**Edited after some sleep...**
It was a defensive struggle all night long. That sounds weird to say when both teams combined for almost 600 yards of offense, however, if you were there, you know what I mean. In the end, the Raiders improved to 9-0 in the Regular season finale for these 2 D IV heavyweights, outlasting the Pioneers in a big 14-6 victory at Gill stadium in Manchester.
But what a game. The first half of the game was a stalemate with neither team really able to get a whole lot going. Yardage-wise, initially it seemed as though the Pioneers had a slight edge offensively in the opening half, but would start getting the Offense moving and would shoot themselves in the foot with a costly penalty, killing the momentum. They did have one shot to get on the board early but came up empty as a 32 yard FG attempt fell short.
Now I don't want to make it seem as though they were moving with ease....the Raider defense was stingy tonight. In what has been their staple all year, then bent a bit but did not break. At halftime it was 0-0.
The second half was a bit different. The Raiders opened the second half with the ball. On the second play from scrimmage, Patch took off on what appeared to be a 20 plus yard gain ending as he hurtled (and yes that's the word) what looked like 4 feet over the defender. The officials flagged him for hurtling putting the Raiders in a deep hole. Not to be dismayed he followed that run with runs of 25 and then 30 yards ending it with a touchdown run 5 yards, up the middle in the 3rd quarter to give the Raiders the lead. After the PAT is good, it was 7-0 Raiders.
The Pioneers then put together an 8ish minute drive consisting of 16 plays and 90+ yards, taking them well into the 4th quarter. RB Josh Hughes (160 + yards and 1 TD) then answered with 4 minutes to go in the 4th quarter, punching in a 5 yard TD to get the home team on the board. However as they have done all year, they opted to go for 2 points and the lead with 4 minutes to go in the game. But the Lebanon D came up big, getting good penetration and stacked Hughes up, stuffing the attempted 2 point conversion and maintaining the lead for the visiting Raiders 7-6.
The Raiders then took the ball 65 yards in 5 plays 4 runs by Patch and 1 by Drew and quickly answered as Patch found paydirt with his 2nd TD on an 18+ yard (2nd) TD run. After the PAT it was 14-6 Raiders with 3 minutes to go. The Raider D then shut the door on the Pioneers as Mica Morton picked off a Goldstein pass on 4th and long, allowing the Raiders to take a knee to end the game by running the clock out.
I'm not going to mention any names defensively. Suffice it to say this was truly a team effort from the defensive side of the ball for both teams. Every single player on both teams made plays this game. I would be willing to bet a lot of money that every players name was called out multiple times during this contest. It was a true defensive struggle between two heavyweight teams. If this was a preview of the championship game, I can't wait. Congratulations to both teams on outstanding seasons! And to the Lebanon Raiders for a perfect regular season of 9-0.
Interesting notes:
** FB/LB Ryan Carrier was helped off the field after a collision with (OL) Alexander Morril and did not return. We hope he is okay and wish him well.
** One poster on the site had commented in an earlier thread, voicing concerns about how many of the Lebanon faithful would show up to support their team. If last night's contest was any indication, fear not. It's my estimate that the visiting Raider fans numbered well over 400 plus in attendance. They were loud and rowdy and had I not known better, I would have thought this was a hometown, old-fashioned rival game...rather than a contest where the visiting team travelled 70 + miles.
**Trinity will host Laconia next weekend and Lebanon will host the Huskies in the first round of the D IV playoffs.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Week 9 picks and thoughts -
Week 9 has 2 major games on the slate in the Division. Trinity hosting Lebanon and Monadnock hosting Laconia. See the post below or go under D IV Commentary for thoughts on those 2 games. While the rest would appear to be fairly straight forward picks, some are or could be very important. Aside from the above mentioned games:
Hanover is hosting MV - While both teams will not be in the playoffs this year, it is the last game of the year. Hanover will be looking to builld some momentum looking forward to next season as this young team continues to improve on a tough luck kind of season. I've said it all along. This is a playoff caliber team that has had it's share of bad luck, timing or miscues over the year. A play here or there and this team could well have found itself right in the November chase. MV will look to finish strong as they have struggled this season and will look forward to a fresh start next year. We like the Dylan Seargent kid go get'em in Hanover and finish strong!
Stark visits Plymouth - Stark has a young team and a new system. They will get there, just not this year. A good showing against a polished football team like Plymouth would go a long way toward building this program back up in the offseason. For Plymouth, this is still a must win. You can only ever control games you are playing in. Technically speaking Plymouth is not out of the playoffs yet. If they win here, and both Monadnock and Kennet lose. Plymouth is in as the fourth seed at 5-4 since they beat Monadnock in the regular season.
Kennet hosts Kingswood - A must win for Kennet. Similar to the above, if Kennett wins and Monadnock loses, again, my interpretation of the NHIAA rules are that Kennett would be in even in a 3 way tiebreaker. See my rather long response to a posters question about this very scenario. I think it was in the Week 8 recap or one of those posts. Just a thought here, how good would Kingswood have been if Tate J. (I don't want to butcher his name) had stayed at Kingswood? He is a gifted QB and the Knights missed him this year. We wish him well and all the Knights good luck in their final game of the year!
With that out of the way, the spirits were rock solid in Division last week, not so much when we drifted out of division. Last week I was a perfect 5-0 in Division and 1-4 out of division leaving me at 6-4 for the week, and 40-20 for the year. I've consulted once again with Spirits of football yore and they have assured me that they will do better out of division this time around :)
First in D IV:
MV @ Hanover - Marauders do not lose this game - Carney, Staiger and crew go out in syle 40 - 7.
Stark @ Plymouth - Generals just don't have enough firepower. Bobcats win at home 28-6.
Knights @ Kennett - The struggling eagles need to win this game, but they should not take the Knights lightly. Kennett wins 14-6.
Laconia @ Monadnock - Hmmm it's a tough one, the Spirits tell me that Laconia is of the opinion Lebanon will lose vs Trinity and they want a first round matchup with Lebanon, which means they WANT this game. Monadnock is in a WIN and your In. This will be a battle...a battle that the Huskies will win at home 30-28.
Lebanon @ Trinity - Well, I don't really need to set this up. No one anywhere gives Lebanon much of a chance. Trinity has kids from all over, Lebanon is a smallish city in mid northern NH. I've seen them both and I think that Trinity is more athletic overall, but this Raider team just somehow seems to always pull out a win. I'm calling (what most feel would be the upset in this one), Lebanon over Trinity 22-21 at Gill for bragging rights (albeit temporarily if they meet in a couple weeks) and the #1 Seed. More to the point, I think it will be a 21-14 game, Leb will score to make it 20-21 and they will go for 2 and the win...and get it. I know, I know, but hey that's what the Spirits tell me :)
Out of Division:
In D VI - Gilford hosting Newport - both at 7-1, not after this week, Newport wins on the road 28-21.
In D V - Huge game...and I will be there. St Thomas @ Kearsarge - 2 Undefeated teams slugging it out for the #1 spot. This one could go either way, there simply is no favorite. When in doubt go with the Home Team Kearsarge wins 14-6.
In D III Portsmouth @ Bedford - Porsmouth wins this one on the road 32-14t wind
In D II - Keene @ Winnacunnet - Keene wins 28-7.
In D I Pinkerton @ Central - Pinkerton wins 32-7.
Thoughts?
Hanover is hosting MV - While both teams will not be in the playoffs this year, it is the last game of the year. Hanover will be looking to builld some momentum looking forward to next season as this young team continues to improve on a tough luck kind of season. I've said it all along. This is a playoff caliber team that has had it's share of bad luck, timing or miscues over the year. A play here or there and this team could well have found itself right in the November chase. MV will look to finish strong as they have struggled this season and will look forward to a fresh start next year. We like the Dylan Seargent kid go get'em in Hanover and finish strong!
Stark visits Plymouth - Stark has a young team and a new system. They will get there, just not this year. A good showing against a polished football team like Plymouth would go a long way toward building this program back up in the offseason. For Plymouth, this is still a must win. You can only ever control games you are playing in. Technically speaking Plymouth is not out of the playoffs yet. If they win here, and both Monadnock and Kennet lose. Plymouth is in as the fourth seed at 5-4 since they beat Monadnock in the regular season.
Kennet hosts Kingswood - A must win for Kennet. Similar to the above, if Kennett wins and Monadnock loses, again, my interpretation of the NHIAA rules are that Kennett would be in even in a 3 way tiebreaker. See my rather long response to a posters question about this very scenario. I think it was in the Week 8 recap or one of those posts. Just a thought here, how good would Kingswood have been if Tate J. (I don't want to butcher his name) had stayed at Kingswood? He is a gifted QB and the Knights missed him this year. We wish him well and all the Knights good luck in their final game of the year!
With that out of the way, the spirits were rock solid in Division last week, not so much when we drifted out of division. Last week I was a perfect 5-0 in Division and 1-4 out of division leaving me at 6-4 for the week, and 40-20 for the year. I've consulted once again with Spirits of football yore and they have assured me that they will do better out of division this time around :)
First in D IV:
MV @ Hanover - Marauders do not lose this game - Carney, Staiger and crew go out in syle 40 - 7.
Stark @ Plymouth - Generals just don't have enough firepower. Bobcats win at home 28-6.
Knights @ Kennett - The struggling eagles need to win this game, but they should not take the Knights lightly. Kennett wins 14-6.
Laconia @ Monadnock - Hmmm it's a tough one, the Spirits tell me that Laconia is of the opinion Lebanon will lose vs Trinity and they want a first round matchup with Lebanon, which means they WANT this game. Monadnock is in a WIN and your In. This will be a battle...a battle that the Huskies will win at home 30-28.
Lebanon @ Trinity - Well, I don't really need to set this up. No one anywhere gives Lebanon much of a chance. Trinity has kids from all over, Lebanon is a smallish city in mid northern NH. I've seen them both and I think that Trinity is more athletic overall, but this Raider team just somehow seems to always pull out a win. I'm calling (what most feel would be the upset in this one), Lebanon over Trinity 22-21 at Gill for bragging rights (albeit temporarily if they meet in a couple weeks) and the #1 Seed. More to the point, I think it will be a 21-14 game, Leb will score to make it 20-21 and they will go for 2 and the win...and get it. I know, I know, but hey that's what the Spirits tell me :)
Out of Division:
In D VI - Gilford hosting Newport - both at 7-1, not after this week, Newport wins on the road 28-21.
In D V - Huge game...and I will be there. St Thomas @ Kearsarge - 2 Undefeated teams slugging it out for the #1 spot. This one could go either way, there simply is no favorite. When in doubt go with the Home Team Kearsarge wins 14-6.
In D III Portsmouth @ Bedford - Porsmouth wins this one on the road 32-14t wind
In D II - Keene @ Winnacunnet - Keene wins 28-7.
In D I Pinkerton @ Central - Pinkerton wins 32-7.
Thoughts?
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Big Games Week 9 Trinity/Lebanon and Monadnock/Laconia -
Two really big games this weekend. First the Heavyweight Title fight as Lebanon travels to Trinity. Both teams are at 8-0. They have defeated the same teams. Both squads have shown that they can come from behind to win games. Trinity did this when they played Laconia and came from behind to win it with minutes to go.
The other big game is Monadnock hosting Laconia. - If you look at their records, Laconia is riding a 4 game win streak, they are healthy (mostly) and come to Monadnock having already clinched a playoff spot. The Huskies need this win. They are riding a 3 game winning streak and their All State running back Blake "the Bus" Bolewski is frankly in a zone. Coming off a huge 6 TD 200+ yard performance last week, the Huskies will need a workman-like game from him this week again.
So, let's try to break this down if we can.
GAME 1
Trinity vs. Lebanon -
Pioneers - Offensively the Pioneers hold an edge here. They have the #1 Offense in the league by far. Their Offensive line will methodically fire off the line of scrimmage as they patiently move the ball down the field and chew up the clock. The end result of this is less time for the opposing offense to be on the field leaving no room for 3 and outs when their opponents get their chance with the ball. In this Division, this effect is compounded by the fact that most teams have the bulk of their players clocking time on both sides of the ball, causing frustration and fatigue to become a major factor...especially late in the game. Defensively they are just (if not more) difficult to deal with. That same line is so big and strong, they simply clog up gaps in the line and makes running inside a trial of monumental proportions. Their linebacking core is quick and hard hitting and is, in my opinion second only to their opponent this week. Ultimately, as they have shown all season long, this is not an easy team to come from behind on..backed up by the fact that no one has done it yet this year. They get up on teams and keep the pressure on throuout. We've all heard the names before: Chambers, Hughes, Hoeglund, Gratiano, Lauderdale, Leonard, Masuku, and Goldstein should and will be All State considerations.
Lebanon - A surprise to some teams this year, the Raiders come into this game 2nd in Offense and 1st in Defense (albeit by a small margin). In as much as Trinity's line is big, Lebanon's is by no means small. They are fundamentally rock solid in what they do. They open holes for their backs and get to the second level to lock down linebackers. The end result of this is their potential for the big play. Lebanon has the best rb in the state in Cody Patch. He is having another All State caliber year and will hit holes quickly and simply makes defenders miss tackles. He has a second gear and if you don't wrap him up, when he sees daylight , he will take the ball to the house. From the Defensive side of the ball, the Raiders simply get it done. Their defensive backs are so fast, they almost dare you to throw on them. They tackle well and hit with a vengeance. Their Linebacking core is fast on the outside and punishing in the middle and is again imo, the best in the league. Their D Line while by no means small, is very fast and if they get hands on, will make the tackle. You've also heard the names before: Patch, Barker, Drew, Roth, Geno, Morrill, Judd, Henry will all be All State considerations this year.
The Game:
Trinity -
Offensively, the keys to the game for Trinity will be whether or not they can impose their will at the line of scrimmage in the same way they've been able to do to other teams all year long. If they can, it will be a very long day for Lebanon. Their running backs have been putting big numbers up behind their blocking this season and they are looking for this continuity to repeat itself Saturday night. They typically run out of a tight A formation double wing set, so, if the Lebanon Defense sits back or out wide on them, they will march up the field taking chunks of yardage at a time, play by play.
Defensively - Stop the big play. They will drop some bombs on the backs and this defense knows how to tackle. The key for them is not to give up the big play. Lebanon as 2 similar backs in Patch and Barker, they can make you miss and really either one can break the big play if you don't finish the tackle. Their full back (Drew) is big, strong and is a punishing runner but will look to run you over rather than go around you. Wrap up and pursue the play, especially when they go outside. Lastly, don't ignore the pass, while they aren't necessarily a throwing team, Roth is very accurate and has shown the ability to go deep and mid-range with precision this year.
Special teams - Don't give up the big one. If anything has, this has been a sore point for Trinity this year. Mistakes on special teams almost cost them a game they otherwise dominated, at Laconia.
Lebanon -
Offensively, the keys to the game will be patience...and your Defense. You will have a game plan and will have no doubt done your homework. Stick to it. The battle in this game will be on the line. Chew up yardage and the clock with sustained drives. If this happens, the Trinity Offense will be off the field and subsequently will not be testing your defense. If Lebanon's lineman rise to the occasion, this can happen. Also, I think it will be key to keep the score close or get up on Trinity early. Teams have not been able to score all that often on the Trintiy D. Show that you can move the ball consistently against the Pioneers D (even if the end result is not a score). Don't worry about the big play and it will come. Get your dangerous backs into space where they can make plays.
Defensively - Bring it. You're on the road, in the biggest game your school has seen (possibly ever). That is until next week :) Shake the nerves quickly, as this Offense will not give you opportunities to "get off the bus". Be ready and know your assignments and do what you've done all year. Make plays. The D Line doesn't have to control the line of scrimmage here. Again IMO, they need to create chaos at the line, get penetration, read blocks and hit gaps to disrupt plays. Make their runners change direction and dance and you're speed will win the day. Lastly, get off the field. Get stops early and get your offense the football.
This game is tough, it could be a close tight game...or it could be another blowout. My guess is that it's going to be a nasty dogfight. These 2 teams are coming to this game expecting to win. They expect to play each other in 2 1/2 weeks for the championship. Either way, I can't wait for Saturday night.
GAME 2
Monadnock hosting Laconia - a match up that could determine a playoff birth for the Huskies. Win and your in 3rd place, lose and (I think) your out due to the 3 way tie break rules with Kennett and Plymouth (assuming they both win this weekend). Kennet would then slide in as the 4th seed. That said let's talk:
Laconia - Offensively they're clicking. Riding a 4 game win streak coming into this game, they're hitting their stride. Steele is back, Jake Holmes and along with the emergence of sophmore David Mahoney, they have more than ample weapons on offense. Their line is big and physical and able to move the defense off the ball. They run the counter very effectively and if they get through to the second level their backs have break away speed. They are mainly a power running team who will look to smack you in the mouth and step on you as they make their way to the end zone. Defensively, they stack up well with most teams in D IV. They are tough up the middle with big Raige Hollis off the nose and Doran Logsdon at ILB. Holmes, Steele, Mahoney and Mahoney (not the law firm, we are referring to Billy Mahoney) will also go both ways. Holmes will roll coverage with the best of them as a DB. This Laconia team's only losses come against Trinity and Lebanon. They had big wins against Plymouth and Kennet and will now look to do the same against an apparently reborn Huskies team. You know the names: Hollis, Steele, Holmes, Mahoney, Logsdon will get All State consideration.
Monadnock - Early losses to Plymouth and Lebanon set them back at 0-2 to start the season. The Huskies have pulled it together and have apparently found some consistency going 5-1 in their last 6 games with their only defeat coming at the hands of Trinity. All State standouts Nick Dragon and "the Bus" Blake Bolewski lead a Huskies team that now finds themselves knocking on the door of the playoffs. Their offense is obviously driven by their running attack. Bolewski has absolutely hit his stride the last few games (including 6 TDs last game). Defensively they are also very tough. Consistency seems to be the key for the Huskies as they move forward potentially into the playoffs. Look for Dragon and Bolewski to be All State again this year and Cory Brown and Jacob Dubois have been raising eyebrows of late as well.
The Game:
Laconia-
You're on the road, clinched a playoff spot. You have a line anchored up by some darn good lineman, the likes of Hollis and Mahoney and you're stacked in the backfield with the likes of Steele, the other Mahoney, and guy by the name of Holmes. The team you're playing is going to be scratching and clawing at every play, and giving you everything they have for 4 quarters (or they should be), so what do you do. If you're Laconia, I think you run it down their throat. I think the Sachems set the tone early and run everything up the gut and wear those big Husky Linemen down. Bring the Defense in nice and tight and then run one of those sweeps they run so well to the outside. If the Sachem line can take charge like this it might just get in the heads of the Huskies and wear them down both physically and mentally.
Defensively, Stop THE BUS...if you let him get a rythm going, it's going to be a very long night in Swanzey. The Huskies are not afraid to throw the ball and they have tall targets. This may mean Holmes is going to have to put his jumping shoes on or light them up when they catch it. One of their strong points on D is Logsdon at ILB, he's big, nasty (I mean that in the best way possible), and will love to light you up. If he throws a bomb or two on the Tight end running the quick slant or a receiver coming across the middle (watch out). Obviously the key will be Bolewski though...if you can stop him or at least contain, you will be giving your team a chance.
Monadnock-
Offensively - Not much to say here. Coach...ride the Bus. Let the D key on him all they want. Give him the ball and let him go. A number of teams have had some success running on Laconia. If you can get through the line to the second level you can find success. Second, Throw the ball, while the Sachems have excellent corners, you can pick on their size. If you can get the ball up to your big receivers you can have success. Lastly bring your discipline. This Monadnock team may very well have defeated Lebanon earlier in the season were it not for (I don't recall teh exact number) but I believe it was near 200 yards in penalites. That cannot happen this game. Focus boys, this one's for the playoffs.
Defensively - If you key on Holmes, Mahoney is going to burn you. If he doesn't, watch out it could be Steele. Briggeman can throw it with some success, so you can't rule it out, but if you can get the Sachems to where they are throwing the ball, I like your chances. The key for the Huskies is really going to be controlling the middle and forcing calls outside. You must control the Middle against the Sachems, if you force them wide, your defense will do well chasing their backs East and West.
I think this game is going to overtime. Flat out...maybe even 2 OTs. This should be a barn burner. Period.
Good luck to all teams this week! Discuss...
The other big game is Monadnock hosting Laconia. - If you look at their records, Laconia is riding a 4 game win streak, they are healthy (mostly) and come to Monadnock having already clinched a playoff spot. The Huskies need this win. They are riding a 3 game winning streak and their All State running back Blake "the Bus" Bolewski is frankly in a zone. Coming off a huge 6 TD 200+ yard performance last week, the Huskies will need a workman-like game from him this week again.
So, let's try to break this down if we can.
GAME 1
Trinity vs. Lebanon -
Pioneers - Offensively the Pioneers hold an edge here. They have the #1 Offense in the league by far. Their Offensive line will methodically fire off the line of scrimmage as they patiently move the ball down the field and chew up the clock. The end result of this is less time for the opposing offense to be on the field leaving no room for 3 and outs when their opponents get their chance with the ball. In this Division, this effect is compounded by the fact that most teams have the bulk of their players clocking time on both sides of the ball, causing frustration and fatigue to become a major factor...especially late in the game. Defensively they are just (if not more) difficult to deal with. That same line is so big and strong, they simply clog up gaps in the line and makes running inside a trial of monumental proportions. Their linebacking core is quick and hard hitting and is, in my opinion second only to their opponent this week. Ultimately, as they have shown all season long, this is not an easy team to come from behind on..backed up by the fact that no one has done it yet this year. They get up on teams and keep the pressure on throuout. We've all heard the names before: Chambers, Hughes, Hoeglund, Gratiano, Lauderdale, Leonard, Masuku, and Goldstein should and will be All State considerations.
Lebanon - A surprise to some teams this year, the Raiders come into this game 2nd in Offense and 1st in Defense (albeit by a small margin). In as much as Trinity's line is big, Lebanon's is by no means small. They are fundamentally rock solid in what they do. They open holes for their backs and get to the second level to lock down linebackers. The end result of this is their potential for the big play. Lebanon has the best rb in the state in Cody Patch. He is having another All State caliber year and will hit holes quickly and simply makes defenders miss tackles. He has a second gear and if you don't wrap him up, when he sees daylight , he will take the ball to the house. From the Defensive side of the ball, the Raiders simply get it done. Their defensive backs are so fast, they almost dare you to throw on them. They tackle well and hit with a vengeance. Their Linebacking core is fast on the outside and punishing in the middle and is again imo, the best in the league. Their D Line while by no means small, is very fast and if they get hands on, will make the tackle. You've also heard the names before: Patch, Barker, Drew, Roth, Geno, Morrill, Judd, Henry will all be All State considerations this year.
The Game:
Trinity -
Offensively, the keys to the game for Trinity will be whether or not they can impose their will at the line of scrimmage in the same way they've been able to do to other teams all year long. If they can, it will be a very long day for Lebanon. Their running backs have been putting big numbers up behind their blocking this season and they are looking for this continuity to repeat itself Saturday night. They typically run out of a tight A formation double wing set, so, if the Lebanon Defense sits back or out wide on them, they will march up the field taking chunks of yardage at a time, play by play.
Defensively - Stop the big play. They will drop some bombs on the backs and this defense knows how to tackle. The key for them is not to give up the big play. Lebanon as 2 similar backs in Patch and Barker, they can make you miss and really either one can break the big play if you don't finish the tackle. Their full back (Drew) is big, strong and is a punishing runner but will look to run you over rather than go around you. Wrap up and pursue the play, especially when they go outside. Lastly, don't ignore the pass, while they aren't necessarily a throwing team, Roth is very accurate and has shown the ability to go deep and mid-range with precision this year.
Special teams - Don't give up the big one. If anything has, this has been a sore point for Trinity this year. Mistakes on special teams almost cost them a game they otherwise dominated, at Laconia.
Lebanon -
Offensively, the keys to the game will be patience...and your Defense. You will have a game plan and will have no doubt done your homework. Stick to it. The battle in this game will be on the line. Chew up yardage and the clock with sustained drives. If this happens, the Trinity Offense will be off the field and subsequently will not be testing your defense. If Lebanon's lineman rise to the occasion, this can happen. Also, I think it will be key to keep the score close or get up on Trinity early. Teams have not been able to score all that often on the Trintiy D. Show that you can move the ball consistently against the Pioneers D (even if the end result is not a score). Don't worry about the big play and it will come. Get your dangerous backs into space where they can make plays.
Defensively - Bring it. You're on the road, in the biggest game your school has seen (possibly ever). That is until next week :) Shake the nerves quickly, as this Offense will not give you opportunities to "get off the bus". Be ready and know your assignments and do what you've done all year. Make plays. The D Line doesn't have to control the line of scrimmage here. Again IMO, they need to create chaos at the line, get penetration, read blocks and hit gaps to disrupt plays. Make their runners change direction and dance and you're speed will win the day. Lastly, get off the field. Get stops early and get your offense the football.
This game is tough, it could be a close tight game...or it could be another blowout. My guess is that it's going to be a nasty dogfight. These 2 teams are coming to this game expecting to win. They expect to play each other in 2 1/2 weeks for the championship. Either way, I can't wait for Saturday night.
GAME 2
Monadnock hosting Laconia - a match up that could determine a playoff birth for the Huskies. Win and your in 3rd place, lose and (I think) your out due to the 3 way tie break rules with Kennett and Plymouth (assuming they both win this weekend). Kennet would then slide in as the 4th seed. That said let's talk:
Laconia - Offensively they're clicking. Riding a 4 game win streak coming into this game, they're hitting their stride. Steele is back, Jake Holmes and along with the emergence of sophmore David Mahoney, they have more than ample weapons on offense. Their line is big and physical and able to move the defense off the ball. They run the counter very effectively and if they get through to the second level their backs have break away speed. They are mainly a power running team who will look to smack you in the mouth and step on you as they make their way to the end zone. Defensively, they stack up well with most teams in D IV. They are tough up the middle with big Raige Hollis off the nose and Doran Logsdon at ILB. Holmes, Steele, Mahoney and Mahoney (not the law firm, we are referring to Billy Mahoney) will also go both ways. Holmes will roll coverage with the best of them as a DB. This Laconia team's only losses come against Trinity and Lebanon. They had big wins against Plymouth and Kennet and will now look to do the same against an apparently reborn Huskies team. You know the names: Hollis, Steele, Holmes, Mahoney, Logsdon will get All State consideration.
Monadnock - Early losses to Plymouth and Lebanon set them back at 0-2 to start the season. The Huskies have pulled it together and have apparently found some consistency going 5-1 in their last 6 games with their only defeat coming at the hands of Trinity. All State standouts Nick Dragon and "the Bus" Blake Bolewski lead a Huskies team that now finds themselves knocking on the door of the playoffs. Their offense is obviously driven by their running attack. Bolewski has absolutely hit his stride the last few games (including 6 TDs last game). Defensively they are also very tough. Consistency seems to be the key for the Huskies as they move forward potentially into the playoffs. Look for Dragon and Bolewski to be All State again this year and Cory Brown and Jacob Dubois have been raising eyebrows of late as well.
The Game:
Laconia-
You're on the road, clinched a playoff spot. You have a line anchored up by some darn good lineman, the likes of Hollis and Mahoney and you're stacked in the backfield with the likes of Steele, the other Mahoney, and guy by the name of Holmes. The team you're playing is going to be scratching and clawing at every play, and giving you everything they have for 4 quarters (or they should be), so what do you do. If you're Laconia, I think you run it down their throat. I think the Sachems set the tone early and run everything up the gut and wear those big Husky Linemen down. Bring the Defense in nice and tight and then run one of those sweeps they run so well to the outside. If the Sachem line can take charge like this it might just get in the heads of the Huskies and wear them down both physically and mentally.
Defensively, Stop THE BUS...if you let him get a rythm going, it's going to be a very long night in Swanzey. The Huskies are not afraid to throw the ball and they have tall targets. This may mean Holmes is going to have to put his jumping shoes on or light them up when they catch it. One of their strong points on D is Logsdon at ILB, he's big, nasty (I mean that in the best way possible), and will love to light you up. If he throws a bomb or two on the Tight end running the quick slant or a receiver coming across the middle (watch out). Obviously the key will be Bolewski though...if you can stop him or at least contain, you will be giving your team a chance.
Monadnock-
Offensively - Not much to say here. Coach...ride the Bus. Let the D key on him all they want. Give him the ball and let him go. A number of teams have had some success running on Laconia. If you can get through the line to the second level you can find success. Second, Throw the ball, while the Sachems have excellent corners, you can pick on their size. If you can get the ball up to your big receivers you can have success. Lastly bring your discipline. This Monadnock team may very well have defeated Lebanon earlier in the season were it not for (I don't recall teh exact number) but I believe it was near 200 yards in penalites. That cannot happen this game. Focus boys, this one's for the playoffs.
Defensively - If you key on Holmes, Mahoney is going to burn you. If he doesn't, watch out it could be Steele. Briggeman can throw it with some success, so you can't rule it out, but if you can get the Sachems to where they are throwing the ball, I like your chances. The key for the Huskies is really going to be controlling the middle and forcing calls outside. You must control the Middle against the Sachems, if you force them wide, your defense will do well chasing their backs East and West.
I think this game is going to overtime. Flat out...maybe even 2 OTs. This should be a barn burner. Period.
Good luck to all teams this week! Discuss...
Monday, October 25, 2010
Love your Lineman!
There isn't any running back anywhere that's going to do anything without a solid line blocking for you!! They are the unsung heroes of any football team. As a poster brought to my attention, they never get props!
To the warriors in the trenches...this posts is shout outs for lineman only O or D, post em here!!
To the warriors in the trenches...this posts is shout outs for lineman only O or D, post em here!!
Week 8 Shout Outs!
Put your Week 8 Shout outs here! We'll mention Cody Patch from Lebanon, 4 Tds in the 2nd half to go with 150+ yards...rallying the troops to come from behind against the Bobcats!
D IV Week 8 Recap
Edited 10/25/2010 Please note: This site is dedicated to NH D IV High School Football. It's goal is to promote and give some attention to the teams and players that put their hard work and effort into playing the game that we all love. So along those lines, I will Approve any comment that promotes a player for a job well done. Even a kids first Varsity rep is a BIG deal for some kids and will be posted.
I will also Approve comments that are submitted that would be considered "trash talk" such as my team is better than yours, etc.....while it's not my thing, I guess there's a place for it if you feel the need to, and in the spirit of football they will be approved at my descretion.
HOWEVER, I WILL NOT approve any negative comments about any player or player's name or player's number, ever. That's not what this site is about, so don't bother submitting them.
What an exciting week in D IV. The Hanover Marauders beat Stark 55 - 7 to improve to 2-6 on the season. Monadnock dominated MV increasing their win streak to 3 as they now prep for a very important Week 9 home game vs Laconia (more on that in an upcoming post)...and a suddenly struggling Kennett team drops an incredibly important game at Laconia which has pushed them to the brink.
Trinity defeats Kingswood in impressive fashion 48 - 6. This improves their record to 8 - 0.
Lebanon starts out flat, but rebounds in the second half to come from behind to beat Plymouth 28 - 21 to also improve to 8 - 0.
Assuming that Kennett will rebound this upcoming week and defeat Kingswood and Plymouth beats Stark, this means that Monadnock must win their game hosting Laconia to get in as the 3rd place team. If they lose (again, I think) this will mean that Kennett would be in (based on my interpretation of the 3 way tie rule)...but I could be wrong. I'll examine it later on this week and correct myself if needed.
The other big game on tab, will be a clash of the 2 remaining undefeated teams in D IV, Lebanon @ Trinity on Saturday Night at Gill Stadium in Manchester. I will be there and I cannot wait. At the beginning of the season, all the talk in D IV was a look forward to the clash between Trinity and Plymouth on Week 4. When the Bobcats were upset by Kennett in Week 3, some of the hype was lessened somewhat coming into that game...but it was a lock when Trinity established themselves as the team to beat by handily defeating the Bobcats 30-9.
Lebanon has been somewhat of a surprise this year. Coming from behind in several of their games and winning 3 very close games against Kennett, Plymouth and Hanover. Bottom line though is that these 2 teams have all come out winners against the same teams and have arrived at Week 9 at (8-0)...and going to be a showdown for 1st place and Home field advantage (throughout the playoffs) on Saturday night. Thoughts...
I will also Approve comments that are submitted that would be considered "trash talk" such as my team is better than yours, etc.....while it's not my thing, I guess there's a place for it if you feel the need to, and in the spirit of football they will be approved at my descretion.
HOWEVER, I WILL NOT approve any negative comments about any player or player's name or player's number, ever. That's not what this site is about, so don't bother submitting them.
What an exciting week in D IV. The Hanover Marauders beat Stark 55 - 7 to improve to 2-6 on the season. Monadnock dominated MV increasing their win streak to 3 as they now prep for a very important Week 9 home game vs Laconia (more on that in an upcoming post)...and a suddenly struggling Kennett team drops an incredibly important game at Laconia which has pushed them to the brink.
Trinity defeats Kingswood in impressive fashion 48 - 6. This improves their record to 8 - 0.
Lebanon starts out flat, but rebounds in the second half to come from behind to beat Plymouth 28 - 21 to also improve to 8 - 0.
Assuming that Kennett will rebound this upcoming week and defeat Kingswood and Plymouth beats Stark, this means that Monadnock must win their game hosting Laconia to get in as the 3rd place team. If they lose (again, I think) this will mean that Kennett would be in (based on my interpretation of the 3 way tie rule)...but I could be wrong. I'll examine it later on this week and correct myself if needed.
The other big game on tab, will be a clash of the 2 remaining undefeated teams in D IV, Lebanon @ Trinity on Saturday Night at Gill Stadium in Manchester. I will be there and I cannot wait. At the beginning of the season, all the talk in D IV was a look forward to the clash between Trinity and Plymouth on Week 4. When the Bobcats were upset by Kennett in Week 3, some of the hype was lessened somewhat coming into that game...but it was a lock when Trinity established themselves as the team to beat by handily defeating the Bobcats 30-9.
Lebanon has been somewhat of a surprise this year. Coming from behind in several of their games and winning 3 very close games against Kennett, Plymouth and Hanover. Bottom line though is that these 2 teams have all come out winners against the same teams and have arrived at Week 9 at (8-0)...and going to be a showdown for 1st place and Home field advantage (throughout the playoffs) on Saturday night. Thoughts...
Friday, October 22, 2010
IT'S ON!!!!
For those who haven't seen the news, Lebanon survives a scare and pulls out a victory over Plymouth to stay at 8-0. Trinity also performs as expected rolling over Kingswood...setting up a battle of undefeateds. Weekly recap to come later. I cannot wait for next Saturday night!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Week 8 Picks and commentary -
Okay so the big games on slate this week will be pretty huge in determining the playoff hopes for a number of teams. See my post on the possible playoff scenarios at play here:
http://newhampshirehighschoolfootball.blogspot.com/2010/10/playoff-possibilities-here-it-is.html
There is a ton of chatter right now about week 9 and the possible matchup, etc...in particular Trinity and Lebanon. Let's keep this in perspective. Lebanon is playing a very dangerous Plymouth team. Yes Lebanon is playing them at home and yes the Bobcats have lost by 10 or more points to the other big hitters this season on the road just like this game. However, anyone who knows D IV, knows that Brandon Goodale is and will continue to be a great runner for the Bobcats. He has the potential to break one each time he touches the football. Newbury at FB is and has been a force for them. The Bobcats cannot simply be overlooked for the hype of a Trinity vs. Lebanon 8-0 showdown...at least not YET :) I haven't done the math here, however, I believe that if the Bobcats lose at Lebanon, it would take a combination of epic defeats and a supernatural act of nature from other teams for them to slide into the playoffs.
The other big fight this week which has a bit more urgency to it is the Laconia/Kennett game. Kennett will travel to Laconia playing to pull back their third playoff spot. If you examine the possible scenarios in the link above, it will be in either clubs best interest to win this game. Neither team wants a loss here. If Laconia loses they will have to travel to Monadnock in what could be a do or die game in Week 9 for BOTH teams. Win this week and they will be a virtual lock. A loss by Kennett (and what should be a win by Monadnock) could eliminate them from the playoffs unless they get help from other teams in Week 9 (in particular Laconia)...but that is a story for next week :)
Having touched on all this, there is also some interesting commentary and mudslinging going on in this post. The drama is already starting, check the comments out:
http://newhampshirehighschoolfootball.blogspot.com/2010/10/week-7-recap-and-thoughts.html#comments
Before I get to the picks for this week, let me just say, WHO CALLED THE TIMBERLANE UPSET last week :) It was all of course due to my connection with the Spirits of football yore! Thanks to those Spirits we went 4-1 in D IV and an impressive 4-1 out of division. Leaving me overall at 8-2 for the week and 34-16 for the year...not too bad.
Let's start with Laconia hosting Kennett. Ronnie Steele is back, Laconia is healthy for the most part. Kennett is in a skid and visiting a tough Laconia field. Hard to bet against the Sachems. Laconia wins 22-16.
Lebanon hosting Plymouth. Don't jump to conclusions here. Consider, when the Bobcats played Laconia and lost they were without Taylor Newbury...when Laconia lost to Lebanon, the Sachems were without Ronnie Steele. I'm still not betting against Lebanon though. The Raiders are healthy now and they have this blogger's pick for player of the year in Cody Patch. Raiders win 28-14.
Hanover travels to Stark - I mean really, this time the spirits have SPOKEN...Hanover will NOT, I say will NOT lose another game this season. I was just joking last week. This time I MEAN IT! Hanover wins with authority 36-7.
Trinity hosts Kingswood - If I pick Lebanon, you have to go with Hughes, Chambers, Lauderdale, Gratiano, (just stop me when I quit calling out what will be All State players), my goodness. Trinity will get to 8-0 this week they win 40-6.
Monadnock @ MV - Bolewski and the big Dragon, keep the Huskies playoff hopes alive. I know I keep saying this, but the key for the Huskies is to keep riding the Bolewski bus all the way to the playoffs. Huskies win big 36-14.
Outside the Division:
D I - Salem @ Nashua South - Should be a close game, the spirits say even though Salems on the road, they will win. Salem wins 32-28.
D II - Timberlane visits Keene - Hey, ~Head Coach~ loves this Nick Lawrence kid...I'm picking Timberlane again this week. Timby wins 36-14.
D III - Portsmouth @ Bedford - Have you ever been to Bedfords field?? What a spectacular facility. Anyway, Bedford wins a very close game (it could go either way though), the Spirits say go with the home team - Bedford wins 26-8.
D V - Windham @ Stevens - I really like the Cardinals. Don't count this team out even though everyone continues to talk about Kearsarge and St. Thomas. If the Cardinals get rolling, they are going to be a very tough out for anyone come playoff time. They will win this week 26-6.
D VI - BIG GAME!! Newport hosting Franklin - while it's a big game for both teams, Franklin is going to be more than up for visiting a big physical Newport team. Franklin wins this one on the road 32-26.
That's it. Good luck to all the teams this week! Thoughts....
http://newhampshirehighschoolfootball.blogspot.com/2010/10/playoff-possibilities-here-it-is.html
There is a ton of chatter right now about week 9 and the possible matchup, etc...in particular Trinity and Lebanon. Let's keep this in perspective. Lebanon is playing a very dangerous Plymouth team. Yes Lebanon is playing them at home and yes the Bobcats have lost by 10 or more points to the other big hitters this season on the road just like this game. However, anyone who knows D IV, knows that Brandon Goodale is and will continue to be a great runner for the Bobcats. He has the potential to break one each time he touches the football. Newbury at FB is and has been a force for them. The Bobcats cannot simply be overlooked for the hype of a Trinity vs. Lebanon 8-0 showdown...at least not YET :) I haven't done the math here, however, I believe that if the Bobcats lose at Lebanon, it would take a combination of epic defeats and a supernatural act of nature from other teams for them to slide into the playoffs.
The other big fight this week which has a bit more urgency to it is the Laconia/Kennett game. Kennett will travel to Laconia playing to pull back their third playoff spot. If you examine the possible scenarios in the link above, it will be in either clubs best interest to win this game. Neither team wants a loss here. If Laconia loses they will have to travel to Monadnock in what could be a do or die game in Week 9 for BOTH teams. Win this week and they will be a virtual lock. A loss by Kennett (and what should be a win by Monadnock) could eliminate them from the playoffs unless they get help from other teams in Week 9 (in particular Laconia)...but that is a story for next week :)
Having touched on all this, there is also some interesting commentary and mudslinging going on in this post. The drama is already starting, check the comments out:
http://newhampshirehighschoolfootball.blogspot.com/2010/10/week-7-recap-and-thoughts.html#comments
Before I get to the picks for this week, let me just say, WHO CALLED THE TIMBERLANE UPSET last week :) It was all of course due to my connection with the Spirits of football yore! Thanks to those Spirits we went 4-1 in D IV and an impressive 4-1 out of division. Leaving me overall at 8-2 for the week and 34-16 for the year...not too bad.
Let's start with Laconia hosting Kennett. Ronnie Steele is back, Laconia is healthy for the most part. Kennett is in a skid and visiting a tough Laconia field. Hard to bet against the Sachems. Laconia wins 22-16.
Lebanon hosting Plymouth. Don't jump to conclusions here. Consider, when the Bobcats played Laconia and lost they were without Taylor Newbury...when Laconia lost to Lebanon, the Sachems were without Ronnie Steele. I'm still not betting against Lebanon though. The Raiders are healthy now and they have this blogger's pick for player of the year in Cody Patch. Raiders win 28-14.
Hanover travels to Stark - I mean really, this time the spirits have SPOKEN...Hanover will NOT, I say will NOT lose another game this season. I was just joking last week. This time I MEAN IT! Hanover wins with authority 36-7.
Trinity hosts Kingswood - If I pick Lebanon, you have to go with Hughes, Chambers, Lauderdale, Gratiano, (just stop me when I quit calling out what will be All State players), my goodness. Trinity will get to 8-0 this week they win 40-6.
Monadnock @ MV - Bolewski and the big Dragon, keep the Huskies playoff hopes alive. I know I keep saying this, but the key for the Huskies is to keep riding the Bolewski bus all the way to the playoffs. Huskies win big 36-14.
Outside the Division:
D I - Salem @ Nashua South - Should be a close game, the spirits say even though Salems on the road, they will win. Salem wins 32-28.
D II - Timberlane visits Keene - Hey, ~Head Coach~ loves this Nick Lawrence kid...I'm picking Timberlane again this week. Timby wins 36-14.
D III - Portsmouth @ Bedford - Have you ever been to Bedfords field?? What a spectacular facility. Anyway, Bedford wins a very close game (it could go either way though), the Spirits say go with the home team - Bedford wins 26-8.
D V - Windham @ Stevens - I really like the Cardinals. Don't count this team out even though everyone continues to talk about Kearsarge and St. Thomas. If the Cardinals get rolling, they are going to be a very tough out for anyone come playoff time. They will win this week 26-6.
D VI - BIG GAME!! Newport hosting Franklin - while it's a big game for both teams, Franklin is going to be more than up for visiting a big physical Newport team. Franklin wins this one on the road 32-26.
That's it. Good luck to all the teams this week! Thoughts....
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Playoff possibilities, here it is. The Breakdown with 2 weeks to go.
**Edited 10/22/2010** Good news and Bad news....The good news is that yesterday the NHIAA decided to do away with the ridiculous points system and obey the old system for the playoffs.
The Bad News is that all the time I spent on the post below is now poop :) We'll review again after tonight's games :) Good luck to all teams this weekend !
First the easy part. 2 things are certain! Trinity and Lebanon will be in the playoffs...and Trinity will have 1 home playoff game.
Unfortunately, Stark, MV, Kingswood and Hanover will be spectators for the playoffs. They will look to play spoiler though in their upcoming contests in the next two weeks. Kingswood plays Trinity this week and MV plays Monadnock. Stark is hosting Hanover and will be looking to avoid a winless season this year.
Now it get's a bit more involved...
Trinity and Lebanon - Trinity is a lock for at least one home playoff game. Even if they were to lose out and end the season at 7-2 and Laconia were to win out and end at 7-2 (which would leave Lebanon in 1st). Trinity would still get the home game since they'd have the same number of points as Laconia and would have won the regular season matchup.
Lebanon is a lock for the playoffs. However, it is possible that they could set up a controversial scenario with the new points system. If they were to lose their last 2 games (Plymouth and Trinity) one of which is an away game, and Laconia wins their last 2 games (which means they'd have won all their away games), that would leave both teams at 7-2. Even though Lebanon beat Laconia during the regular season, Laconia would get the home game since they'd have more points than Lebanon.
However, if Lebanon wins at least one of their last games, they lock in a home playoff game.
Now let's really get nuts....
Laconia - is at 5-2 which means they are 1 game ahead of Plymouth (who they beat in reg. season), Kennett and Monadnock. Barring a major upset by one of the lower tier teams we should be able to drive all the possible scenarios for 3rd and 4th spot, by looking at Laconia's remaining schedule. This is due to the fact that the Sachems play both Kennett and Monadnock in weeks 8 and 9 and Plymouth will basically NEED to win out to have even a chance at making the playoffs, but even then, they wil need help...I'll cover that below (again this is all barring an upset by Stark, MV or Kingswood in the final 2 weeks which would turn my brain to mud). By that I mean, Monadnock also plays MV while Kennett's other game is Kingswood, so for the sake of my sanity, let's assume they will win those games. With that in mind, let's break this down if we can:
If Laconia wins out and Plymouth wins out, that will mean Monadnock and Kennet are out with an (at best) 5-4 finish. This will also mean that if Lebanon were to lose to Trinity as well as Plymouth, the Raiders would be in 3rd place and on the road playing at Laconia in the 1st playoff game. While Plymouth would travel (again) to Manchester to face Trinity.
In the above scenario, if Lebanon were to beat Plymouth but lose to Trinity, it would mean that Plymouth, Monadnock and Kennet would all finish at 5-4. Plymouth would be out since they'd only have 21 points. Kennett and Monadnock would be tied at 22 points, but since Monadnock beat Kennett during the regular season, they would be 4th team in due to the tie break.
If Laconia were to lose to Kennett this weekend but beat Monadnock, that would mean that Kennett would win out and Laconia and Kennett would both end up at 6-3, BUT Laconia would have 28 points putting them ahead of Kennett's 27 points, since they'd beat Monad. on the road while Kennets final win would be at Home. Now, here even if Plymouth were to also win out, they'd only have 26 points since their 3 losses have all been on the road this year (extra points for road wins ya know). Are you keeping up?
Aside from that, if Laconia loses both of their final games and Plymouth wins out, that will leave Monadnock, Plymouth and Kennett all at 6-3. However, the odd team out in this scenario is Monadnock...how you say? Please do try to keep up :) In this scenario Kennett is in because they'd have 27 points. That would then of course leave Monadnock and and Plymouth at 26 points and since Plymouth beat Monadnock back in Week 1, Plymouth wins the tie break.
If Laconia beats Kennett but loses to Monadnock, that would leave 1 and 2 as Trinity, Lebanon (or vice versa). Monadnock is 4th with 26 points and Laconia is 3rd with 27.
In this scenario though if Plymouth were to beat Lebanon and win out, they'd have 26 points as well AND since they also beat Monadnock, Plymouth would replace Monadnock as the 4th playoff team.
I think I've covered all the possibilities (again barring a major upset in the final weeks), my head is a little spinning, so if I've missed something please let me know :)
The Bad News is that all the time I spent on the post below is now poop :) We'll review again after tonight's games :) Good luck to all teams this weekend !
First the easy part. 2 things are certain! Trinity and Lebanon will be in the playoffs...and Trinity will have 1 home playoff game.
Unfortunately, Stark, MV, Kingswood and Hanover will be spectators for the playoffs. They will look to play spoiler though in their upcoming contests in the next two weeks. Kingswood plays Trinity this week and MV plays Monadnock. Stark is hosting Hanover and will be looking to avoid a winless season this year.
Now it get's a bit more involved...
Trinity and Lebanon - Trinity is a lock for at least one home playoff game. Even if they were to lose out and end the season at 7-2 and Laconia were to win out and end at 7-2 (which would leave Lebanon in 1st). Trinity would still get the home game since they'd have the same number of points as Laconia and would have won the regular season matchup.
Lebanon is a lock for the playoffs. However, it is possible that they could set up a controversial scenario with the new points system. If they were to lose their last 2 games (Plymouth and Trinity) one of which is an away game, and Laconia wins their last 2 games (which means they'd have won all their away games), that would leave both teams at 7-2. Even though Lebanon beat Laconia during the regular season, Laconia would get the home game since they'd have more points than Lebanon.
However, if Lebanon wins at least one of their last games, they lock in a home playoff game.
Now let's really get nuts....
Laconia - is at 5-2 which means they are 1 game ahead of Plymouth (who they beat in reg. season), Kennett and Monadnock. Barring a major upset by one of the lower tier teams we should be able to drive all the possible scenarios for 3rd and 4th spot, by looking at Laconia's remaining schedule. This is due to the fact that the Sachems play both Kennett and Monadnock in weeks 8 and 9 and Plymouth will basically NEED to win out to have even a chance at making the playoffs, but even then, they wil need help...I'll cover that below (again this is all barring an upset by Stark, MV or Kingswood in the final 2 weeks which would turn my brain to mud). By that I mean, Monadnock also plays MV while Kennett's other game is Kingswood, so for the sake of my sanity, let's assume they will win those games. With that in mind, let's break this down if we can:
If Laconia wins out and Plymouth wins out, that will mean Monadnock and Kennet are out with an (at best) 5-4 finish. This will also mean that if Lebanon were to lose to Trinity as well as Plymouth, the Raiders would be in 3rd place and on the road playing at Laconia in the 1st playoff game. While Plymouth would travel (again) to Manchester to face Trinity.
In the above scenario, if Lebanon were to beat Plymouth but lose to Trinity, it would mean that Plymouth, Monadnock and Kennet would all finish at 5-4. Plymouth would be out since they'd only have 21 points. Kennett and Monadnock would be tied at 22 points, but since Monadnock beat Kennett during the regular season, they would be 4th team in due to the tie break.
If Laconia were to lose to Kennett this weekend but beat Monadnock, that would mean that Kennett would win out and Laconia and Kennett would both end up at 6-3, BUT Laconia would have 28 points putting them ahead of Kennett's 27 points, since they'd beat Monad. on the road while Kennets final win would be at Home. Now, here even if Plymouth were to also win out, they'd only have 26 points since their 3 losses have all been on the road this year (extra points for road wins ya know). Are you keeping up?
Aside from that, if Laconia loses both of their final games and Plymouth wins out, that will leave Monadnock, Plymouth and Kennett all at 6-3. However, the odd team out in this scenario is Monadnock...how you say? Please do try to keep up :) In this scenario Kennett is in because they'd have 27 points. That would then of course leave Monadnock and and Plymouth at 26 points and since Plymouth beat Monadnock back in Week 1, Plymouth wins the tie break.
If Laconia beats Kennett but loses to Monadnock, that would leave 1 and 2 as Trinity, Lebanon (or vice versa). Monadnock is 4th with 26 points and Laconia is 3rd with 27.
In this scenario though if Plymouth were to beat Lebanon and win out, they'd have 26 points as well AND since they also beat Monadnock, Plymouth would replace Monadnock as the 4th playoff team.
I think I've covered all the possibilities (again barring a major upset in the final weeks), my head is a little spinning, so if I've missed something please let me know :)
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Week 7 Recap and thoughts....
Well, Week 7 pretty much went off as expected. Plymouth, Laconia, Lebanon, Trinity and Monadnock were all winners this week. This gave us some concrete answers and left us with quite a few questions.
Trinity rolled over Kennett with somewhat surprising ease and secured a spot in the playoffs. More to the point though is the way they did it. A 44-6 convincing win like this, on the road is sending a statement to the rest of the Division. Believe the hype, we are for real, and we're playing our brand of football now. Send whoever you want and we will run right through them. While it's difficult to imagine their next opponent Kingswood giving them much of a game, this must truly be a message intended for their sole remaining question mark...their opponents in the north, the (also) undefeated Lebanon Raiders. What can you do to stop us?
Kennett must put the puzzle back together. The Eagles were squarely in the driver seat a mere 2 weeks ago with only a single loss, now fight for their playoff lives. After suffering a huge loss to underdog Monadnock a week ago and following it up with a lopsided defeat to the visiting Pioneers, the Eagles need to circle the wagons and get it together...quickly. They travel to (3rd place) Laconia this weekend for a must win game against the now healthy and confident Sachems.
With Ronnie Steele back in the lineup and the team clicking on all cylinders, it's go time for the 5-2 Sachems, and they will look to be a tough out for any team they play either home or away. However, their road to the playoffs will not be easy as they face Kennett and then Monadnock to close out the season. Both teams are still very much in the playoff hunt and you can be sure that both of these games will be dogfights.
The Huskies got a big win over Hanover this weekend and I'm sure (at least to some degree) must be looking past next weeks game at MV, to the following week when they come to Laconia to close out their regular season...in what could be a "win and your in" game against the visiting Sachems at home.
Then there's Lebanon. The Raiders simply know how to win. Their first 3 games were all tight games that they pulled out with stellar defense. A convincing win on the road against Laconia set the tone for their last 3 games which in a word, have been laughers. They've shut out their last 3 opponents with games that have been over in most cases, by halftime. While they've locked in a playoff spot and I'm sure this has been great for the playing time of their JV players, the question is will their starters be ready to play 4 quarters of football in their remaining 2 contests. First up for them is the defending champion Bobcats as they come with their playoff hopes literally on the line. One loss and they will be out of the playoffs. They follow that up with what could be a preview of the D IV Championship game against the powerhouse that is Trinity. Should be very exciting!!
I can't wait...
Trinity rolled over Kennett with somewhat surprising ease and secured a spot in the playoffs. More to the point though is the way they did it. A 44-6 convincing win like this, on the road is sending a statement to the rest of the Division. Believe the hype, we are for real, and we're playing our brand of football now. Send whoever you want and we will run right through them. While it's difficult to imagine their next opponent Kingswood giving them much of a game, this must truly be a message intended for their sole remaining question mark...their opponents in the north, the (also) undefeated Lebanon Raiders. What can you do to stop us?
Kennett must put the puzzle back together. The Eagles were squarely in the driver seat a mere 2 weeks ago with only a single loss, now fight for their playoff lives. After suffering a huge loss to underdog Monadnock a week ago and following it up with a lopsided defeat to the visiting Pioneers, the Eagles need to circle the wagons and get it together...quickly. They travel to (3rd place) Laconia this weekend for a must win game against the now healthy and confident Sachems.
With Ronnie Steele back in the lineup and the team clicking on all cylinders, it's go time for the 5-2 Sachems, and they will look to be a tough out for any team they play either home or away. However, their road to the playoffs will not be easy as they face Kennett and then Monadnock to close out the season. Both teams are still very much in the playoff hunt and you can be sure that both of these games will be dogfights.
The Huskies got a big win over Hanover this weekend and I'm sure (at least to some degree) must be looking past next weeks game at MV, to the following week when they come to Laconia to close out their regular season...in what could be a "win and your in" game against the visiting Sachems at home.
Then there's Lebanon. The Raiders simply know how to win. Their first 3 games were all tight games that they pulled out with stellar defense. A convincing win on the road against Laconia set the tone for their last 3 games which in a word, have been laughers. They've shut out their last 3 opponents with games that have been over in most cases, by halftime. While they've locked in a playoff spot and I'm sure this has been great for the playing time of their JV players, the question is will their starters be ready to play 4 quarters of football in their remaining 2 contests. First up for them is the defending champion Bobcats as they come with their playoff hopes literally on the line. One loss and they will be out of the playoffs. They follow that up with what could be a preview of the D IV Championship game against the powerhouse that is Trinity. Should be very exciting!!
I can't wait...
Week 7 Shout Outs!
Now I know this is a D IV blog, but I just have to give props to Timberlane's Nick Lawrence. Not only did he rush for 320 + yards and 4 TDs...but he did it against an undefeated Winnacunnet team. That's a big time performance from a big time player!
If you have any shout outs for Week 7, please post them here. Week 7 recap coming later!
If you have any shout outs for Week 7, please post them here. Week 7 recap coming later!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Following up the Trinity/Lebanon Post, a quick look at the best of the rest and Week 7 picks!
While clearly Lebanon and Trinity are at the top of D IV this year. It's probably going to be a dogfight for 3 and 4. Here are my thoughts.
#3 Kennett Eagles - Hey, look folks in case you haven't been paying attention Nick Massa has established himself as a workhorse for this team. They're working under a new head coach and while they were hit by the Bolewski bus last week, the gears are clicking for these guys. They have the ability to beat any team on any given day and are not to be overlooked or underestimated...and more to the point, could give Trinity all they can handle.
#4 Laconia - As they get healthy again, this is another team that will cause problems in the playoffs. They are extremely well coached and are no stranger to the Playoffs. They have a beast at middle Linebacker in Doran Logsdon and Jake Holmes and David Mahoney continue to perform very well. Defense is the question with them. I'm a big Ronnie Steele fan though, and I think without his big play ability it will be difficult for them to beat the other top teams.
#5 Monadnock - Okay, so here's the deal. Bolewski ran for 216 ish yards last week as the Huskies upset the Eagles. He ran the ball 33 times. If I'm Monadnock, I have absolutely nothing to lose here. You sit Blake down, and let him know you're riding his shoulders. He's a Senior this year...you give him the ball as often as you can and you see what happens. I love the way this kid runs the football. Ride the Bolewski bus all the way to the playoffs?...maybe.
#6 Plymouth - Brandon Goodale and Taylor Newberry are a great tandom out of the backfield for Plymouth...they are no stranger to the playoffs and there is no better coach in D IV. While you can never count them out...losses to Kennett, Laconia and Trinity have put them in a difficult spot since they will probably need to win out in order to get into the playoffs. This will mean they still need to beat Lebanon to have a chance at making the playoffs this year. If they do get in though, no one knows how to win a championship better than Coach L.
That said, last week I struggled with my picks. I went 3-2 in Division and 2-3 out of Division, leaving me overall at a very mediocre 5-5. For the season that makes me 26-14. So, I've thrown the Crystal Ball away and have consulted with the spirits of football yore to come up with my picks for this week.
Monadnock @ Hanover - Bolewski ran for 216 yards on 30 something carries last week. Smart money says they'll try to do the same against Hanover this week. If they do, they'll win. If not, the Marauders will spoil the Huskies playoff hopes. The spirits have told me Carney will finish this season strong and the Marauders won't lose another game this season...Hanover wins 32-16.
Stark @ Lebanon - Hard to think Stark will put up too much of a fight. This one will be over early. Raiders win 54 - 0.
Trinity @ Kennett - Massa, Gadomski and the rest of the Eagles team will look to right the ship, however, it's not happening this week. The Eagles will drop their 2nd in a row falling to Trinity 25-14.
Laconia @ Kingswood - Sachems will take sole possession of 3rd place this week when they beat the Knights and the Eagles lose. Sachems win big 32-6.
MV @ Plymouth - Cody Thurston and Dylan Sargeant have been bright spots in an otherwise dull year for the Pride. They won't be enough for a Bobcats team fighting for their playoff lives. Bobcats dominate 42-6.
Outside the Division:
D I Concord @ Nashua North - North gets back on the winning track 21-14.
D II Winnacunnet @ Timberlane - Upset of the week if you can call it that. Timberlane solidifies itself with a win here. Nick Lawrence will have a big game. Timberlane wins a shootout 42-35.
D III Milford @ Souhegan - No upset here. Souhegan on top 28-22.
D V Somersworth @ Bishop Brady - Brady wins a tight one 14-13.
D VI Franklin @ Newfound - Seems like Newfound is beating everyone that they should beat, but no one else (thus far). That trend continues...Franklin wins 28-20.
Okay, let's hear it!
#3 Kennett Eagles - Hey, look folks in case you haven't been paying attention Nick Massa has established himself as a workhorse for this team. They're working under a new head coach and while they were hit by the Bolewski bus last week, the gears are clicking for these guys. They have the ability to beat any team on any given day and are not to be overlooked or underestimated...and more to the point, could give Trinity all they can handle.
#4 Laconia - As they get healthy again, this is another team that will cause problems in the playoffs. They are extremely well coached and are no stranger to the Playoffs. They have a beast at middle Linebacker in Doran Logsdon and Jake Holmes and David Mahoney continue to perform very well. Defense is the question with them. I'm a big Ronnie Steele fan though, and I think without his big play ability it will be difficult for them to beat the other top teams.
#5 Monadnock - Okay, so here's the deal. Bolewski ran for 216 ish yards last week as the Huskies upset the Eagles. He ran the ball 33 times. If I'm Monadnock, I have absolutely nothing to lose here. You sit Blake down, and let him know you're riding his shoulders. He's a Senior this year...you give him the ball as often as you can and you see what happens. I love the way this kid runs the football. Ride the Bolewski bus all the way to the playoffs?...maybe.
#6 Plymouth - Brandon Goodale and Taylor Newberry are a great tandom out of the backfield for Plymouth...they are no stranger to the playoffs and there is no better coach in D IV. While you can never count them out...losses to Kennett, Laconia and Trinity have put them in a difficult spot since they will probably need to win out in order to get into the playoffs. This will mean they still need to beat Lebanon to have a chance at making the playoffs this year. If they do get in though, no one knows how to win a championship better than Coach L.
That said, last week I struggled with my picks. I went 3-2 in Division and 2-3 out of Division, leaving me overall at a very mediocre 5-5. For the season that makes me 26-14. So, I've thrown the Crystal Ball away and have consulted with the spirits of football yore to come up with my picks for this week.
Monadnock @ Hanover - Bolewski ran for 216 yards on 30 something carries last week. Smart money says they'll try to do the same against Hanover this week. If they do, they'll win. If not, the Marauders will spoil the Huskies playoff hopes. The spirits have told me Carney will finish this season strong and the Marauders won't lose another game this season...Hanover wins 32-16.
Stark @ Lebanon - Hard to think Stark will put up too much of a fight. This one will be over early. Raiders win 54 - 0.
Trinity @ Kennett - Massa, Gadomski and the rest of the Eagles team will look to right the ship, however, it's not happening this week. The Eagles will drop their 2nd in a row falling to Trinity 25-14.
Laconia @ Kingswood - Sachems will take sole possession of 3rd place this week when they beat the Knights and the Eagles lose. Sachems win big 32-6.
MV @ Plymouth - Cody Thurston and Dylan Sargeant have been bright spots in an otherwise dull year for the Pride. They won't be enough for a Bobcats team fighting for their playoff lives. Bobcats dominate 42-6.
Outside the Division:
D I Concord @ Nashua North - North gets back on the winning track 21-14.
D II Winnacunnet @ Timberlane - Upset of the week if you can call it that. Timberlane solidifies itself with a win here. Nick Lawrence will have a big game. Timberlane wins a shootout 42-35.
D III Milford @ Souhegan - No upset here. Souhegan on top 28-22.
D V Somersworth @ Bishop Brady - Brady wins a tight one 14-13.
D VI Franklin @ Newfound - Seems like Newfound is beating everyone that they should beat, but no one else (thus far). That trend continues...Franklin wins 28-20.
Okay, let's hear it!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
King of the Hill - Trinity or Lebanon?
As of the writing of this Post, D IV appears to be a 2 horse race. Of course either of the top two teams could be upset in the next 2 weeks, but for the sake of the story, let's hope they don't.
Trinity has the #1 Offense and #2 Defense in the league. Lebanon has the #2 Offense and the #1 Defense in the league. Everyone you talk to has the opinion that Trinity is and will roll D IV and is in the wrong Division and it's just not fair to the rest of the teams.
I think they need to beat Lebanon (and do it big) first.
#1A Trinity -
There is much debate on the boards about where they should have been placed, D III or D II, etc...and so on. Fact is they are in D IV and where they should have or could have gone is a pointless discussion. They are in D IV and unless someone figures out how to stop their impressive power game, they will roll on to the D IV championship.
They have 3 quality backs in Chambers, Hoaglund, and Hughes who are running behind an absolute plow truck of a line. If their backs aren't game breakers enough, then this line absolutely is. They are big, polished, and fundamentally as sound as they come. Led by Gratiano and Lauderdale both of whom were All State last year and will be again this year, the line is absolutely huge and will look to methodically march the team up field. Eating up the clock and frustrating defenses as they try and try to get them off the field.
That same Line translates through to the Defense and Hughes and Mike Leonard lead a talented LB corp that is locked in and deady. Hughes will literally light kids up. Make no mistake this is a very good football team. If you're not getting through to the second level to make blocks, this team knows how to tackle from top to bottom and it will be a long day trying to run on them.
Offensively they've put up a staggering 226 points ((37.7 per game) to lead the Division in offensive output. That is 63 more points than the 2nd place team (Lebanon)! Defensively they're no slouch either only allowing 59 points (2nd in the league @ 9.8 per game). You're not going to lose too many games with those kind of numbers.
#1B Lebanon -
I'm putting Lebanon a hair behind Trinity but not classifying them as #2.
No one is giving Lebanon respect. Oh you'll hear/read about a coach saying they have quality backs, a big physical line, etc....but everything around D IV is about how Trinity is rolling everyone on their way to a championship. Folks, let me just say, these guys are for real.
They have probably the best running back in D IV if not the state (and please let's not start the D I is much tougher debate /sigh) in Cody Patch, and not far behind him is All State RB Chris Barker. Both of these backs have the speed, power and agility that gives them the potential to score each time they touch the ball. Their FB is a powerful and punishing North/South runner in Dylan Drew. Rounding out the backfield, they're led by their Quarterback Roth who is having an All State type year...but not necessarily with what he's doing, but with what he's not doing. He does not make mistakes.
They're anchored by a line that is led by All State lineman Alexander Morril (a 300lb tackle) and co-captain Ryan Geno.
Lebanon has made their name on Defense this year. They've allowed a league low 48 points (8 per game). Morril and Geno anchor a physical D Line and the RBs, Patch, Barker and Drew hold down the second level as Linebackers with the best of them. The secondary is just as good (led by Justin Judd and Kristian Astwood) and they almost dare you to throw on them.
When it's all said and done, you may see 6 or 7 kids from each of these teams go All State or honorable mention on one side of the ball or the other. They are both that good.
When Trinity and Lebanon meet in Week 9 it could and should decide home field in what will be a preview of the D IV Championship game. After all, anyone ever see Friday Night lights...can you say little 'ol Permian vs Big Bad Dallas Carter? Okay maybe it wouldn't be that epic (since Trinity only has 400 enrolled) but with all the hype, it would almost feel that way :)
Trinity has the #1 Offense and #2 Defense in the league. Lebanon has the #2 Offense and the #1 Defense in the league. Everyone you talk to has the opinion that Trinity is and will roll D IV and is in the wrong Division and it's just not fair to the rest of the teams.
I think they need to beat Lebanon (and do it big) first.
#1A Trinity -
There is much debate on the boards about where they should have been placed, D III or D II, etc...and so on. Fact is they are in D IV and where they should have or could have gone is a pointless discussion. They are in D IV and unless someone figures out how to stop their impressive power game, they will roll on to the D IV championship.
They have 3 quality backs in Chambers, Hoaglund, and Hughes who are running behind an absolute plow truck of a line. If their backs aren't game breakers enough, then this line absolutely is. They are big, polished, and fundamentally as sound as they come. Led by Gratiano and Lauderdale both of whom were All State last year and will be again this year, the line is absolutely huge and will look to methodically march the team up field. Eating up the clock and frustrating defenses as they try and try to get them off the field.
That same Line translates through to the Defense and Hughes and Mike Leonard lead a talented LB corp that is locked in and deady. Hughes will literally light kids up. Make no mistake this is a very good football team. If you're not getting through to the second level to make blocks, this team knows how to tackle from top to bottom and it will be a long day trying to run on them.
Offensively they've put up a staggering 226 points ((37.7 per game) to lead the Division in offensive output. That is 63 more points than the 2nd place team (Lebanon)! Defensively they're no slouch either only allowing 59 points (2nd in the league @ 9.8 per game). You're not going to lose too many games with those kind of numbers.
#1B Lebanon -
I'm putting Lebanon a hair behind Trinity but not classifying them as #2.
No one is giving Lebanon respect. Oh you'll hear/read about a coach saying they have quality backs, a big physical line, etc....but everything around D IV is about how Trinity is rolling everyone on their way to a championship. Folks, let me just say, these guys are for real.
They have probably the best running back in D IV if not the state (and please let's not start the D I is much tougher debate /sigh) in Cody Patch, and not far behind him is All State RB Chris Barker. Both of these backs have the speed, power and agility that gives them the potential to score each time they touch the ball. Their FB is a powerful and punishing North/South runner in Dylan Drew. Rounding out the backfield, they're led by their Quarterback Roth who is having an All State type year...but not necessarily with what he's doing, but with what he's not doing. He does not make mistakes.
They're anchored by a line that is led by All State lineman Alexander Morril (a 300lb tackle) and co-captain Ryan Geno.
Lebanon has made their name on Defense this year. They've allowed a league low 48 points (8 per game). Morril and Geno anchor a physical D Line and the RBs, Patch, Barker and Drew hold down the second level as Linebackers with the best of them. The secondary is just as good (led by Justin Judd and Kristian Astwood) and they almost dare you to throw on them.
When it's all said and done, you may see 6 or 7 kids from each of these teams go All State or honorable mention on one side of the ball or the other. They are both that good.
When Trinity and Lebanon meet in Week 9 it could and should decide home field in what will be a preview of the D IV Championship game. After all, anyone ever see Friday Night lights...can you say little 'ol Permian vs Big Bad Dallas Carter? Okay maybe it wouldn't be that epic (since Trinity only has 400 enrolled) but with all the hype, it would almost feel that way :)
Monday, October 11, 2010
Week 6 Recap
Well, I bet you could have heard a rat pee in a bale of cotton in Conway this weekend. I know, I know, the Eagles played at Monadnock. Regardless though, the Huskies brought their A-game and Kennett seems to have forgotten to get off the bus. Gratz Huskies.
Be that as it may, this throws D IV 's remaining playoff spots up for grabs. Kennett and Laconia still control there own destiny (to an extent), but now Plymouth and Monadnock must be feeling new life as we look forward to Week 7.
Kennett now has Trinity coming to town in what must feel like a "must win" game...and should they lose they WILL need to win the following week when they travel to Laconia.
On the other hand Laconia is riding high after upsetting the Newbury-less Bobcats as they travel to Kingswood to play the Knights. Yes, the Sachems should win this one, but as this week has shown us...that's why they play the games.
So, let's just theorize for a moment. What if, Kennett loses this game to Trinity and Laconia wins. That will leave Kennett at 4 -3 and Laconia at 5-2. Then let's say Plymouth (who plays MV) wins...which they should...AND Monadnock defeats Hanover (which is in no way a gimme). That will leave both Plymouth and Monadnock at 4-3.
What a log jam that will be! Especially given the fact that Laconia still has to play Kennett and Monadnock in Week 8 and 9.
Plymouth should on paper win at least 2 out of their last 3 (with Lebanon being the only question mark of their last 3 games).
Kennett by far has the toughest 3 games coming up comparatively with Trinity, Laconia and Kingswood to close out.
This could mean we could go into Week 9 with multiple games that actually mean something to the playoff picture! The situation at hand and the possibilities leave this blogger extremely excited!
Thoughts!~
PS> and yes I know I got lambasted with my picks this last week...but hey, who knew :)
Be that as it may, this throws D IV 's remaining playoff spots up for grabs. Kennett and Laconia still control there own destiny (to an extent), but now Plymouth and Monadnock must be feeling new life as we look forward to Week 7.
Kennett now has Trinity coming to town in what must feel like a "must win" game...and should they lose they WILL need to win the following week when they travel to Laconia.
On the other hand Laconia is riding high after upsetting the Newbury-less Bobcats as they travel to Kingswood to play the Knights. Yes, the Sachems should win this one, but as this week has shown us...that's why they play the games.
So, let's just theorize for a moment. What if, Kennett loses this game to Trinity and Laconia wins. That will leave Kennett at 4 -3 and Laconia at 5-2. Then let's say Plymouth (who plays MV) wins...which they should...AND Monadnock defeats Hanover (which is in no way a gimme). That will leave both Plymouth and Monadnock at 4-3.
What a log jam that will be! Especially given the fact that Laconia still has to play Kennett and Monadnock in Week 8 and 9.
Plymouth should on paper win at least 2 out of their last 3 (with Lebanon being the only question mark of their last 3 games).
Kennett by far has the toughest 3 games coming up comparatively with Trinity, Laconia and Kingswood to close out.
This could mean we could go into Week 9 with multiple games that actually mean something to the playoff picture! The situation at hand and the possibilities leave this blogger extremely excited!
Thoughts!~
PS> and yes I know I got lambasted with my picks this last week...but hey, who knew :)
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Plymouth at Laconia - the Big Game this week along with my other picks for Week 6!
The loser here could be outed from the Playoffs. So, if there can be something called a "must win" in Week 6. This would be it for these teams. A win here, puts their team in the driver's seat for the palyoffs. It's not clear if injured starter Ronnie Steele will be back for this game or not, but is doubtful given the injury he sustained (to the ribs). However, while David Mahoney is proving to be a more than able backup, Steele is the teams leading rusher and goes both ways (and is a tenacious defender)...a tough hole for the Sachems to fill. However, the Sachems are coming off an impressive shutout last week and must have a feeling they have their program back on track.
Plymouth too is coming off a big win over a tough Hanover team. While the game was closer than the final score would indicate, a win is a win, and as I've been saying all year, Hanover is a much tougher team than their record shows. Taylor Newberry and Brandon Goodale will look to establish the run and set the tone early, but if they cannot, this could be a VERY close game.
So, after going 4-1 in D IV and 3-2 out of division, that leaves me again at 7-3 for the week and a respectable 21-9 overall.
That said, I've peered into the Crystal ball and have my first 10-0 week all lined up!
Hanover @ Kingswood - It's taken a lot longer than anyone would have expected, however, Carney, Gorman, Staiger and company roll all over the Knights, Hanover gets in the win column 31-13.
Lebanon @ MV - I'm on the bandwagon. I'm a believer! Patch, Roth, Barker, Morril, Judd, Drew, there are a number of serious All State caliber players on this team. They may not get past Trinity, but they will get past MV. Raiders win 49-0.
Trinity @ John Stark - It's a tough stretch for the Generals. Trinity this week, Lebanon next week. In any event, Hughes, Lauderdale, Gratiano and co... are full of All State caliber players as well with quality coaching. No one has been able to put the brakes on their power game up to this point. Guess what...it's not happening this week either. Trinity wins, final score...49 - 6.
Kennett @ Monadnock - It's tough to go against the Eagles they way they have been playing. Kennett keeps on trucking, eagles win 36-14.
Plymouth @ Laconia - It's a tough one. I really do think this is going to be a tough, close game. I just think that without Ronnie Steele Laconia is outmatched in this one. They will put up the good fight, but lose in the end 32 - 31 in a shootout.
Outside D IV -
D I - Nashua North vs Nashua South - Just like the Civil War, North wins 31-28.
D II - Keene vs. Merrimac - Keene hasn't faced anything like Merrimac up to this point. Merrimac gets back on the winning track 21-6.
D III - Souhegan visits Pembroke - I know. I know. You don't need to say it. Souhegan on top big 50-0.
D V - UPSET OF THE WEEK - St Thomas @ Stevens - I had a chance to see Stevens play earlier in the year. They are a very disciplined football team. This game could and most likely will be a preview of the playoffs. St Thomas comes to Claremont undefeated. Stevens sole loss came in a 8-16 loss to Kearsarge in their home opener. Kearsarge is also undefeated.
This game will give the Cardinals a good barometer as to where they stand in the division. Barring any surprises this Division looks like a 4 horse race at ths point...BB 2 games back, and Stevens 1 game behind St Thomas and Kearsarge. I'm going with the upset of the week...Stevens represents home field and puts St Thomas in the Loss column. 21-20 Stevens wins!
D VI - Mascoma vs Raymond - Yeah I know...one of these teams come out of this with a W. Mascoma's Ryan Coleman and the Kesiorek brothers have big games. Mascoma wins 30-20 for the Royals first W.
Let's hear it. Thoughts?!
Plymouth too is coming off a big win over a tough Hanover team. While the game was closer than the final score would indicate, a win is a win, and as I've been saying all year, Hanover is a much tougher team than their record shows. Taylor Newberry and Brandon Goodale will look to establish the run and set the tone early, but if they cannot, this could be a VERY close game.
So, after going 4-1 in D IV and 3-2 out of division, that leaves me again at 7-3 for the week and a respectable 21-9 overall.
That said, I've peered into the Crystal ball and have my first 10-0 week all lined up!
Hanover @ Kingswood - It's taken a lot longer than anyone would have expected, however, Carney, Gorman, Staiger and company roll all over the Knights, Hanover gets in the win column 31-13.
Lebanon @ MV - I'm on the bandwagon. I'm a believer! Patch, Roth, Barker, Morril, Judd, Drew, there are a number of serious All State caliber players on this team. They may not get past Trinity, but they will get past MV. Raiders win 49-0.
Trinity @ John Stark - It's a tough stretch for the Generals. Trinity this week, Lebanon next week. In any event, Hughes, Lauderdale, Gratiano and co... are full of All State caliber players as well with quality coaching. No one has been able to put the brakes on their power game up to this point. Guess what...it's not happening this week either. Trinity wins, final score...49 - 6.
Kennett @ Monadnock - It's tough to go against the Eagles they way they have been playing. Kennett keeps on trucking, eagles win 36-14.
Plymouth @ Laconia - It's a tough one. I really do think this is going to be a tough, close game. I just think that without Ronnie Steele Laconia is outmatched in this one. They will put up the good fight, but lose in the end 32 - 31 in a shootout.
Outside D IV -
D I - Nashua North vs Nashua South - Just like the Civil War, North wins 31-28.
D II - Keene vs. Merrimac - Keene hasn't faced anything like Merrimac up to this point. Merrimac gets back on the winning track 21-6.
D III - Souhegan visits Pembroke - I know. I know. You don't need to say it. Souhegan on top big 50-0.
D V - UPSET OF THE WEEK - St Thomas @ Stevens - I had a chance to see Stevens play earlier in the year. They are a very disciplined football team. This game could and most likely will be a preview of the playoffs. St Thomas comes to Claremont undefeated. Stevens sole loss came in a 8-16 loss to Kearsarge in their home opener. Kearsarge is also undefeated.
This game will give the Cardinals a good barometer as to where they stand in the division. Barring any surprises this Division looks like a 4 horse race at ths point...BB 2 games back, and Stevens 1 game behind St Thomas and Kearsarge. I'm going with the upset of the week...Stevens represents home field and puts St Thomas in the Loss column. 21-20 Stevens wins!
D VI - Mascoma vs Raymond - Yeah I know...one of these teams come out of this with a W. Mascoma's Ryan Coleman and the Kesiorek brothers have big games. Mascoma wins 30-20 for the Royals first W.
Let's hear it. Thoughts?!
Monday, October 4, 2010
The state of D IV as we cross the half way point.
No question. Trinity and Lebanon stand at the top. With impressive wins by Kennett leaving them a shade behind. At the next tier fighting for 4th position is Laconia and Plymouth locked in at an unfamiliar 3-2.
All the teams that should have won this weekend did. Trinity beat a good Monadnock Team...and Kennett, Lebanon, and Laconia all shut out their Week 5 opponents. Plymouth was able to run away with what was a relatively close Hanover game 13-7 in the 3rd quarter to win in convincing fashion.
This leaves the division as follows:
Trinity 5-0
Lebanon 5-0
Kennett 4-1
Laconia 3-2
Plymouth 3-2
Kingswood 2-3
Monadnock 2-3
MV - 1-4
Hanover 0-5
Stark 0-5
So, as we look forward to Week 6, Trinity play Stark and Lebanon plays MV. While neither team's coaches will have them looking past this game, consensus says they will both remain undefeated.
However, Kennett has a much tougher opponent this week in Monadnock (which is followed by a matchup with Trinity and then Laconia the following week). This will be a telling 3 game stretch for Kennett.
Then the BIG game of the week up coming Laconia and Plymouth. Seems like they've been rivals forever, however, with what looks to be a dog fight for the 3rd and 4th playoff spot, this game looks to be much more meaningful. Both teams come in with identical records, and word throughout the league is that 3 losses is pretty much going to write you out of the playoffs this year.
Beyond the Kennett victory over Plymouth to end the "streak" there just haven't been any upsets to speak of...and in all honesty Kennett has a very good football team year in and year out, so you almost couldn't call this one an upset.
In any event, the winner will put themselves squarely in the driver seat for the 4th playoff spot. This should be a fun one to watch. Look for more on this weeks games and goings on later! Thoughts?
All the teams that should have won this weekend did. Trinity beat a good Monadnock Team...and Kennett, Lebanon, and Laconia all shut out their Week 5 opponents. Plymouth was able to run away with what was a relatively close Hanover game 13-7 in the 3rd quarter to win in convincing fashion.
This leaves the division as follows:
Trinity 5-0
Lebanon 5-0
Kennett 4-1
Laconia 3-2
Plymouth 3-2
Kingswood 2-3
Monadnock 2-3
MV - 1-4
Hanover 0-5
Stark 0-5
So, as we look forward to Week 6, Trinity play Stark and Lebanon plays MV. While neither team's coaches will have them looking past this game, consensus says they will both remain undefeated.
However, Kennett has a much tougher opponent this week in Monadnock (which is followed by a matchup with Trinity and then Laconia the following week). This will be a telling 3 game stretch for Kennett.
Then the BIG game of the week up coming Laconia and Plymouth. Seems like they've been rivals forever, however, with what looks to be a dog fight for the 3rd and 4th playoff spot, this game looks to be much more meaningful. Both teams come in with identical records, and word throughout the league is that 3 losses is pretty much going to write you out of the playoffs this year.
Beyond the Kennett victory over Plymouth to end the "streak" there just haven't been any upsets to speak of...and in all honesty Kennett has a very good football team year in and year out, so you almost couldn't call this one an upset.
In any event, the winner will put themselves squarely in the driver seat for the 4th playoff spot. This should be a fun one to watch. Look for more on this weeks games and goings on later! Thoughts?
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