reducing their race time.”

Girls

Windham junior Sydney Broadbent finished first for Windham and 32nd overall with a time of 22:34.92 minutes. Behind her was sophomore Eva Vancelette who finished 37th overall with a 22:55.60.

Junior Lila Stanley finished third for Windham and 42nd overall in a time of 23:09.00.

“As a team, we stayed as a pack,” said Broadbent. “I think our top four or five finished within like a minute and a half of each other, which is amazing. We all started out fast, which was exactly what we wanted to do. Just maintained and stayed confident throughout the race. As a team, we wanted to give it everything and finish with nothing left in the tank ... we know that this course is really hard, everyone struggles and everyone’s in the same conditions. We all gave it our everything and we did exactly what we wanted to do today. Knowing that both teams made it ... shows how much determination we have as teams and as individuals. The team has learned to work really well together in the races, and we put so much time into this season, we put everything into this team. We earned our spot at states.”

Boys

Sophomore Mason Bragdon finished first for Windham and 35th overall with a time of 18.51.30.

Second for Windham and 39th overall was senior Andrew Young with a time of 18:55.87. Third for Windham and 41st overall was junior Caleb Saucier with a time of 19:01.77.

“It’s definitely nice to see everybody step up,” said Bragdon. “I think it took a lot of effort, from a training aspect; it took the miles and hours and hours to get here. And it just all came together. From the start of the morning, everybody was feeling good ... overall while running the course it was good – it was that usual exciting feeling you get while running. First was definitely a goal and my goal was to pull the rest of the team forward. Our ultimate goal was to pull off today. When we run, we pull each other up and we finish. Some things I saw today that went really well was we all got off the line really fast and we did a good job maintaining our paces through the second mile; we had our five through seven runners push up which is what really got us to states this year. New Englands is the ultimate goal, but if we can place really well, I think that’s also a good end to the season.” <

Windham varsity volleyball starts strong, but falls to Cheverus in preliminary playoff match

By Matt Pascarella

Windham varsity volleyball finished their regular season 9-5 and on Thursday, Oct. 24 at Windham, seventh-place Windham took on 10th place Cheverus in an incredibly hard-fought preliminary playoff match. Windham won the first two sets, but Cheverus battled back to take the next three sets in a match where both teams left everything on the court and Cheverus eliminated Windham, 3-2.

Windham junior Kendra Eubanks attacks the ball during
a prep volleyball preliminary playoff match against
Cheverus High at Windham High School on Oct. 24.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“We were definitely really nervous, but it was more as an excitement way,” said Windham junior Josephine Sibley. “We had never played them before in probably like two seasons, so it was a big moment for us. They had less of a record, but they played really hard teams, so we knew it was going to be a harder match. Our energy was definitely high (in the first two sets), and I think that’s why we had more success ... when we have energy we work well as a team together and it usually leads to wins. (In the last two sets) it was definitely more like inner conflict between (Windham) teammates. This is like the cleanest we ever played; it was like the least amount of points we’ve ever given up and we definitely fought for every point; I think it was a good game. This is the closest I’ve been with a team, especially from Windham. I’m really happy I get to call these girls my friends.”

Windham wasted no time showing they wanted the win. They communicated well and took a small lead early on. Windham junior Kendra Eubanks had a solid block in the first set. The game was tied at six. Windham junior Sydney Harmon sent the ball over the net and Cheverus could not return it. The game was tied at 13. Sibley had several strong serves which gave Windham a lead.

Cheverus was gaining, but Windham had already reached set point. Windham took the first set 25-21.

In the second set, Windham momentum remained strong; they had stellar attacks. They dove on the ball leaving it all on the court. At one point, Windham led by 10 points. While Cheverus was making progress, Windham was too far ahead, and their defense remained powerful. Windham took set two, 25-10.

In the third set, Windham led early, and this was another super close set. The game was tied at 15. Cheverus gained traction, but Windham did not stop fighting. The Stags won this one, 25-19.

Set four was tied early on, and both teams were aggressive. Windham junior Oakley McLeod tipped the ball just over the net to give Windham a five-point advantage. Then the game was tied at 22. Tension was high but Cheverus got a set point and won, 25-23.

Windham had a small lead early on in set five. Cheverus countered with a lead and was able to hold onto it to win the set, 15-11.

“A lot of teammates had watched film to make sure we were prepped,” said Windham senior captain McKenzie Keeney. “We came out, we were so ready, we really wanted it together. We just lost maybe a little bit of momentum, but we picked ourselves back up a little bit and at the end of the day, it was close, we did what we could. The first couple of sets we had such positive energy together and we all wanted it for each other.”

Keeney said her team stood out this season; she loves them so much; they are all amazing people.

“When you come out that strong and that fast you have a lot of energy flowing to start off and at some point, that energy starts to back down a bit,” said Windham varsity volleyball coach Chris Cloutier. “You got to always keep your foot on the gas. Some little adjustments Cheverus made too; they started to move some hitters around on us ... we just didn’t adjust fast enough and once they started scoring a few points we started pressing and when you get behind, you start worrying about making mistakes and it kind of leads you to making mistakes. I’d say some rolls started going their way that didn’t go for them in the first two sets. That changed the momentum – momentum in volleyball is a big deal. In those first two our serving went really well, we were moving our feet to the ball, we were running offenses, we were getting a chance to use all three contacts.” <

Windham varsity boys’ soccer tops South Portland

By Matt Pascarella

For their final home game of the regular season, Windham’s varsity boys’ soccer went up against South Portland on Thursday, Oct. 17. It was Senior Night and Lukas Hammond, Garrett Crossman, Levi Hayman, Luke Cunniffe, Carter Engelman, Layth Jabbar, Zachary Noonan, Sam Rogers, Rory Good, Oliver Weatherby, Wes Theriault, Connor Gallant and Preston Stretch were each presented with a gift for their time and dedication to Windham athletics. After a hard-fought game, Windham emerged victorious with a 3-0 win.

Windham senior Luke Cunniffe fires a shot past the legs 
of a South Portland opponent during a boys' varsity
soccer game on Senior Night at Windham High School
on Oct. 17. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“Today our first 30 minutes was the best we’ve played all season,” said Cunniffe. “It’s a game of runs, we went on a long run, they went on a little run, in the end we had the most runs, so that allowed us to get up in the game. We’re still trying to get together and play a full 80 minutes; by postseason time, we will be there. Our ability to connect passes and counter quickly (went well), our defense is always so solid – yet another clean sheet. We work for each other and it’s amazing to see. Playing a full game – if we’re at our best, no one can stop us, but it’s just playing the full 80 minutes.”

The game began with two very strong defenses competing head-to-head. Windham seniors Sam Rogers and Cunniffe took several good shots on goal, but nothing got by the South Portland goalkeeper early in the game.

Roughly midway through the half, Cunniffe scored, assisted by junior Tyrie James. Windham senior goalie Lukas Hamond had several very nice blocks.

At the half Windham led, 1-0.

“South Portland definitely has some good players, they can press, they can put the ball in dangerous spots; they’re a team that’s right on the verge,” said Windham varsity boys’ soccer coach Jeff Neal. “They can possess the ball well, one of the things we were trying to do was push the tempo a little bit; when our team wants to press and push the tempo of the game, I do think our skillset is a notch or two better than (South Portland) can keep up with. That’s what we try to do against everybody. We want to 100 percent make sure we are putting together a complete game, in three phases of the game, in all three parts of the pitch – it’s been elusive, but this is the time of the year, we got to find it. Huge credit to the captains and the seniors to come out here, it’s an emotional night and be able to execute and come out with a win on your home pitch. We want to be able to dictate ... what’s happening with the ball and be able to put teams under and not necessarily go forward all the time – you got to trust the players around you; you got to trust the system; you got to move the ball. When we did that, they had no answer. It wasn’t straight down the middle of the pitch, it was a lot of let’s use the real estate out, to the touch line, let’s even try to play beyond the 18s (Penalty Box Line) to be able to drag some defenders out and serve some balls in – that’s where some of our best opportunities came from.”

In the second half, both defenses remained strong. However, Windham’s offense would not stay silent. After Cunniffe missed a penalty kick, moments later he capitalized on a ball bounce and got it past South Portland’s goalie.

Hammond continued to stop scoring opportunities and blocked every one of the six shots that came at him.

With 12 seconds remaining, Cunniffe squared the ball to Rogers who shot it toward goal and found the back of the net.

“We were thinking about (South Portland from) last year when we beat them 4-0 in the playoffs; they were definitely up there for their endgame,” said Rogers. “Things that went well was we did stay composed, we did a lot better at playing the wings, and balls into the box were good; we didn’t hold onto the ball for too long which was good. If we continue to do that, we’re going to make a deep playoff run.” <