WINDHAM — On its first offensive play, Windham High exploded on the snap and fullback Griffin Jacobson charged behind them for 13 yards.
“We were really locked in,” Coach Matt Perkins said.
The Eagles stayed that way. Even with a couple of early fumbles, Windham dominated the line and the game Friday night as the Eagles beat Cheverus High 28-0 in a Class A North semifinal game at Windham High.
Second-seeded Windham (7-2) advances to the North championship game next weekend against top-ranked Portland (9-0). The No. 3 Stags finished at 6-4.
Two of Cheverus’ losses came to Windham, including a 19-15 decision two weeks ago when Windham had to rally.
“The first time around, we had some things go our way,” Stags Coach John Wolfgram said. “They had a couple of weeks to look at us, and they were prepared.”
Perkins, whose team had a playoff bye last week, agreed: “We made some changes from last time and we just felt we were on top of everything.”
Windham totaled 59 plays for 381 yards – 356 on the ground. Cheverus gained 74 yards on 38 plays.
“They were bigger, stronger, more physical,” Wolfgram said. “It wasn’t smoke and mirrors. It was blood and guts football. Credit to them. They took it to us.”
Jacobson rushed for 123 yards on 17 carries. Cam Hoffses gained 115 yards on 17 carries. Kyle Houser added 62 yards on 11 carries, and quarterback Desmond Leslie took off for 41 yards.
“We had the three-headed monster going tonight, plus Dessie,” Perkins said. “It’s pretty tough with those four big boys coming downhill with that line.”
The game might have gotten out of hand early, if not for Windham’s turnovers.
Starting their first drive at their own 13, the Eagles reached the 49. There, Hoffses broke free down the right sideline. He looked ready to score, when defensive back Tre Fletcher caught him and knocked the ball loose and out of the end zone. Ruled a touchback, Cheverus took over at the 20.
On the Eagles’ next drive, they reached the Cheverus 2, but a bobbled handoff was pounced on by Stags defensive back Bobby Slattery.
Windham was dominating, but the score was still 0-0 after the first quarter.
“Ball security,” Perkins said. “We have to do a better job of not letting that happen.”
But Cheverus then made its one turnover. A pass was deflected and Tanner Bernier grabbed the interception at the Stags 23. Windham scored five plays later on Houser’s 4-yard run. Robert Inniss made his first of four extra points.
Windham’s line of Luke Forbush, Dederick Eastup, Tyrell Gullatt, Gerry Valliere and Thomas Sappier were strong all night. The Eagles scored on their final drive of the first half, going 66 yards in three minutes, capped by Leslie’s 9-yard run, for a 14-0 halftime lead.
Houser and Hoffses scored on runs in the second half.
Defensively, Gullatt, Valliere and Sappier plugged the middle. Ends Kyle Kilfoil and Jacobson, and linebacker Patrick Leavitt contained the outsized Stags offense.
“We have some high-character kids, but we just weren’t good enough tonight,” Wolfgram said. “Overall, we had a very good season. We just couldn’t get to the next level.”
It is the first time since 2008 that Cheverus has not reached the regional final.
Meanwhile, Windham is going for a second straight regional title. But the Eagles have to avenge a 10-3 loss to the Bulldogs earlier this year.
“Looking forward to it,” Perkins said.
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