33rd Annual Lobster Bowl a big success for outgoing Windham seniors

By Matt Pascarella

The 33rd Maine Shriner Lobster Bowl Classic is a tremendous opportunity for any Maine high school senior, but also does a lot of good raising money for the Shriners Children’s Hospitals. Windham was well represented this year by seniors Max Arbour, Logan Hirning and Alex Yeaton who played on the East football team at Don Roux Field in Lewiston on Saturday, July 15 against the West.

Windham seniors Max Arbour, left, Alex Yeaton, and Logan
Hirning gather after their team, the East, beat the West in the
Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl at Lewiston High School on
Saturday, July 15. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

“Just an unreal experience having so many communities come together and support one team for a really good cause,” said Hirning.

The teams spent a week having three practices a day and rooming together in dormitories. Hirning said that the players really came together, and it was the comradery that pushed these former rivals to unify as a team. Next year, Hirning will attend the University of Maine and major in construction engineering.

According to the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl website, “The Shriners Hospitals for Children is a network of 22 non-profit medical facilities across North America that provide care to children with orthopedic conditions, burns or spinal cord injuries as well those who are suffering from cleft lip and palate. These hospitals offer all services in an environment where family members feel comfortable enough so they can bond emotionally while providing treatment needed by their loved ones during difficult times, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.”

The East team had the lead for most of the game, and while the West scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, the East was able to hold them off and won the game, 28-23.

While the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl website describes the game as a “tightly contested battle,” there are no losers during this event. Maine seniors help raise money for Shriners Hospitals and those seniors get to play in this respected game.

Since 1990, the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl athletes have donated more than $750,000 for Shriners Children’s Hospitals. This year, its participants did an amazing job and raised over $235,000 which will go directly to Shriners medical facilities across the country.

“It meant a lot to my family, my community, all the kids that were unable to play – representing Shriners meant a lot to me,” said Arbour.

Arbour went in not knowing anyone, but by the end, all his teammates felt like brothers to him. He said it was weird at first to be practicing alongside players Windham competed against for the past four years, but before long they had really solidified as a team.

In school, Arbour started out playing soccer and wasn’t enjoying it, so once he reached second grade, he began playing football and he’s never looked back. It’s his favorite sport and he will play it at the University of New England next year while majoring in medical biology.

“It was really fun, there were a lot of ups and downs,” said Yeaton about the Lobster Bowl game. “But at the end of the day we won so I couldn’t be [happier] with my team.”

Yeaton also began playing football in second grade. He had watched it on TV and said he couldn’t wait to get on the field to play. Next year, Yeaton will also attend the University of New England where he will play football and major in business.

“All three of them were integral to this game,” said Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl East head coach Mark Soehren about the Windham players. “They are fantastic, coachable, tough – I can’t say enough about them.”<

Windham athletes selected to play in prestigious 33rd Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic

By Matt Pascarella

The Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic football game is an honor only a select number of players are nominated for from over 60 high school programs across the state. This year Windham High seniors Max Arbour and Logan Hirning were chosen to play for the East Team in the game that will take place on Saturday, July 15 at Don Roux Field at Lewiston High School.

Windham High's Max Arbour, left, and Logan Hirning
have been selected to play for the East Team in the 33rd
Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic football game
in July in Lewiston. SUBMITTED PHOTOS 

Lobster Bowl athletes fundraise for the Shriners Children’s Hospital and must raise a minimum of $500 to play in the game. Since 1990, fundraising efforts have provided net proceed donations of almost $750,000 to the hospital.

“It means a lot to me to be selected in this year’s Lobster Bowl, it shows how years of hard work have paid off,” said Hirning. “I am beyond excited to participate in this event and be involved in such a great cause that helps children all over the country.”

Windham varsity football coach Matt Perkins said both players are team-first guys who are phenomenal workers and had great years with the program. They always found a way to help everyone around from freshmen to new guys. Arbour and Hirning are both a great model of what Windham wants in their program.

Perkins said both Arbour and Hirning work year-round to improve. He’s really excited for both of them to show their skills during this game. Other teammates will love them because both Windham players are such good teammates.

According to the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic website, “The Shriners Children’s hospitals offer all services in an environment where family members feel comfortable enough so they can bond emotionally while providing treatment needed by their loved ones during difficult times, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.”

“Being chosen for the Lobster Bowl is something I have dreamed about for a few years,” said Arbour. “It's a very big honor to not just represent myself but the Windham community as a whole.”

Hirning said donating provides a second chance to many children across the country. For Hirning, the importance of playing and being honored goes deeper than being recognized as a top player in the state. It is an example of good character and providing that second chance to those less fortunate.

Arbour said being able to play and raise money for the Shriners Children’s Hospital is something he is supportive of and grateful to participate in.

“We were able to watch a few videos at our Lobster Bowl meeting of some of the kids that went through the process at Shriners Hospital,” said Arbour. “It touched my heart to see kids be able to do things that they weren't able to do before attending Shriners Hospitals.”

In the Lobster Bowl game there are no losers, regardless of the outcome. Everyone who participates gets to play the sport they love for an amazing cause.

If you would like to help, you can donate by visiting the Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl website, clicking the donate button and then clicking on Max Arbour or Logan Hirning’s profiles. The direct links are listed below:

https://maineshrinelobsterbowl.com/donate/Hirning-Logan

https://maineshrinelobsterbowl.com/donate/Arbour-Max

All donations are very much appreciated.

Tickets for the game are also available on that same website for the Lobster owl matchup at Lewiston High School on Saturday, July 15. <

Windham sends Falmouth home scoreless in Homecoming football game

By Matt Pascarella

Windham varsity football handed Falmouth their second loss of the season on Friday, September 30 during Homecoming week at Windham High School, demolishing the Navigators,18-0.

Senior Alex Yeaton avoids a tackle as he charges forward in 
Windham High School's Homecoming game against
Falmouth on Friday, Sept. 30.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA  

The Eagles’ defense put the brakes on Falmouth’s offense all night and Windham has now reached the mid-point of the season.

Senior Haddon Boyle had 132 rushing yards and scored a touchdown during the game. To put that in perspective for the night, Windham’s total rushing yards during the game was 190.

“We wanted to battle this week; after a tough loss last week, we wanted this one real bad,” said Boyle. “We practiced hard to just win on special teams, offense and defense.”

In the second quarter, Eagles’ senior Jordan Bridge kicked a 32-yard field goal to extend Windham’s lead 11-0 at intermission.

Bridge said Windham played as a team against Falmouth with the team’s energy levels up and that’s how they won. He said that they started quick and got the ball movement needed to win; they knew they were going to have to fight throughout the entire game.

“I think there were multiple plays when ... our defensive line really did a great job to close the door and guys getting in lanes or breaking down and making tackles,” said Windham varsity football coach Matt Perkins. “We had some great special teams kicking a field goal, we had a great kick return. Offensively, we did everything we needed to. We felt like we could have thrown more in the second half, but we’re also in a situation where we’re controlling the game.”

In the third quarter, Windham junior Landon Buzulchuck connected on a TD pass to senior Alex Yeaton, putting another seven points on the scoreboard after a successful extra-point kick. In the game, Buzulchuck had 65 passing yards and Yeaton had 24 receiving yards.

Falmouth could not make any leeway early in the game. Boyle scored a TD and senior Max Arbour ran it in for a two-point conversion in the first quarter.

Windham defense was on full display in the fourth quarter as Falmouth tried to set foot in the end zone but could not reach it. With less than 3 minutes left, Windham regained possession and was able to run out the remaining clock.

Perkins said Windham overcame a lot of injuries and that the players are trying to figure out new positions, but a lot of progress is being made there. He says that a rhythm has developed for new guys in new positions and that’s important. For them, it’s stay healthy, practice hard and then on to Thornton Academy.

Windham (4-1) will travel to Saco to face the TA Golden Trojans (3-2) on Friday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. <

Windham varsity football shuts out Noble in season opener

Junior Ezra Foster of Windham escapes the grasp of a Noble
defender during the Eagles' varsity football season-opening
game at Windham High School on Thursday, Sept. 1.
PHOTO BY STEVE GIRARD PHOTOGRAPHY  

By Matt Pascarella

The game had not started, but Windham varsity football team’s energy in their season opener, at home with Noble on Friday, Sept. 1 was more than substantial. The Eagles’ defense did not allow the Knights to cross into the end zone and Windham’s offense scored touchdown after touchdown, securing an impressive 40-0 win and a very strong start to the season.

Windham had cleaned up some areas that needed work from a preseason matchup with Bonny Eagle and they were ready to give this first game of the season nothing less than 100 percent; and did just that.

“We needed to change our energy,” said Windham senior Max Arbour. “We were kind of dry against Bonny Eagle and had to step it up. By the scoreboard you can tell we picked it up a bit and were able to fire on all cylinders.”

Arbour said everything from special teams, offense and defense went well. Everything was clicking. He said as long as they keep looking at films and keep their energy up, they can maintain this momentum.

Noble won the coin toss and elected to receive. Windham defense stopped Noble offense quickly.

Windham gained possession at the 30-yard line. It was second down and 2. In a flash, Windham senior Haddon Boyle quickly made it into the end zone. The extra point was good, and Windham led 7-0.

Later in the first quarter, Arbour intercepted a pass intended for Noble. Windham junior Ezra Foster made an impressive run toward the end zone but was stopped at the 1-yard line, first and goal, Windham. Windham senior Alex Yeaton then ran the ball in for a touchdown. The Eagles were denied in their attempt at a two-point conversion. 

“You never know what’s going to happen coming into the first game,” said Yeaton. “I couldn't ask for anything better; I think our team played great.”

According to Yeaton, Windham’s defense stood out, and the score speaks for itself. Shutting out Noble is not an easy thing to do for most high school teams.

Yeaton said that he wants to make his last season count – for himself and everyone on the team; he’s put a lot of time into this program and he’s going to keep giving his all.

Arbour later made it to the 30-yard line for a first and 10. He scored the touchdown, but the point after was no good and Windham led, 19-0. Moments later, Boyle scored again. This time the extra point kick was good, and Windham led 26-0 at the half.

In the third quarter, Yeaton scored his second touchdown and after a successful extra-point, the Eagles led 33-0.

At the start of the fourth quarter, Yeaton ran 55 yards into the end zone to give the Eagles a commanding 40-0 advantage.

“We definitely played with more energy tonight, more confidence,” said Windham varsity football coach Matt Perkins. “We’re a young team ... and we’re learning. When you do that, guys got to figure out who’s the leader, who to look to in bad times and how to carry themselves in good times.”

Perkins said Windham’s special teams looked good, they did a good job covering. Offensively, they had some good plays and the coach said the team did a good job with adjustments.

According to Perkins, this team is super coachable, and they don’t get down on themselves. Perkins said they are going to keep building and getting reps as the season progresses.

Windham (1-0) hosts Lawrence (0-1) at 7 p.m. Friday at Windham High School. <

Windham High track team continues excellence

Windham senior Matthew Fix clears the high jump bar at
5 feet 10 inches during a track meet with Bonny Eagle,
Marshwood and Gorham at Bonny Eagle in Standish
on Thursday, May 12. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

By Matt Pascarella

It was a hot day, but Windham’s outdoor track and field boys’ and girls’ teams were ready to compete. The girls remain undefeated, 3-0, as they finished first with a score of 99 against Gorham, Marshwood and Bonny Eagle in a dual meet at Bonny Eagle High School in Standish on Thursday, May 12.

The boys’ team had several athletes finish in the top five at the meet. Windham senior Matthew Fox finished first in the high jump with a height of 5 feet, 10 inches. He has already qualified for states.

“It feels good,” said Fox. “The main goal now is I want to win out states. It’s fun to be up here, but I think the main job is winning that.”

The boys finished with a score of 56; Gorham finished first with 79.50, Marshwood 70 and Bonny Eagle 59.

Girls

Freshman Tayla Pelletier finished first in the high jump with a distance of 4-11.00. She finished first in the triple jump with a distance of 35-04.00; she finished second in the 300 hurdles, with a time of 51.15 seconds. She qualified for states in all these events.

Pelletier said it was a good day. She felt like the heat didn’t impede her performance and she got several personal records. She said it’s nice to have teammates cheering you on.

In the pole vault, senior Isabel Dionne finished first and qualified for states with a height of 7-06.00.

Sophomore Jasmynne Heath finished first in the 1600 racewalk with a time of 11:17.23 minutes and qualified for states.

Freshman Ava Gerrity finished second in the long jump with a distance of 15-08.75 and the triple jump with a distance of 32. She qualified for states in both events.

“The Lady Eagles track and field team is showcasing excellence. These ladies ... bring the fun to the ‘game’ daily; they set goals, they are building self-confidence and belief in themselves ... as an all-in and incredibly motivated team.”   

Boys

Windham junior Max Arbour finished second in the shot put with a distance 38-03.25.

Senior Josh Guite finished second in the javelin throw with a distance of 132-00.

Junior Owen Weatherby finished third in the 400 with a time of 56.75.

Senior Wyatt Flibbert came in second in the long jump with a distance of 18-10.00.

Windham boys coach Paula Pock said the athletes had a lot of personal bests in the sprints, jumping and throwing events. The weather was a motivator; the team was looking forward to this and the nice weather helped with performances. <

Windham football leaves fans and coaches proud after outstanding season

Windham senior quarterback Robert 'Will' Ledbetter heads
toward the end zone during the Class B State Championship
Game at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland on Nov. 20.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham varsity football team has wrapped up an incredible season, finishing 9-1 and a tightknit unstoppable force since the beginning. Windham made it to the Class B State Championship Game against Marshwood at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland on Saturday, Nov. 20 and played their hearts out, falling 14-13.

In the second quarter, Windham senior Nick Garrison scored a touchdown and after a missed 2-point conversion, Marshwood led 14-6. Right before the end of the first half, Garrison intercepted a Marshwood pass and dashed 70 yards run into the end zone. After a successful point-after kick was good, Marshwood clung to a 14-13 halftime lead.

Neither Marshwood nor Windham would score in the second half and Marshwood’s one-point advantage held up as it won a fourth consecutive Class B title.

Windham was one of eight teams to reach the state championship game and team member predict continued success in the future.

“Coming into this week we felt confident,” said Windham senior and quarterback Robert ‘Will’ Ledbetter. “We practiced hard all week, thought our game plan was good enough to go, but just came in and fell up short at the end. I couldn’t ask for a better group of seniors and couldn’t ask for a better team; I love being around these guys and wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

For Windham senior Nick Garrison, these last three weeks have been a big confidence booster. During the championship game, Ledbetter fed him the ball perfectly where he needed it, but sadly the result didn’t turn out the way they wanted. Garrison said he couldn’t ask for better fan support, teammates, coaches and overall, and it was just a great experience for him.

“Easily this is the best class-act group we’ve had. This group is one of the most relentless groups we’ve ever had,” said Windham varsity football coach Matt Perkins.

He praised what the seniors have done for this program as their hard work goes beyond what you could imagine.

The seniors are leaders on and off the field and the coaches feel lucky to have been around these seniors and what they’ve done, Perkins said.

Marshwood won the championship game coin toss but chose to kick off. Windham junior Haddon Boyle received the kick on the 25-yard line.

On third down, Ledbetter passed to Garrison for an 18-yard gain. Marshwood would get the possession, but not for long. Windham junior Max Arbour tackled the Hawks and regained possession but a third and goal field goal attempt by Windham was blocked.

Arbour said people were calling Windham underdogs, and they took that as motivation.

The Hawks scored before the end of the first quarter and again in the second quarter.

Garrison had a 55-yard run in the second quarter. Later, it was first and 15 and Windham gained six yards. Ledbetter completed a pass to Garrison who scored a TD. An attempt for a 2-point conversion wasn’t successful and Marshwood was up 14-6.

Right before the end of the half, Garrison intercepted a Marshwood pass and ran it in ahead of the Hawks defense for a 70-yard return for a TD. At halftime, Marshwood only led by a point.

The second half was back and forth. Windham’s defense bulldozed the Hawks. Windham junior Logan Hirning recovered a fumble in the third quarter to give the Eagles the ball. A 3-yard pick up and it was second down. Ledbetter completed a pass to Arbour for a Windham first down.

A 15-yard penalty on Marshwood would move the ball forward for Windham. Ledbetter would run for a 16-yard gain before the end of the third quarter.

Windham was first and goal at the 18-yard line. Windham moved the ball closer and closer. On fourth down and goal, Marshwood got the ball on a turnover, but Windham’s defense held fast. Windham fans cheered their team on until the final buzzer.

“I thought they competed, and we got some gritty kids that play their tail off,” said Perkins. “I’m really proud of this group, they’re great young men and they’re just a pleasure to coach and be around. They care about each other first and it’s not about themselves, that’s what makes them so special.”

Perkins said he felt that the Eagles moved the ball very well, played well defensively and tackled well.

Garrison said the offense played well. He said it seemed like they had trouble trying to get the ball in from 5 yards out but driving down the field Windham had good momentum. He also thought the defense played well too.

Arbour said he’d like to thank the seniors, they really helped him through the year, and he looks up to all of them. He’s proud of the team. <