Windham’s defense shines in boy’s lacrosse regional final

Windham High junior Alex Yeaton moves by a Falmouth
opponent and heads to the goal during the Class A North
boys' lacrosse regional final on June 15 at Falmouth
High School. Falmouth won, 2-0.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

For the second year in a row, the Windham boys’ lacrosse team made it to the Class A North regional final on Wednesday, June 15 at Falmouth and for the second year in a row the opponent has been No. 1 Falmouth. Windham offense put in a strong effort and kept its shots at goal coming but did not get by Falmouth’s goalie. The Navigators won 2-0.

Windham defense was very intense; Windham goalie junior Phillip (Reed) Wescott blocked many shots to keep Falmouth to a low score.

Wescott said the first time they saw them in the season it was a close game. He said going into this game he thought they had a good chance, but said Windham maybe rushed the ball too much, getting it to offense. Overall, he thought Windham played a very good game.

According to Wescott, Windham’s defense was a positive; their rides and their clears were really good.

In the first quarter, Windham moved the ball well and had several shots at goal. Their defense was strong and both teams were scoreless after the first 12 minutes.

Wescott had block after block in the second quarter, consistently shutting down Falmouth’s offense.

With seconds remaining in the first half, the Navigators scored and led 1-0.

“We were ready for them in all aspects of the game,” said Windham junior Alex Yeaton. “We knew we had to tighten down on their outside shots which we did this game. I think, offensively, we came out shooting we just got unlucky in that their goalie made some great saves and we’ve got to put up better shots. It was a great season.”

The Eagles kept defense strong in the second half. Windham had many shots at goal, but none found the back of the net. Falmouth scored again in the third quarter.

Windham senior Will Woolston said he thought they did play hard, but the execution wasn’t there. They had great effort and moved the ball well on offense.

In the fourth quarter, Windham kept at it and did not get down on themselves. They fought until the final buzzer.

“We tried to create the best matchups that we could offensively, defensively, midfield” said Windham varsity boys’ lacrosse coach Peter Small. “I think our defense played out of their minds. I don’t think there’s anybody that thought after this game there’d be two goals total.”

Small said that this team is gritty, and they are a hardworking, get-after-it type of team. He said he loves working with guys like that who are just going to grind.

They got to this point by playing this way all year. It’s awesome to see them dig deep and hold tough, he said. <

Windham seniors Campbell, Woolston to continue lacrosse careers in college

Windham High seniors Will Woolston, left, and Logan
Campbell gather to sign Letters of Intent to play college
lacrosse on Tuesday, April 26. Woolston will attend
Clarkson University in New York and Campbell will attend
Southern New Hampshire University.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

By Matt Pascarella

Windham High lacrosse players Logan Campbell and Will Woolston came on as freshman in 2019 with a real passion for the game. They took that passion and elevated it in order to become the leaders they are today and they each signed letters of intent at Windham High School on Tuesday, April 26 to play collegiate lacrosse.

Campbell will attend Southern New Hampshire University and major in construction management. He’d like to use his major for building or designing homes or possibly work in real estate.

Woolston will attend Clarkson University in New York and major in engineering and management. He isn’t sure yet what he’d like to do with his major.

“They want to uplift everybody – to me that’s crucial,” said Windham varsity boys’ lacrosse coach Peter Small. “They are not cliquey individuals with groups of friends. They are reaching out to their teammates ... they invite their teammates; they want their passion of the game to spread to other people.”

Both Campbell and Woolston have spread their passion for the game in the community by working with the younger players to help develop the same love and skill for lacrosse they both have.

Logan Campbell

Campbell’s father showed him how to play lacrosse when he was in the fourth grade. From that point on, he was hooked.

“I enjoy the fast-paced game, I enjoy playing defense,” said Campbell. “Club teams are really good; really fun to play with. I still communicate with guys from my club team. It’s really fun and I’ll cherish those memories we had over the summer.”

It felt good for Campbell to sign his letter of intent. The program at SNHU is a nice one; Campbell felt welcomed by the Coach Paul Calkins and is looking forward to it.

Campbell knew that if he wanted to play in college, he needed to work hard every day and continue to do so throughout his athletic career. He realized the pace of the game was much faster in college. In order to prepare for lacrosse at SNHU he’s been going to New England Fitness and Athletics in Windham every day after practice.

Campbell would like to thank his family for all their support, especially his mom, as well as his teammates and coaches.

Will Woolston

Woolston chose Clarkson University because they have a very strong academic program. Woolston said the lacrosse coach, Coach Bill Bergan, is an old-school coach, which he likes.

He feels relieved and said it felt good to sign his letter of intent. It’s taken a lot of hard work to get to this point.

“Academics is a big part of moving forward with your collegiate career,” said Woolston. “Some schools where you grind for lacrosse, you won’t be able to get in without academics. I’ve always worked hard with lacrosse, but this year I’ve really stepped up my academics.”

Woolston’s older brother, Tyler, got him interested in lacrosse. Tyler Woolston, a Windham alumnus, currently plays Division I lacrosse for the University of Vermont.

Will Woolston began playing in the second grade and just fell in love with the sport. Will Woolston said his brother always pushed him to be better and work harder.

Woolston would like to thank his dad and his mom for pushing him to be better. <