By Christopher Shaban
Eagle Times Correspondent
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.
Brady Olmstead plowed his way in from 7 yards out, Daniel Haugaard-Steffensen (aka the “Great Dane”) galloped 43 yards for another score; Olmstead zipped in for a 27 yards TD and Haugaard-Steffensen connected with Anthony Cook for a 35-yard strike. Add in 4 extra-point kicks from Olivia MacLeay and it was 28-zip at the break.
“We still have lots to prove but today was the start,” said Olmstead.
“Last week was a big wake-up call and we learned from it,” said Brady Osgood. “We will never take another play off the rest of the season.”
Justin Draper wore a new number, but the same intensity was in the shirt as he made some bruising runs capped off with a 6-yard score. Poultney is a hard-hitting team and when Jack Dickerson wiggled away from would be Jack tacklers, his 85-yard run put the Blue Devils on the board 35-6.
Windsor would set the game into moving time when Corey Lockwood connected with a diving Trevor Lagrow for a strike—and the senior’s first touchdown of his career.
“It felt so good. The ball actually hit my arm and deflected into my chest. I stood up to show the official I made the grab and when his arms went up, it felt great,” said Lagrow.
Poultney was determined to keep fighting when Tegan Capman connected with Brayden Yoest for another Blue Devil score.
“We knew they wouldn’t give up. They are a tough, hard-hitting team but so are we,” Bean said.
The play of the game came late when Cook made a leaping catch over a defender to make the final score 47-12 as the final 4 minutes of the game went quickly with moving time.
“We didn’t let up one bit today and we won’t going forward,” said Tanner Moody after the game. “We had our best week of practice and I expect next week will be even better.”
Windsor will host Springfield on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 1 p.m. with the winner advancing to the Division 3 championship game.
“We are playing for something special,” said Head Coach Greg Balch after the game. “We played hard from the opening whistle to the end.”
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.