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.” <