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Windham MS Defeats SP 52-0 to Advance to SMYFL Championship.
WMS Football
November 3, 2011
By David Field

On their way to the SMYFL championship, your Windham EAGLES! David Field Photo

Windham, ME: Windham’s relentless offense and defensive play earned them a trip to the SMYFL championship. Number two seed Windham (10-0) defeated number six seed South Portland (6-4) 52-0. Number one seed Marshwood was upset by visiting number four seed Saco 30-22 to give the Eagles home field advantage in the Championship game. Game date and time are to be determined at press time.

Patrick Leavitt puts on a block as Dylan Koza moves up field behind him. David Field Photo

To start the game, South Portland won the toss and elected to receive the ball. Windham’s defense was strong until a pivotal third down play. The Riots went to the air and advanced to the Eagle 36 yard line. Undeterred, the Eagle defense pushed the Riots back three yards and forced them to punt. Griffin Jacobson blocked the punt and Kyle Kilfoil recovered the ball on the 46 yard line. The Eagle offense went to work and it didn’t take long before Griffin Jacobson found the end zone on a 25 yard scramble. Dylan Koza converted the two point PAT to give Windham the 8-0 lead.

Dylan Koza leads the way for Griffin Jacobson. David Field Photo

Windham’s defense stepped up again after the kick off and forced the Riots to punt. Eric Webb caught the ball and ran 50 yards to the South Portland 16 yard line to give Windham great field position. Three plays later, Dylan Koza puts in the one yard run and Eric Webb does his wildcat to make the score 16-0. Windham recovered the kick off on the South Portland 36 yard line. On an option play, Griffin Jacobson passed to Eric Webb to set up a first and goal. Dylan Koza notched his second touchdown to give the Eagles a 22-0 lead. After the kick off, the Riots moved the ball and attempted to capitalize on a pass interference call on Eagle Eric Webb. They took possession at the Windham 24. Windham’s defense collected themselves, stopped the Riot advance and took possession on downs at their own 30 yard line. In a turn of events, the Riot defense stopped Windham and forced them to punt. On South Portland’s possession, Mitchell Eskilson intercepted a pass and Windham took possession on their own 18 yard line. With typical hard work, the Eagles marched up the field and Dylan Koza capped the drive with a one yard dash to give Windham the 28-0 lead going into the half.

South Portland quarterback puts up a pass. David Field Photo

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Eric Webb attempts stiff arm against Riot defender. David Field Photo

To start the third quarter, Dylan Koza took the kickoff 70 yards and scored the two point PAT to give Windham 36-0 lead. After a sloppy offensive possession, luck seemed to turn South Portland’s way. South Portland punted on fourth down and Dylan Koza misplayed the punt. The ball bounced off Koza and the Riots took possession. With the lopsided score, South Portland was playing every down in hopes of getting the ball past the first down marker. Windham’s defense was too quick reading plays and stopped the Riot advances. Windham took possession on the Riot 38. Eric Webb did a leaping catch on a pass from Tyler Johnson for the Eagles next touchdown. On the PAT, Webb did a one hand catch pass reception from Johnson.

Between quarters, South Portland was called for unsportsmanlike conduct and assessed a 15 yard penalty. With frustrations mounting, both teams put in their junior squads to finish the game. Desmond Leslie got the final Eagle touchdown and Connor Daigle caught a Leslie pass for the two point PAT to finish the Eagle scoring.

Tyler Johnson checks his line pre-snap. David Field Photo

After the game, head coach Rich Johnson was ecstatic. “This is the best victory. I love these guys. I have coached some of them through Little League Baseball and through football. I am so proud of the boys.” Next week, Johnson will practice under the lights in the stadium to prepare for the championship game. I asked Johnson how nervous has he been? “I have been going crazy! I have had highs and lows and have been anxious to play. I am looking forward to a good night’s sleep tonight.”

Patrick Leavitt advances the ball. David Field Photo

Whenever the Eagles play, it will be in Windham. Come out and support our team!! This is sizing up to be a rematch of the 2008 SMYFL Championship that Windham won against Saco here in Windham.

	1	2	3	4	Final
South Portland	0	0	0	0	0
Windham	22	6	16	8	52

Kyle Kilfoil in pursuit of South Portland quarterback. David Field Photo

To start the second half, Dylan Koza runs back 70 yards to give Windham another touchdown. David Field Photo

Griffin Jacobson with the ball leans through the line. David Field Photo

After the game, Griffin Jacobson and Patrick Leavitt congratulate each other. David Field Photo

Coach Rich Johnson in the center of his team in celebration. David Field Photo

Windham High School Varsity Head Coach addresses the Middle School Squad. David Field Photo

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