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Articles by Christopher Shaban
Jacks earn third straight title
RUTLAND, VT — Soon after Olivia MacLeay knocked her final kick between the uprights, the celebration was on. Windsor sought revenge on an earlier season loss and earned it Saturday, Nov. 11, with a 36-0 drubbing of a team that spoiled their 28-game win streak a few weeks ago. “This was a big deal. We lost to a very good Woodstock team this season and we spent the last three weeks working harder than any team I’ve seen,” said Windsor Head Coach Greg Balch.
Windsor’s Cinderella Soccer Season Ends
SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT — Stowe grabbed their fourth straight state championship in Division 3 soccer downing Windsor, 5-0, with a flurry of second half goals. That flurry ended Windsor’s historic season on a beautiful turf fiend at South Burlington High school on Friday, Nov. 3. The scoring duo of Audrey Rupp and Olivia MacLeay were well known to the defending champions as both were shadowed with plenty of defenders all during the match. “We knew they could score,” said Stowe Head Coach Tyler Post.
Montpelier Topples Windsor
BURLINGTON, VT — Windsor opened their Saturday, Nov. 4, game with their typical “flood the goal and pound away” mentality, and nearly got a quick goal when Gabby Gilbert took her shot. But Bree Shrout would make the save, Montpelier found their footing on the fancy new turf field and ultimately grabbed their second straight state championship with a 2-0 win over the Jacks.
Windsor is Cooking With 4-0 Win
BURLINGTON, VT — The recipe is there, a very stingy solid defense, incredible goal tending, midfielders quick like cats and that offense, oh that offense. “We came here to play offense and that’s what we will do” said Windsor Yellow Jackets Head Coach Blake Holden during halftime. The team is headed to the championship game after a 4-0 win over Missisquoi on Wednesday, Nov. 1.
Windsor eliminates Paine Mountain, 3-1
WINDSOR – It may have been tough to predict that the Windsor girls soccer team would be playing for a championship title this year with only two seniors and new coaches. But the Yellow Jackets had their sights set on a trip to the finals way back in August. “Our goal was to win a championship and we have one more test to make that happen,” Windsor’s Miah McAllister after the Yellow Jackets dominated play and disposed of Paine Mountain, 3-1, during Tuesday’s Divisiion III semifinal.
Cardinals Girls Soccer Soars into Semifinals
CLAREMONT, NH — Cardinal freshman Faith Norton’s goal midway into the first half Sunday, Oct. 29, was all Stevens’ defense needed to totally shut down a strong Kearsarge team, sending the young Stevens squad into the semifinals with a 1-0 win. Kearsarge and Stevens split their games during the regular season but on Sunday, the Cardinals were the better team with a big time of possession advantage.
Yellow Jackets Roll into Semifinals With 8-1 Win
WINDSOR, VT — Hannah Tenney scored just 33 seconds into the game on Saturday, Oct. 28, and opened the flood gates for the Windsor field hockey team. The team netted 7 first-half goals and won 8-1. “That is the quickest we have scored all season,” said Windsor Coach Blake Holden. “We have played a very difficult schedule and we learned so much along the way.
Terriers Chew Up Spaulding for Win
WESTMINSTER, VT — Football games at Hadley Field in Bellows Falls always seem to have a special feel. The spirit provided by the school band, the fire department on scene hoisting the American flag from their tower truck and passionate fans displaying their love for their favorites in Purple and White provide the perfect backdrop for a special evening. When you toss in a full moon, the atmosphere was over the top.
‘Playing for Something Special’
WINDSOR, VT — Windsor practice was all business this week and it showed on the field as they carried a 28-0 lead and stayed healthy the rest of the way for a 47-12 final on Saturday, Oct. 27, in Rutland. “This was the most intense week of practice I’ve ever had in my four years,” said Avery Bean, senior. “There was zero doubt we were ready and out to prove a point.
Windsor Soccer Headed to Semifinals
WINDSOR, VT — Danville kept the high-powered Yellow Jacket offense quiet until the second half, as Windsor pulled away for a 4-1 win on Friday, Oct. 27, and look forward to a semifinals home game scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 31. With six defenders clogging the goal area, Olivia Macleay smoked a shot that beat Bears keeper Leah Klark for a 1-0 lead only 5 minutes into the game. Windsor controlled time of possession but when they entered the offensive third of the pitch, things were very difficult.
Stevens Escapes With 2-1 Win
CLAREMONT, NH — It wasn’t pretty, but the Stevens Cardinals girls soccer team will move on after getting past No. 13 Derryfield Academy on Wednesday, Oct. 25, with a final score of 2-1. Playoff action is an entirely different game compared to regular season play. Stevens found that against a team that sure didn’t play like a 13th seed. “We wanted to control the middle of the field,” said Kate Nguyen, Derryfield senior defender.
Windsor Topples Springfield in First Playoff Game
WINDSOR, VT — Audrey Rupp opened the scoring just 30 seconds into the game for Windsor and the Yellow Jackets and never looked back during their 10-1 victory over Springfield during their playdown game on Tuesday, Oct. 24. Rupp was far from done though as she earned a hat trick in the first 10 minutes of the contest. Her second goal came on a header following a beautiful corner kick from Olivia MacLeay. MacLeay extended the lead to 4-0 with a goal of her own in the 28th minute.
Stevens Wins in Double OT
CLAREMONT, NH — A Callie Demars goal off a blistering feed from Cameron Ferland gave the No. 3 seed Cardinals a 3-2 win in double overtime after Mascoma battled back to force extra time on Monday, Oct. 23. “I wasn’t sure what actually happened,” said Demars.
Woodstock Stops Windsor, 36-15
WOODSTOCK, VT — Woodstock claimed the No. 1 seed in Division 3 after a big third quarter and ended the Yellow Jackets’ 28-game win streak, 36-15, on Saturday, Oct. 21. “They were better than us tonight. Woodstock outcoached us and outplayed us on the field,” said Windsor Head Coach Greg Balch. “We are on a mission and it all starts on Monday.
Cardinals Earn Top Four Seed With 3-3 Tie
CLAREMONT, NH — Two of the best teams in the division battled to a 3-3 draw in a feisty hard fought back and forth game under the lights on Monday, Oct. 16. “This was a tremendous end to a fantastic regular season. We fought back and the intensity was just perfect all night,” said Stevens Head Coach Tim St. Pierre after the game. “I thought we had brilliant moments and came so close to grabbing this one.” This was a typical Stevens vs.
Lady Jacks Soccer Looks Sharp with 8-1 Win
WINDSOR, VT —The Windsor girls soccer team ended homecoming weekend Saturday, Oct. 14, with a convincing 8-1 win over White River Valley as Olivia MacLeay, Audrey Rupp and Bri Barton all netted goals for the Yellow Jackets. With defenders Miah McAllister and Gabby Crane protecting keeper Sophia Rockwood from harm, it was the offense that did the damage. A 25-yard bender off the foot of MacLeay found net; then she drilled another one from almost the same spot as Windsor led 2-1 into the break.
Windsor Grabs Third Straight
WINDSOR, VT — The Windsor field hockey team was quicker, outplaying Brattleboro in a convincing 3-1 win on Friday, Oct. 13, as the Jacks finally found their game after a brutal season schedule. “We are coming together,” said Yellow Jacket Coach Blake Holden as the Jacks jumped out to a 2-0 lead and kept the pace in their favor for most of the game.
Yellow Jackets Shut Down Mill River
WINDSOR, VT — Brady Olmstead, Brody Osgood and Corey Lockwood each scored 2 touchdowns while Olivia MacLeay was a perfect 3-for-3 on extra points as the Jacks dominated every aspect of the game for a 41-0 win on Saturday, Oct. 14. “Without a doubt, we were focused today, we were ready and hungry,” said Osgood. Mill River tried to take the air out of the ball with a 10 minute slow down opening drive before handing the ball over to Windsor, then the next 50 minutes belonged to the green and gold.
Windsor grabs win over Springfield
WINDSOR, VT — Greg Balch’s Yellow Jackets exploded for 20 second-half points to remain undefeated, handing Springfield a 32-6 defeat on a gray, overcast Saturday. The crowd was small because of the forecast, but those in attendance witnessed a heck of a game. “I knew this would be a dogfight, and it sure was,” said Springfield coach Todd Aiken.
Windsor grabs win over Springfield
WINDSOR, VT — Greg Balch's Yellow Jackets exploded for 20 second-half points to remain undefeated, handing Springfield a 32-6 defeat on a gray, overcast Saturday. The crowd was small because of the forecast, but those in attendance witnessed a heck of a game. "I knew this would be a dogfight, and it sure was," said Springfield coach Todd Aiken.
Yellow Jackets Beat Randolph, 7-3
WINDSOR, VT — The Lady Jacks grabbed their 5th win in a row Thursday, Oct. 5, as goals keep piling up for this group. Windsor has outscored their opponents 60-14 on the season with scoring machines Audrey Rupp and Olivia MacLeay leading the way. MacLeay opened the day with her first of her 4 goals and Rupp would net 3 of her own (even with a broken toe) as Windsor put this one away early, but the offense is happening because of a total team effort.
Fall Mountain Wins Bernard Cup in OT
“We were gassed, but the effort from both teams was just special to watch. This is what soccer is all about,” — Jason Stone, Stevens Boys Soccer Head Coach CLAREMONT, NH — Monday’s 52nd annual match between Stevens and Fall Mountain was electric, and the biggest crowd of the year at any area sporting jammed into Monadnock Park for a dandy that needed a second overtime. And just like that, Wildcat Nick Parrott’s header ended years of Stevens dominance with a 2-1 win.
Lady Cardinals Keep Improving
CLAREMONT, NH — Change is difficult, but Tim St. Pierre’s Cardinals are figuring it out after they grabbed a 2-0 win over an up-and-coming Fall Mountain group for their third win in a row on Monday, Oct. 2. Last season Maddy Minckler was a scoring machine for Stevens and when the playoffs hit, everyone knew it. This year there are a slew of options as Minckler’s leadership and unselfishness has helped produce some great results.
Fall Mountain Wins Bernard Cup in OT
“We were gassed, but the effort from both teams was just special to watch. This is what soccer is all about,” — Jason Stone, Stevens Boys Soccer Head Coach CLAREMONT, NH — Monday’s 52nd annual match between Stevens and Fall Mountain was electric, and the biggest crowd of the year at any area sporting jammed into Monadnock Park for a dandy that needed a second overtime. And just like that, Wildcat Nick Parrott’s header ended years of Stevens dominance with a 2-1 win.
Cardinals Grind Out a 3-0 Win Over Newport
NEWPORT, NH — The end of homecoming week didn’t go as Newport hoped for since Stevens girls soccer headed home with a 3-0 win on Saturday, Sept. 30. Kiley Bundy scored twice while Faith Norton added a goal of her own. Maddy Minckler and Peyton Ferland would have assists for the 9-2-1 Cardinals. This game was far from a tactical must see but Stevens did what they had to do while Skylar Nelson was brilliant in goal for Newport.
Newport Stays Unbeaten as Defense Keys 13-12 Win
NEWPORT, NH — Newport and Somersworth combined have scored 195 points so far this season and the offense match-up many predicted turned into a defensive war this weekend during the homecoming game with Newport holding off the defending Division 4 champions 13-12 to stay unbeaten. Somersworth lit some fireworks right off the bat as they returned the opening kickoff 71 yards to set up shop on the Newport 4-yard line before the large crowd barely had time to settle into their seats.
Yellow Jackets Field Hockey Falls to D2 Woodstock, 4-0
WINDSOR, VT — Blake Wardwell’s Yellow Jackets stickers fell to Division 2 Woodstock on Thursday, Sept. 28, but things are still headed in the right direction for the Division 3 team. “We really don’t like to lose but by playing teams in the higher divisions, it prepares us for the next steps ahead,” said Wardwell. With a schedule chock full of Division 1 and 2 teams, the Jacks field hockey team is focused on late season games.
Cardinals Grab OT 3-2 Comeback Win
CLAREMONT, NH — A win is a win even when it’s ugly, and ugly it was when the Cardinals faced Winnisquam Monday, Sept. 25. The Cards trailed and struggled to tie the match before ending it quickly in the first minute of overtime when Luke Belisle tapped in a rebound off the leg of Mason Ferland to give Stevens a 3-2 win. Ferland opened the scoring as the Cardinals seemed in control for the first quarter of the game leading 1-0.
Stevens Girls Soccer Rolls Over Mascoma 10-0
CLAREMONT, NH — It took the Cardinals a while to get going but once they did, everything came together. Ten goals found the net as freshman sharpshooter Payton Ferland planted 5 of those goals on the night. With the return of defense standout Bella Bovell, the Cardinal defense gained another weapon as Cardinal keeper Audrina Pelton notched her 4th shutout and 6th win of the season.
Windsor, Green Mountain Girls Soccer Battles to a Draw
WINDSOR, VT — Anytime the Windsor and Green Mountain soccer teams face off, the games are fast, intense and physical. Thursday’s game was no different. After two scoreless halves and two overtime periods, neither team would claim a win on Sept. 22, as both settled for a draw before a decent size crowd along the sidelines.
Cardinals Remain Perfect with Recent 1-0 Win
CLAREMONT, NH — The red-hot Cardinals moved to 6-0 on the season after winning 1-0 in a hard-fought battle against Mascoma. This defensive gem was highlighted with the majority of the battle being in the middle third of the pitch, but physical play was all over the field. Goalies were the difference in this one as the Cardinals’ Nevin Marsh was just a bit better than the Royals’ Matt Favreau; both were brilliant.
Cardinals Look Sharp With 6-1 Win
CLAREMONT, NH — Stevens blew open a close game, scoring 4 unanswered second half goals against Prospect Mountain. Sevens improved to 5-1-1 on the season after dropping Prospect Mountain 6-1 under the lights on Friday. The Cardinals’ Addison Derosier hit the back of the net from 20 yards away in the first minute to give Stevens a quick lead 1-0 lead. The Timberwolves would respond on a loose rebound in the goal box to square the match at 1-1, midway into the first half.
Newport Field Hockey Holds Off Stevens
NEWPORT, NH — Newport took a 1-0 lead into the break and held off a Cardinals comeback to grab a 3-1 win on Saturday, Sept. 16, before a decent-sized crowd in an exciting rivalry field hockey game. Midfield play and racetrack speed dominated most of the game as slick passing and stingy defense from both sides kept the fans on the edge of their seats. “Any game against Stevens is a battle and today was no exception,” said Newport Coach Shannon Martin.
Newport Tigers Shutout Winnisquam
NEWPORT, NH — With a stiff northern wind blowing across Maryn Field for the Tigers home opener Saturday, Sept. 16, it was smooth sailing for John Proper’s team as the Tigers took control early and breezed for another shutout win, 54-0. “I was a bit worried because we didn’t have the best week of practice, but we executed well today,” said Proper. “Every aspect of our game was really good.
What a great ride
It’s time for a change. After having many discussions with the Eagle Times head cheese, Rich Girrard over the past few months, I have finally worn him down (or maybe he is just sick of me bugging him) and convinced him that this sports department needs a full-time person to grow and move forward. That change happened as Chris LaClair will be taking over as a full-time Sports Editor. What a ride it has been.
Coaches and their Shrine players
CLAREMONT — While eleven local players are at camp to prepare for the 70th Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl, we reached out to their coaches to see what kind of players and people these guys are from the mouths of people who know them really well. Newport Tigers Head Coach John Proper on Tyler Gobin and Karter Pollari Both Tyler Gobin and Karter Pollari are excellent young men. I was happy to see that Karter got chosen after missing all of his senior season, except the championship game.
Shrine Camp
CASTLETON, VT—The Eagle Times is pleased to publish this exclusive material, obtained from Vermont assistant coach Jamie Richardson and several players who are on-site at Castleton University for the 70th annual Shriner’s Maple Sugar Bowl, which will be played this Saturday, August 5 at Castleton. We thank him, and others who have spoken with us, for the opportunity to share this inside look into this storied game. Day 1- All 76 players reported in happy and healthy.
Cardinal Star Returns for a Visit
CLAREMONT — Once a Cardinal, always a Cardinal. Former Stevens basketball player Kaleb Tarczewski dropped in for a visit during the Cardinals summer camp to work on his skills and lend his old teammate a hand. “He called me to ask if he could use the gym to workout and then asked if he could join us” said the new Cardinals men’s basketball coach.
Plymouth’s Sanborn to lead New Hampshire in Shrine game
CLAREMONT, N.H. — The 2023 New Hampshire Shine Maple Sugar Bowl coach has memories that he wants to pass along to his team and a bit of experience, too. Plymouth High School’s Chris Sanborn will lead New Hampshire in this year’s game and he knows firsthand what this game means. The Bobcat coach grew up in the small town of Wentworth, New Hampshire and played in the 1992 game. He started on both sides of the ball, as an offensive guard and linebacker.
Summer basketball is where success finds teams
CLAREMONT, N.H. — Many high school students take the summer to enjoy some time off, work a job or just relax but then there are those gym rats that just can’t get enough round ball. Steve Condon and his Stevens Cardinals girls team are hosting the summer league with local teams just looking to keep sharp and a bit more. “This is all about keeping the kids playing and having fun at the same time.
New Hampshire rules Lions Cup games
HANOVER — The 48th annual Lions Cup soccer games belonged to the Granite State as the women opened the day with a 5-2 win while the Men capped the games off with a 3-2 victory on a very hot turf field at Hanover High School on Saturday. Before the pre-game introductions, both Liz Tschudin from Sunapee and Stella Lavertue from Stevens seemed anxious. After 90 minutes of action and hoisting the Cup, they were all smiles as both ended their high school soccer careers with a win.
Lavertue and Tschudin chosen for Lions Cup Soccer Game
CLAREMONT — Soccer around here is big, really big and when you have local players selected to participate in a game with an incredible history and a rich tradition, it’s a big deal. This year there are two local players ready to play in this years 48th annual Twin State Lions Cup soccer games set for Saturday.
Windsor Loses 1-0 Nailbiter: Jacks' Johnny Clark Tosses No-Hitter in Loss
SOUTH ROYALTON, VT — The Yellow Jackets’ Johnny Clark threw a complete game no-hitter, but White River Valley (WRV) still won and will advance with a heart stopping 1-0 win on Monday. To say Clark was dominant would be an understatement, as the junior struck out 11, gave up one walk, and hit a batter while allowing zero earned runs. WRV’s Wyatt Caldwell allowed six hits, struck out 10, and walked two batters, but his team gave him that one run that made the difference.
Gilford Upsets Newport, 6-5
NEWPORT — Newport was close, so close, but one swing of the bat from Gilford changed things. The visitors will move on after downing the Tigers 6-5. Maddie McKenna’s towering two-run blast over the left field fence gave Gilford a comeback lead in the seventh inning; they held on from there for the win. It was dreary and misting as Gilford sent their ace Bella Dow to face Newport’s Tonya Sanchez with plenty of smoke from both hurlers.
Fall Mountain Falls, 13-0
LANGDON — The old adage that if anything can go wrong, it will at the worst time and it did for the Fall Mountain Wildcats as they ran into a sharp pitcher and some big bats from the seacoast, falling 13-0 on Wednesday. When Wildcat pitcher Kendal Cote rung up the first Somersworth batter giving her 300, only in her second season, things took a turn for the worse.
Wildcats Grab 5-1 Tournament Win
WALPOLE- Senior Mitch Cormier and freshman Pat Connors combined for 7 innings of solid pitching as Fall Mountain will head to the quarterfinals after downing Winnisquam 5-1 at Hubbard Fields. “We got it done, the youngsters really stepped up today,” said a very happy Cormier as two freshman made big contributions at the plate. Trailing 0-1, Porter Willett was hit by a pitch then Connors drew a walk then the pair made a double steal placing runners on 2nd and third.
Windsor Advances with 10-1 Win
WINDSOR, VT — Windsor’s Molly Burke tossed a one hitter and didn’t allow a ball out of the infield as she kept the Mill River batters guessing. Burke mixed in wildness with some fastballs as the Jacks took a 10-1 win on Tuesday to advance in tournament play. “I just wanted to get keep the ball in play, our defense is incredible and once we had a lead, the pressure came off a bit, it relaxed me,” said the freshman pitcher.
Cards Take Kirby Cup
WALPOLE- With lawn chairs scattered along the hill, full bleachers, Sweet Caroline blasting away and a perfect night for baseball, it felt like a Cape Cod league game, but this was much, much better. This was the Kirby Cup game between Fall Mountain (FM) and Stevens. One of the best rivalries took place at spectacular Ball-Roentsch Field under the lights on Friday. It came down to the final inning.
SVL Track Championships
WINDSOR, VT — The Thetford Academy Men ran away from the competition while White River Valley took the Women’s title on a perfect day for Track at the Murphy-Morse Track complex in Windsor. With school tents of every color lined up along the track facility and hundreds of athletes on hand, the SVL championships were run to perfection. Windsor’s Logan Warrell and Tydus Percy finished one and two in the men’s Shotput. Percy edged out Bellows Falls’ Ben Perry in the Discus.
Lakers, Tigers Clash
SUNAPEE- On Thursday, the Lakers welcomed the Tigers with decent crowds on hand, with games that were much closer than the final score indicated. Sunapee Baseball won 6-0, while the softball Tigers remained undefeated and headed home with a 7-0 victory. Sunapee 6, Newport 0 The Tigers rode into the season with a new coach and a new field. Their attitude has just gotten better as time has moved along.
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