Windham Sports Pages ~ WMS Football 09/30/07

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WINDHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL FOOTBALL

WINDHAM EAGLES EMERGE VICTORS IN SMYFL CLASH OF TITANS

View all WMS Football teams results, schedule and standings on the team's page.

September 30, 2007

By David Field

Eagles Celebrate Success. PHOTO BY David Field

On a picture perfect autumn afternoon, Windham took on undefeated and #1 Heal ranked Saco in Windham. Several hundred were in attendance to witness the games.

A SQUAD

This nail biting game had every spectator, coach and player on the edge until the final seconds of the game which saw the Eagles take a 7-6 decision over the Saco Junior Trojans.

The game opened with Saco winning the toss and running back the kick off to the Windham 33 yard line. The Trojans mixed up their plays and converted the touchdown on a pass. The Eagles defense stuffed the 2 point conversion, which later would become the deciding play in the game’s outcome.

On Windham’s first possession, they started from their own 46. On second down, TD O’Brien attempted to pass the ball to a receiver who was hit before he could touch the ball. While the penalty was being assessed, a second flag was thrown and the call went against Saco for Unsportsmanlike Conduct on one of the coaches. In a flash, Windham is on the Saco 20 yard line. Windham got to the five yard line and TD O’Brien’s pass to Jeremy Peavey was intercepted in the end zone. Saco took over at their own 20.

Windham held Saco on their second possession and took control at the Trojan 47 yard line. After a nice gain by Colby Waterhouse, the Eagles took a yellow flag for holding which dropped them back. After a few plays, the half ended with Saco in front 6-0.

In the second half, the Eagles took control on their own 40 yard line. Windham attempted several plays, mixing running and passing and turned the ball over to Saco on an interception. Windham’s defense stiffened and forced Saco to punt. On the play, the Trojan punter dropped the ball and Kyle Deschene recovered the ball on the Saco 36. Saco’s defense returned the favor by holding Windham and forcing the possession over on downs.

So, we head to the final quarter, Saco still leading 6-0, the crowd is cheering on their respective teams and no one is budging to even venture to the porta-potties. Windham’s defense answered the call again and forced Saco to punt. Zach Tolman found an opening and sacked the punter to give the Eagles possession on the Trojan 35 yard line. On third and 10, TD O’Brien handed off to Colby Waterhouse who passed to Damien Shepard. Shepard made an outstanding catch on the one yard line. On the next play, TD O’Brien found the end-zone through the thick Saco line to tie the game. Colby Waterhouse sealed the deal with a strong point after kick.

Hold, on, did you think the story was over? Oh, no. Saco is not a team to give up. The Trojans took possession and immediately drove 25 yards with help from a Damien Shepard penalty for hitting after the whistle. Again, Windham’s defense reached deep. On the Windham 18 yard line on fourth and eight, Saco has no choice but to attempt the first down. Kyle Deschene cinched the victory for the Eagles by sacking the Trojan quarterback for a ten yard loss. Windham took possession and ran the clock out.

B SQUAD

It was a frustrating afternoon for the younger Eagles who suffered a 30-0 defeat to the Junior Trojans of Saco.

Windham won the coin toss and Calvin Field took the kickoff on a 21 yard run to start the game. Windham started on their 42 yard line. Josiah Purves took the first play from scrimmage eight yards, his longest carry for the day. The Trojans quickly keyed on him and stifled his progress throughout the remainder of the game. Josiah’s next carry got the Eagles the first down. However, the Eagles eventually were forced to punt. Saco took control and picked apart the Eagle defense. They eventually scored on a pass play that the running back ran around 3 Eagle defenders. Saco added the two to make it 8-0.

Windham got the ball and again was frustrated by the stingy Trojan defense. The Saco squad took over and quickly converted the possession to a touch down. Windham stopped the two point conversion. On the ensuing kick off, Windham lost possession on a loose ball recovered by an alert Trojan defender.

Saco would add two more touchdowns and two point conversions to finish the Eagles day. The game was penalty free in the eyes of the officials; however spectators saw some holding and blocking in the back infractions on the visiting team. Josiah Purves had a decent game with 5.5 tackles on defense and 23 yards rushing on 12 carries. Brother Gabe Purves also added with 4.5 tackles and 19 yards rushing on 5 carries.

The Windham MS Eagle football squads face off next against Marshwood (2-4) on the High School Field Saturday night October 6, under the lights. The B Squad game kicks off at 6pm with the A squad game immediately after. Come out and support the Eagle Football program and watch some awesome football.