By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

High school football preview capsule for the Windham Bombers’ 2022 season.

Head Coach: Jake Eye, 5th year; 17-17 career record.

Coaching Staff: Rob Penney, defensive coordinator, linebackers, quarterbacks; Jerry Kiser, offensive and defensive line; Tim Murton, offensive and defensive line; Larry Jones, running backs and defensive backs.

2021 Recap: 4-4 overall record; 1-3 Northeastern Athletic Conference.

Returning Lettermen (11): Chase Eye, sr.; Wyatt Hanshaw, sr.; Lucas Churchill, sr.; Zack Turk, sr.; Anthony Paolella, jr.; Jayquan Smith, soph.; Jack Eye, soph.; Carlos Bruton, soph.; Omar Duran, soph.; Brandon Petrich, soph.; Austin Cales, soph.

Lettermen Lost (3): Cam Hoskin, Miki Jones, Shawn Heaton.

Offensive Outlook: “We have plenty of big-play capability and plenty of speed,” head coach Jake Eye said. “We will look to spread it out much more and throw more. I am excited to see how we produce. We should be a fun team to watch.”

The biggest key for the Bombers this year, is staying healthy. Injuries derailed the team’s 2021 season. And while health is always a big concern for all teams, it is especially the case for Windham, with enters the season with 20 players on its roster.

Quarterbacks: Wyatt Hanshaw returns for his fourth year as a starter.

“He has matured into a very reliable quarterack. He knows the offense and has a big arm that will allow us to stretch defenses.”

Expect to see Hanshaw in the open field as a runner as well.

Running Backs: The backfield is filled with some electric speed, but also power.

Senior Chase Eye leads the way. He is poised for a special senior season after his junior campaign was cut short by a hip injury midway through the year.

Eye’s younger brother, sophomore Jack Eye, will also see carries this year, while Trent Brown, Anthony Wiley and Carlos Bruton will all also see time with the ball.

Offensive Line: The Bombers are very young up front, but do have a pair of returning starters in Anthony Paolella and Zack Turk.

“Both of these guys have all-state caliber ability and strength. They will anchor us up front.”

Eye said he expects his two seniors to mentor young newcomers like Matt Kolacek, Azion Davis, Brandon Petrich, Omar Duncan and Jordan Ridenbaugh.

Wide Receivers: Lucas Churchill will be the team’s primary target, while Jayquan Smith will be the tight end.

“Both have great hands and are exceptional blockers.”

Defensive Outlook: Pursuit of the football will be the primary point of emphasis for Eye’s Bombers.

“It will be about 11 hats to the football. Although we are young, I feel we are a very physical team with tremendous speed.”

Defensive Backs: Chase Eye, Hanshaw Churchill and Wiley will all start.

All are quick and athletic and all are at least three-year starters.

Linebackers: Jack Eye and Jayquan Smith are the leaders here — and both are still just sophomores.

“Both have put on 30-plus pounds this summer and both are extremely physical.”

Defensive Line: The same group that leads the offensive line will start here as well.

Special Teams: Jack Eye, Zack Porter and Churchill will handle the kicking. Gavin Kiser is the place-holder, while Turk will be the long-snapper.

From the Coach’s Eyes: “I am proud to be a part of this group because the attitude has been outstanding all summer. Everyone has been committed 100 percent. We are limited in numbers, bu this team has no limit in heart. We have great leadership and everyone has bought in. Culture, culture, culture.”

Underclassmen to Watch: Jordan Ridenbaugh, fresh.; Matt Kolacek, fresh.; Gavin Kiser, fresh.; Azion Davis, fresh.

Something New: The Bombers will have new uniforms for the season, as well as a new helmet design. For its helmet, the team will showcase a white base shell color with a gold italicized script “W” outlined in black.