D IV All State Selections announced (per Thaler blog). Congrats to all!
First Team defense
DE - Billy Mahoney; Laconia, sr.
DE - Kyle Reisert; Plymouth, so.
DE - Jackson Weeks; Trinity, jr.
DE - Chris Henry; Lebanon, sr.
DT - Nick D'Ambruoso; Plymouth, sr.
LB - Josh Hughes; Trinity, sr.
LB - Mike Leonard; Trinity, sr.
LB - Ryan Carrier; Trinity, jr.
LB - Zach Poole; Trinity, so.
LB - Dustin Stewart; Kennett, sr.
LB - Dylan Drew; Lebanon, jr.
LB - Ian Smith; Hanover, jr.
LB - Jacob Bumford; John Stark, jr.
ILB - Nick Patterson; Monadnock, jr.
OLB - Derek Lotito; Monadnock, jr.
OLB - Cole Brooker; Plymouth, sr.
DB - Ronnie Steele; Laconia, sr.
DB - Michael Lautenschlager; Kennett, sr.
First Team offense
QB - Carmen Giampetruzzi; Trinity, so.
RB - Adam Chambers; Trinity, sr.
RB - Jesse Leiby; Monadnock, sr.
RB - Nick Massa; Kennett, jr.
RB - Carl Keating; Hanover, jr.
RB - Carson Dunn; John Stark, so.
RB - Kohl Meyers; Kingswood, sr.
WB - Nick Reisert; Plymouth, sr.
TB - David Mahoney; Laconia, jr.
FB - Taylor Newberry; Plymouth, sr.
WR - Dan Gorman; Hanover, sr.
WR - Dean Poirier; Merrimack Valley, sr.
TE - Andrew Lauderdale; Trinity, sr.
TE - Graham Nyhan; Laconia, jr.
OT - Colin Bouchard; Trinity, jr.
OT - Nick Blake; Plymouth, sr.
OT - Nick Dragon; Monadnock, sr.
OG - Raige Hollis; Laconia, sr.
OL - Alexander Morrill; Lebanon, sr.
Coach of the Year - Gary Leonard; Trinity
Honorable Mention
HANOVER - Cyrus Rothwell-Ferraris (WR, jr.); Shawn Cavallaro (QB, so.); Rob Sabbatelle (DT, jr.)
JOHN STARK - Timothy Barnes (OL, jr.); Kellen Brien (OL, so.); Nicholas Simeone (WR, jr.); Nic Lloyd (DB, jr.); Chris Procum (DE, sr.); Jeremy Bolton (DL, sr.)
KENNETT - Jesse Wheeler (QB, sr.); Cody Richard (OG, sr.); Connor Gillette (K/P, sr.); Austin Weber (KR, sr.); Conor McDonald (LB, jr.); Ryan Cottrell (DE, sr.)
KINGSWOOD - Kevin Bisson (OC, sr.); B.J. Smith (LB, sr.); Abe Demaio (LB, so.)
LACONIA - Tyler Grant (OL, sr.); Drew Morin (P/K, jr.)
LEBANON - Phil Hwang (RB, jr.)
MERRIMACK VALLEY - Cody Thurston (RB, jr.); Ivan Niyomugabo (QB, fr.); Tim Barton (RB, sr.); Connor Dempsey (DL, sr.); Justin Abbott (P, sr.)
MONADNOCK - Wyatt Fabienski (OC, so.); Brandon Wilfore (OT, so.); Drew Bolewski (RB, so.); Dan Rehmer (DE, sr.); Jake Poulin (ILB, jr.); Zack Jarvis (OLB, jr.); Sam Bednar (S, jr.)
PLYMOUTH - Will Horan (QB, sr.); Matt Bownes (OC, sr.); Brandon Goodale (FB, jr.); Calime Littlefield (DT, sr.); Ryan Farina (LB, jr.); John Thomas (LB, so.)
TRINITY - Austin Chambers (DB, so.); Tristen Theroux (LB, so.); Romeo Masuku (DB, jr.)
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
HC's Coach Picks 2011
As the season ends, I'd like to present to you the D IV - All Head Coach's Team. You may see some of these guys get All State honors as well. Many of my picks could go either side of the ball, this is just the team I would take to match up against any in the state.
My personal picks.
Defense -
ILB - Dylan Drew - Lebanon - Big, Strong, Fast makes good reads. Would be the leader of my defense.
ILB - Ryan Carrier - Trinity - Good Tackler, big inside, plays fast between the hashes. Go ahead and try and run up the middle with these two.
OLB - Cole Brooker - Plymouth - Nose for the football and has exceptional quickness.
OLB - Jake Poulin - Monadnock - Snuck up on me this year. All 3 times I saw them play this kid was flying all over the place making plays.
LB - Nick Patterson - Monadnock - Another one you don't hear a whole lot about, but this kid flat out made plays this year for the Huskies.
DL - Alexander Morril - Lebanon - An absolute force to reckon with.
DL - Nick Dragon - Monadnock - Another force in the middle.
DL - John Thomas - Plymouth - Fast, tenacious, good tackler.
DE - Kyle Reisert - Plymouth - Tall, fast holds the edge well.
DE - Jackson Weeks - Laconia - Strong, focused, gets after the ball.
DB - Adam Chambers - Trinity - Plays the pass well and supports the Run.
DB - Ronnie Steele - Laconia
S - Romeo Masuku - Trinity - Big hitter, good hands, exceptional speed and agility.
Offense -
QB - Will Horan - Plymouth - Came up just a bit short in the title game but an outstanding season.
QB - Cody Thurston - MV - Nice mechanics, good pocket presence, excellent arm strength.
RB - Taylor Newberry - Plymouth - Had a truly amazing high school carreer. Plymouth will miss him next year.
RB - David Mahoney - Laconia - Probably the best pure running back in the Division and possibly the state.
RB - J. Lieby - Monadnock - Came on strong this year and had a fantastic senior season leading his team to the playoffs.
RB - Josh Hughes - Trinity - What can you say that has not been said. Good hands, good speed, excellent power and leadership...the complete back.
RB - Nick Massa - Kennet
OL - Raige Hollis - Laconia - An absolute beast, who holds his blocks downfield.
OL - Billy Mahoney - Laconia - See above.
OL - Colin Bouchard - Trinity - Title anyone
OL - Sam Rainey - Trinity - see above
OL - Chris Henry - Lebanon - Versatile can play anywhere on the line, quick strong, plays through the whistle.
TE - Andrew Lauderdale - Trinity - Can block well, much better hands, big target.
WR - Dan Gorman - Hanover - Fast, Tall, can jump and has great hands.
WR - Justin Abbot - MV - Great hands, great routes.
WR- Cyrus Rothwell-Ferraris - Hanover - See Dan Gorman**
KR/PR - Shawn Cavallaro - Hanover - Great vision, Fast, Fast, Fast.
My personal picks.
Defense -
ILB - Dylan Drew - Lebanon - Big, Strong, Fast makes good reads. Would be the leader of my defense.
ILB - Ryan Carrier - Trinity - Good Tackler, big inside, plays fast between the hashes. Go ahead and try and run up the middle with these two.
OLB - Cole Brooker - Plymouth - Nose for the football and has exceptional quickness.
OLB - Jake Poulin - Monadnock - Snuck up on me this year. All 3 times I saw them play this kid was flying all over the place making plays.
LB - Nick Patterson - Monadnock - Another one you don't hear a whole lot about, but this kid flat out made plays this year for the Huskies.
DL - Alexander Morril - Lebanon - An absolute force to reckon with.
DL - Nick Dragon - Monadnock - Another force in the middle.
DL - John Thomas - Plymouth - Fast, tenacious, good tackler.
DE - Kyle Reisert - Plymouth - Tall, fast holds the edge well.
DE - Jackson Weeks - Laconia - Strong, focused, gets after the ball.
DB - Adam Chambers - Trinity - Plays the pass well and supports the Run.
DB - Ronnie Steele - Laconia
S - Romeo Masuku - Trinity - Big hitter, good hands, exceptional speed and agility.
Offense -
QB - Will Horan - Plymouth - Came up just a bit short in the title game but an outstanding season.
QB - Cody Thurston - MV - Nice mechanics, good pocket presence, excellent arm strength.
RB - Taylor Newberry - Plymouth - Had a truly amazing high school carreer. Plymouth will miss him next year.
RB - David Mahoney - Laconia - Probably the best pure running back in the Division and possibly the state.
RB - J. Lieby - Monadnock - Came on strong this year and had a fantastic senior season leading his team to the playoffs.
RB - Josh Hughes - Trinity - What can you say that has not been said. Good hands, good speed, excellent power and leadership...the complete back.
RB - Nick Massa - Kennet
OL - Raige Hollis - Laconia - An absolute beast, who holds his blocks downfield.
OL - Billy Mahoney - Laconia - See above.
OL - Colin Bouchard - Trinity - Title anyone
OL - Sam Rainey - Trinity - see above
OL - Chris Henry - Lebanon - Versatile can play anywhere on the line, quick strong, plays through the whistle.
TE - Andrew Lauderdale - Trinity - Can block well, much better hands, big target.
WR - Dan Gorman - Hanover - Fast, Tall, can jump and has great hands.
WR - Justin Abbot - MV - Great hands, great routes.
WR- Cyrus Rothwell-Ferraris - Hanover - See Dan Gorman**
KR/PR - Shawn Cavallaro - Hanover - Great vision, Fast, Fast, Fast.
Monday, November 14, 2011
D IV Title game! Pioneer Power takes home the Title!
Pioneers cap a perfect season and take home the title...dominating and frustrating the Bobcats wire to wire.
I gotta tell ya, the way the wind was whipping and as cold as it ended up being with that wind chill at Gill on Saturday I'm amazed at how well the Pioneers threw the ball, but throw they did. Giampetruzzi showed poise and precision at the helm on Saturday and led his team to a 30-14 victory and the D IV State Championship.
Josh Hughes capped his outstanding high school carreer with 130 yards on the ground.
After a 3 and out by Plymouth on the opening drive, Trinity took the ball over around midfield and the train started chugging. 9 plays later and Giampetruzzi punches it in from the 1 yard line, failed 2 point conversion 6-0 Pioneers. The score stayed that way as the 1st quarter expired. While I don't have the time of possession it was clearly in favor of the Pioneers. The Bobcats simply could not get anything going early and they went 3 and out again on their 2nd possession.
Trinity responds with another time consuming drive mixing carries between Hughes, Chambers, and Masuku. Down at the 10 yard line of Trinity, Giampetruzzi hands off to Chambers around the edge for 10 yard TD run. 2 pt conversion later, and it's 14-0 Pioneers and the Plymouth faithful are silenced...but not for long.
3rd time was a charm for Plymouth, QB Will Horan starts to get it rolling a bit. Goodale, Newberry and Brooker, started to get a little flow to their game and the Bobcats put together a nice little drive capped by a counter to N. Riesert from 11 yards out for the score. Missed PAT and the game goes into halftime with Trinity up 14-6.
Now at this point, I had a deja -vous kind of feeling...(those of you who attended last year's championship game will appreciate this). Trinity came out and simply chunked away the yardage, controlled the clock in the first quarter and a half, jumping out to a 14-0 lead over Lebanon. They then allowed Lebanon to score just before the half and the game was all Lebanon in the 2nd half. It was an eerily similar situation as Plymouth rolled right down the field to get back in the game as the half closed...but the results were not to be the same this year.
As Trinity opens with the ball in the 3rd, it looks like more of the same, Hughes, Carrier, Chambers...chunk, chunk. Add a little Spread to the equation Giampetruzzi up the gut and Masuku for good measure every now and again. However, from inside the Plymouth 20, they go for it on 4th and short and Plymouth's John Thomas stuff it. Bobcats ball...oh my could this really be a deja vu?! Nope.
The Trinity D would not be denied, Will Horan scrambles to his left and throws a pass intended for Reisert and the ball floats on him a little bit. Trinity DB Masuku goes up for it and makes a spectacular one handed grab for the pick. Then while returning the pick is upended and appeared to tweak his leg as he returned the pick into Plymouth territory.
A few plays later and Hughes scampers into the end zone from 15 yards out to put the Pioneers up 22-6.
The Bobcats would not go quietly however, as on the next possesion, Brandon Goodale goes up the middle and makes a nice cut upfield, turns on the jets and just outruns a diving Hughes and scampers into the corner of the end zone for a 45 yard TD run. Newberry converts the 2 pt conversion 22-14 Pioneers.
Fourth Quarter, you're on your own 35, and you have 1 yard to go for a first. That's right, I said you're own 35. Punt or go for it...punt right? Nope not Coach Leonard...this is one where you're a genius if it works and your questioned forever if it comes back and bites you. Well, call Coach Leonard a genius...he goes for it and goes with his horse (Hughes) who rumbes 30 yards deep inside Plymouth territory. You could feel the wind come out of the Bobcats sails on that play. If that wasn't bad enough, their entire ship sank a couple plays later as Giampetruzzi throws a strike to a leaping Lauderdale who goes up and over Newberry to haul in a 15 yard TD Pass in the endzone. 2pt conversion later and you can now close the books on 2011. Congratulations to your undefeated 2011 Champion Trinity Pioneers!
Great Season guys and Gratz to both teams on a great title game and fantastic seasons!!!
I gotta tell ya, the way the wind was whipping and as cold as it ended up being with that wind chill at Gill on Saturday I'm amazed at how well the Pioneers threw the ball, but throw they did. Giampetruzzi showed poise and precision at the helm on Saturday and led his team to a 30-14 victory and the D IV State Championship.
Josh Hughes capped his outstanding high school carreer with 130 yards on the ground.
After a 3 and out by Plymouth on the opening drive, Trinity took the ball over around midfield and the train started chugging. 9 plays later and Giampetruzzi punches it in from the 1 yard line, failed 2 point conversion 6-0 Pioneers. The score stayed that way as the 1st quarter expired. While I don't have the time of possession it was clearly in favor of the Pioneers. The Bobcats simply could not get anything going early and they went 3 and out again on their 2nd possession.
Trinity responds with another time consuming drive mixing carries between Hughes, Chambers, and Masuku. Down at the 10 yard line of Trinity, Giampetruzzi hands off to Chambers around the edge for 10 yard TD run. 2 pt conversion later, and it's 14-0 Pioneers and the Plymouth faithful are silenced...but not for long.
3rd time was a charm for Plymouth, QB Will Horan starts to get it rolling a bit. Goodale, Newberry and Brooker, started to get a little flow to their game and the Bobcats put together a nice little drive capped by a counter to N. Riesert from 11 yards out for the score. Missed PAT and the game goes into halftime with Trinity up 14-6.
Now at this point, I had a deja -vous kind of feeling...(those of you who attended last year's championship game will appreciate this). Trinity came out and simply chunked away the yardage, controlled the clock in the first quarter and a half, jumping out to a 14-0 lead over Lebanon. They then allowed Lebanon to score just before the half and the game was all Lebanon in the 2nd half. It was an eerily similar situation as Plymouth rolled right down the field to get back in the game as the half closed...but the results were not to be the same this year.
As Trinity opens with the ball in the 3rd, it looks like more of the same, Hughes, Carrier, Chambers...chunk, chunk. Add a little Spread to the equation Giampetruzzi up the gut and Masuku for good measure every now and again. However, from inside the Plymouth 20, they go for it on 4th and short and Plymouth's John Thomas stuff it. Bobcats ball...oh my could this really be a deja vu?! Nope.
The Trinity D would not be denied, Will Horan scrambles to his left and throws a pass intended for Reisert and the ball floats on him a little bit. Trinity DB Masuku goes up for it and makes a spectacular one handed grab for the pick. Then while returning the pick is upended and appeared to tweak his leg as he returned the pick into Plymouth territory.
A few plays later and Hughes scampers into the end zone from 15 yards out to put the Pioneers up 22-6.
The Bobcats would not go quietly however, as on the next possesion, Brandon Goodale goes up the middle and makes a nice cut upfield, turns on the jets and just outruns a diving Hughes and scampers into the corner of the end zone for a 45 yard TD run. Newberry converts the 2 pt conversion 22-14 Pioneers.
Fourth Quarter, you're on your own 35, and you have 1 yard to go for a first. That's right, I said you're own 35. Punt or go for it...punt right? Nope not Coach Leonard...this is one where you're a genius if it works and your questioned forever if it comes back and bites you. Well, call Coach Leonard a genius...he goes for it and goes with his horse (Hughes) who rumbes 30 yards deep inside Plymouth territory. You could feel the wind come out of the Bobcats sails on that play. If that wasn't bad enough, their entire ship sank a couple plays later as Giampetruzzi throws a strike to a leaping Lauderdale who goes up and over Newberry to haul in a 15 yard TD Pass in the endzone. 2pt conversion later and you can now close the books on 2011. Congratulations to your undefeated 2011 Champion Trinity Pioneers!
Great Season guys and Gratz to both teams on a great title game and fantastic seasons!!!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Monadnock @ Trinity Playoff Preview
I was corrected early on this season to watch out for the Huskies of Monadnock. At the time I had not thought much of it and now I stand completely corrected. Coach P has his Huskies primed and ready for an upset against the Pioneers of Trinity. Lieby, Rehmer, Poulin, Dragon, Bednar, Bolewski (the mini and getting bigger Bus) are getting more and more write ups as the season flows through to the Playoffs. Frankly I've seen this team play twice this season. Both times I was fully impressed with the Defense of the Huskies. To a man they flow to the ball well. All 11 guys take good angles and pursue the play to the whistle. More importantly they never feel like they are out of a play. I remember back week 1 or 2 I was on the Husky sidelines and they were down to Plymouth in the 4th quarter by one score. I could hear Coach P yelling to his players as time was ticking down and they had the ball, "we need a hero, who wants it boys". Well they might not have gotten it that day, but this season these guys have shined.
Everyone expected the Pioneers to be tough, however, I don't know if we expected they'd be undefeated rolling into the playoffs. That said, the return of Masuku has provided them with some added speed and Carmen has been riding the helm of the Trinity Train like a veteran. Hughes and Chambers have had excellent years on both sides of the ball and are the true anchors of this team. The leadership they've shown to this young team has no doubt helped them win the tough ones. The return of Lauderdale to the lineup removes any question marks they may have had to their Offensive line and the Defense has been set since last year. Their Linebackers are right up their with the best the division has to offer.
Ultimately though, it's just like last year. Someone has to figure out a way to stop their methodical march downfield or it will be a well earned 13-0 championship for the Pioneers. The Huskies came close during the regular season, but it will take perfection on Saturday to stop this train. Can they do it, sure they can. The playoffs demand the best, anything less means a quick end to your season. I suspect though the home town Gill crowd, might be too much in this contest. Hughes and company on top 28-14.
Good luck to all !!!
Everyone expected the Pioneers to be tough, however, I don't know if we expected they'd be undefeated rolling into the playoffs. That said, the return of Masuku has provided them with some added speed and Carmen has been riding the helm of the Trinity Train like a veteran. Hughes and Chambers have had excellent years on both sides of the ball and are the true anchors of this team. The leadership they've shown to this young team has no doubt helped them win the tough ones. The return of Lauderdale to the lineup removes any question marks they may have had to their Offensive line and the Defense has been set since last year. Their Linebackers are right up their with the best the division has to offer.
Ultimately though, it's just like last year. Someone has to figure out a way to stop their methodical march downfield or it will be a well earned 13-0 championship for the Pioneers. The Huskies came close during the regular season, but it will take perfection on Saturday to stop this train. Can they do it, sure they can. The playoffs demand the best, anything less means a quick end to your season. I suspect though the home town Gill crowd, might be too much in this contest. Hughes and company on top 28-14.
Good luck to all !!!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Playoff Preview Laconia @ Plymouth
Laconia @ Plymouth - a Playoff preview
What a game this will be! The Home team riding a 8-1 Record and oh so close to being undefeated. You've got two rockstar running backs in Taylor Newberry and Brandon Goodale. Newberry is extremely difficult to bring down due mainly to his incredibly high knees and powerful running style. Goodale is a speedster, who's got breakaway speed and excellent lateral quickness. Add to that Cole Brooker at FB lead blocking and giving a little smash mouth taste to this backfield and it's a dangerous trio to plan for defensively. Will Horan is throwing the ball smartly and with precision to some big wideouts (Reisert among them) who have great hands. Defensively they have a gang tackle mentality. Not a whole lot of solo tackles, but when an opposing ball carrier goes down it's in a veritable sea of Bobcats.
We've talked about them a lot this year. The Sachems line might be the best in the D IV - Hollis, Mahoney, Chiasson, Grant, Mears, Hurley, and Weeks will be out for blood this game. Make no mistake that these guys took last game personally and they will leave it all on the field come Saturday. In the backfield you have probably the most versatile running back in the Division in David Mahoney who was hobbled in their last meeting but has been on a tear of late. An HC favorite in Ronnie Steele with speed and agility and the ability to break plays both out of the backfield and on special teams and Chris Frontiero has good speed as well. Scott Ruggieri has been leading the Sachem team well at QB and throwing the ball well all year. Add all that talent together and you go from Sachem Red to the big Red HURT!
Plymouth found a way to win a few weeks ago, the question is can the magic happen twice. They have home field advantage which has been huge for these guys but the playoffs are a different animal. It's all going to come down to execution and limiting mistakes. Once the adrenaline fades and they settle in this will be one for the ages in this rivalry.
What a game this will be! The Home team riding a 8-1 Record and oh so close to being undefeated. You've got two rockstar running backs in Taylor Newberry and Brandon Goodale. Newberry is extremely difficult to bring down due mainly to his incredibly high knees and powerful running style. Goodale is a speedster, who's got breakaway speed and excellent lateral quickness. Add to that Cole Brooker at FB lead blocking and giving a little smash mouth taste to this backfield and it's a dangerous trio to plan for defensively. Will Horan is throwing the ball smartly and with precision to some big wideouts (Reisert among them) who have great hands. Defensively they have a gang tackle mentality. Not a whole lot of solo tackles, but when an opposing ball carrier goes down it's in a veritable sea of Bobcats.
We've talked about them a lot this year. The Sachems line might be the best in the D IV - Hollis, Mahoney, Chiasson, Grant, Mears, Hurley, and Weeks will be out for blood this game. Make no mistake that these guys took last game personally and they will leave it all on the field come Saturday. In the backfield you have probably the most versatile running back in the Division in David Mahoney who was hobbled in their last meeting but has been on a tear of late. An HC favorite in Ronnie Steele with speed and agility and the ability to break plays both out of the backfield and on special teams and Chris Frontiero has good speed as well. Scott Ruggieri has been leading the Sachem team well at QB and throwing the ball well all year. Add all that talent together and you go from Sachem Red to the big Red HURT!
Plymouth found a way to win a few weeks ago, the question is can the magic happen twice. They have home field advantage which has been huge for these guys but the playoffs are a different animal. It's all going to come down to execution and limiting mistakes. Once the adrenaline fades and they settle in this will be one for the ages in this rivalry.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Week 9 on to the playoffs!
Laconia routes the Huskies 45 - 28 on senior night. The Mahoney brothers, combined for 6 TDs, 4 of them by David as Sachems controlled the trenches and ultimately controlled this one from the start. They left no doubt and made a statement with this win, that they will not be an easy out as they travel to Plymouth in the first round for a rematch against the rival Bobcats. This game could be one heck of a slugfest.
Trinity 43 Lebanon 7 - Without Zander Morril the young Raider Defense was overwhelmed. Drew had a very strong game defensively including a forced fumble for Lebanon, however, they were simply overwhelmed by a stacked Pioneers methodically marched up and down the field. Hughes and Chambers had big games for Trinity and they completed there undefeated regular season and now look forward to a 1st round playoff matchup against Monadnock this weekend.
Hanover ends their season in stellar fashion, chalking up their 4th win 56-20 over MV. The Marauders have built up some momentum for next season, as they've won 3 of their last 4 to close out 2011 and with a young team look for this exciting young team to make noise next year!
Kennet closes out their season with a win over winless Kingswood 42-21.
Plymouth rolls Stark 35-14 as they prepare for a 1st round match up against the Sachems this weekend. More on that one later.
Trinity 43 Lebanon 7 - Without Zander Morril the young Raider Defense was overwhelmed. Drew had a very strong game defensively including a forced fumble for Lebanon, however, they were simply overwhelmed by a stacked Pioneers methodically marched up and down the field. Hughes and Chambers had big games for Trinity and they completed there undefeated regular season and now look forward to a 1st round playoff matchup against Monadnock this weekend.
Hanover ends their season in stellar fashion, chalking up their 4th win 56-20 over MV. The Marauders have built up some momentum for next season, as they've won 3 of their last 4 to close out 2011 and with a young team look for this exciting young team to make noise next year!
Kennet closes out their season with a win over winless Kingswood 42-21.
Plymouth rolls Stark 35-14 as they prepare for a 1st round match up against the Sachems this weekend. More on that one later.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Week 9 thoughts
Hanover at MV
Senior Night for the MV Pride. This could be a close game as both teams like to pass and have capable receivers along with similar records. Lots of points and it will come down to which team has the best DBs. 34-31 Hanover wins on the Road.
Plymouth at Stark
The Bobcats roll on their way to the Playoffs. Plymouth on top big 50 - 7.
Kennet at Kingswood
Without Meyers and possible Whitcomb it will be tough for the Knights to put points on the board. Eagles win 28-7.
Monadnock at Laconia
Senior night for the Sachems and they seem to be clicking on all cylinders right now. Mahoney, Chaisson, Hollis, Grant, Steele, D Mahoney, Ruggieri, Fontiero, etc....do I need to say more. The talent tree here is made of ironwood. That said, they will be going up against the stingiest defense in the division with the Huskies. Look for Rehmer, Bolewske, Poulin, Lieby, Bednar, Dragon and company (a pretty darn good tree there as well) to give them all they want and then some. This one's a toss up but I'm going with the Home team in OT. Laconia wins 24-21 on a 30 yard field goal and the Sachem red tide swarms the field for a senior night to remember!
Trinity at Lebanon
The Raiders are without Morril (hurt early against Plymouth) leaving them with Drew and Henry leading a young squad that's been prone to turning the ball over. If they get bit by that bug again, this one will be over quick...however, if they can limit the turnovers and control the clock and keep that deadly Pioneer O off the field they could try and grind it out. Hughes, Chambers, Carrier, Carmen (don't make me type that last name) Giampetruzzi, and Mike Leonard will be looking for payback for last year and they will not feel bad for the injuries plaguing the Raiders. Trinity completes the regular season perfect 32-14.
Senior Night for the MV Pride. This could be a close game as both teams like to pass and have capable receivers along with similar records. Lots of points and it will come down to which team has the best DBs. 34-31 Hanover wins on the Road.
Plymouth at Stark
The Bobcats roll on their way to the Playoffs. Plymouth on top big 50 - 7.
Kennet at Kingswood
Without Meyers and possible Whitcomb it will be tough for the Knights to put points on the board. Eagles win 28-7.
Monadnock at Laconia
Senior night for the Sachems and they seem to be clicking on all cylinders right now. Mahoney, Chaisson, Hollis, Grant, Steele, D Mahoney, Ruggieri, Fontiero, etc....do I need to say more. The talent tree here is made of ironwood. That said, they will be going up against the stingiest defense in the division with the Huskies. Look for Rehmer, Bolewske, Poulin, Lieby, Bednar, Dragon and company (a pretty darn good tree there as well) to give them all they want and then some. This one's a toss up but I'm going with the Home team in OT. Laconia wins 24-21 on a 30 yard field goal and the Sachem red tide swarms the field for a senior night to remember!
Trinity at Lebanon
The Raiders are without Morril (hurt early against Plymouth) leaving them with Drew and Henry leading a young squad that's been prone to turning the ball over. If they get bit by that bug again, this one will be over quick...however, if they can limit the turnovers and control the clock and keep that deadly Pioneer O off the field they could try and grind it out. Hughes, Chambers, Carrier, Carmen (don't make me type that last name) Giampetruzzi, and Mike Leonard will be looking for payback for last year and they will not feel bad for the injuries plaguing the Raiders. Trinity completes the regular season perfect 32-14.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Week 8 in the books
The playoff picture became more clear in Week 8. Trinity will be the 1 seed. Plymouth will be the 2 seed...and Laconia will host Monadnock and it's league best defense to decide 3rd and 4th seed respectively. A recap of this weeks scores.
Hanover 50 - Stark 38
The Marauder's Carl Keating scored 5 TDs including a 90 yard return for 6...while Gorman was the Recipient of a Cavallaro TD Pass and Rothwell-Ferraris ran for another as Hanover chalked up win #3.
For the Generals, Patrick Morin had 2 TDs and Jeremy Bolton, Carson Dunn and wide receiver Nic Lloyd also found the end zone.
Plymouth 42 - Lebanon 13
The turnover bug was back and bit Lebanon again as they fumbled 5 times deep inside their own territory and QB Will Horan converted for the Bobcats by throwing for 3 TDs and running for another. Reisert also had a pick 6 as Plymouth defeated Lebanon Saturday.
For Lebanon, Dylan Drew found the endzone but it was too little too late. Morril left early in the first quarter with an apparent injury. Lebanon now has Trinity to look forward to in Week 9.
Trinity 50 - Kingswood 0
This one was over by halftime as Hughes scored 3 times and Mike Leonard punched through for 6. Trinity visits Lebanon in the final week of the regular season.
Laconia 42 - Kennett 12
Scott Ruggieri had a 50 yard TD pass and Mahoney found the end zone 5 times including a 55 yard run, a pick 6 and a fumble recovery return for 6 in an absolute route of Kennett. They will have a big game against Monadnock next week which will determine the 3rd and 4th seed in the playoffs.
Monadnock 48 - MV 8
The Huskies get Touchdowns from J. Leiby, J. Dubois, Nick Dragon, Wooten, Dan Rehmer, Sam Bednar, and Patrick Kearney as they turn back the Pride and lock in their spot in the DIV Playoffs. Congrats Husky Nation :)
For the Pride, QB Ivan Niyomugaba connected with Dean Poirier for the only Pride TD.
Monadnock takes their league best Defense to Laconia to battle for 3rd place in the Division. At this point though, the 4 teams we're looking at in this year's playoffs are SO close talent-wise, that I think it's anyone's championship this year. More later...
Hanover 50 - Stark 38
The Marauder's Carl Keating scored 5 TDs including a 90 yard return for 6...while Gorman was the Recipient of a Cavallaro TD Pass and Rothwell-Ferraris ran for another as Hanover chalked up win #3.
For the Generals, Patrick Morin had 2 TDs and Jeremy Bolton, Carson Dunn and wide receiver Nic Lloyd also found the end zone.
Plymouth 42 - Lebanon 13
The turnover bug was back and bit Lebanon again as they fumbled 5 times deep inside their own territory and QB Will Horan converted for the Bobcats by throwing for 3 TDs and running for another. Reisert also had a pick 6 as Plymouth defeated Lebanon Saturday.
For Lebanon, Dylan Drew found the endzone but it was too little too late. Morril left early in the first quarter with an apparent injury. Lebanon now has Trinity to look forward to in Week 9.
Trinity 50 - Kingswood 0
This one was over by halftime as Hughes scored 3 times and Mike Leonard punched through for 6. Trinity visits Lebanon in the final week of the regular season.
Laconia 42 - Kennett 12
Scott Ruggieri had a 50 yard TD pass and Mahoney found the end zone 5 times including a 55 yard run, a pick 6 and a fumble recovery return for 6 in an absolute route of Kennett. They will have a big game against Monadnock next week which will determine the 3rd and 4th seed in the playoffs.
Monadnock 48 - MV 8
The Huskies get Touchdowns from J. Leiby, J. Dubois, Nick Dragon, Wooten, Dan Rehmer, Sam Bednar, and Patrick Kearney as they turn back the Pride and lock in their spot in the DIV Playoffs. Congrats Husky Nation :)
For the Pride, QB Ivan Niyomugaba connected with Dean Poirier for the only Pride TD.
Monadnock takes their league best Defense to Laconia to battle for 3rd place in the Division. At this point though, the 4 teams we're looking at in this year's playoffs are SO close talent-wise, that I think it's anyone's championship this year. More later...
Friday, October 21, 2011
Week 8 picks -
Hanover and Stark -
This week Hanover Battles Stark. I think we start to see the Marauders click now. Cavallaro has a monster game, Marauders win big 33 - 8.
Laconia and Kennet -
This is a must win for the Eagles if they hope to have a chance at playing in the post season. I just don't think the matchups favor them here. Laconia has too many weapons for them. Sachems come out on top 31 - 7.
Trinity and Kingswood -
I haven't heard if Meyers and Whitcomb will be back or not...however, there is no doubt even with them, this will be the toughest game of an already tough season for the Knights. Trinity rolls 40 - 7.
Monadnock and MV -
Can't say enough about the Huskies defense and now that they have the Offense clicking, they will be too much for the struggling Pride this weekend. Huskies on top 28 - 14.
Plymouth and Lebanon -
Dylan Drew and Alexander Morril bring a Raider team that has won 3 in a row to Plymouth this weekend...however they haven't faced a team playing Bobcats football since a week 4 drubbing at the hands of Laconia. Plymouth on top 21 -7.
This week Hanover Battles Stark. I think we start to see the Marauders click now. Cavallaro has a monster game, Marauders win big 33 - 8.
Laconia and Kennet -
This is a must win for the Eagles if they hope to have a chance at playing in the post season. I just don't think the matchups favor them here. Laconia has too many weapons for them. Sachems come out on top 31 - 7.
Trinity and Kingswood -
I haven't heard if Meyers and Whitcomb will be back or not...however, there is no doubt even with them, this will be the toughest game of an already tough season for the Knights. Trinity rolls 40 - 7.
Monadnock and MV -
Can't say enough about the Huskies defense and now that they have the Offense clicking, they will be too much for the struggling Pride this weekend. Huskies on top 28 - 14.
Plymouth and Lebanon -
Dylan Drew and Alexander Morril bring a Raider team that has won 3 in a row to Plymouth this weekend...however they haven't faced a team playing Bobcats football since a week 4 drubbing at the hands of Laconia. Plymouth on top 21 -7.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Week 7 is in.
Lebanon 47 - John Stark Generals 8
Dylan Drew rushed for a couple TDs and Gerow ran for another. The Raiders continued to play lock down defense in defeating Stark. Things will get much tougher for the Raiders as they travel to Plymouth next week.
Trinity 45 - Kennett 14
The Pioneers scored every time they got the ball in the first half and played unreal Defense in a shut out, shut down first half. Chambers took the ball on a 60 yard dash for the first score, Carrier plunged in a short while later from inside the Eagles 5 for the second...and after shutting down the eagles inside the Pioneer 20 Hughes capped a 7 play drive with a 15 yard scoring run. After a pick for 6 they got another interception and Carrier capped that one with another short run for an insurmountable lead. Running time in the second half...Trinity goes to 7-0 and will look forward to Kingswood next week. The Eagles are now in a MUST win situation as they host Laconia next week. A loss in that contest could cost them their playoff hopes.
Laconia 42 - Kingswood 0
The Kingswood Knights were already shorthanded with Meyers and Whitcomb out and they felt the Sachem thunder this past weekend. The Sachems were on a mission as they trounced Kingswood Saturday evening.
Steele and Mahoney both ran for 50 plus with very limited minutes in this one as it was really over after the first quarter, and the JV team was on the field before the half.
Next week they travel to Kennet for what will be a must win for the Eagles. Expect that one to be a dogfight. More on that one later :)
Plymouth 59 - MV 26
The Bobcats keep on rolling. They will host Lebanon who is riding a 3 game win streak next week, while MV looks to bounce back against a tough Monadnock squad.
Monadnock 31 - Hanover 19
Jesse Leiby, and Drew Bolewski both score for the surging Huskies. They will look to keep in rolling next week against MV.
Dylan Drew rushed for a couple TDs and Gerow ran for another. The Raiders continued to play lock down defense in defeating Stark. Things will get much tougher for the Raiders as they travel to Plymouth next week.
Trinity 45 - Kennett 14
The Pioneers scored every time they got the ball in the first half and played unreal Defense in a shut out, shut down first half. Chambers took the ball on a 60 yard dash for the first score, Carrier plunged in a short while later from inside the Eagles 5 for the second...and after shutting down the eagles inside the Pioneer 20 Hughes capped a 7 play drive with a 15 yard scoring run. After a pick for 6 they got another interception and Carrier capped that one with another short run for an insurmountable lead. Running time in the second half...Trinity goes to 7-0 and will look forward to Kingswood next week. The Eagles are now in a MUST win situation as they host Laconia next week. A loss in that contest could cost them their playoff hopes.
Laconia 42 - Kingswood 0
The Kingswood Knights were already shorthanded with Meyers and Whitcomb out and they felt the Sachem thunder this past weekend. The Sachems were on a mission as they trounced Kingswood Saturday evening.
Steele and Mahoney both ran for 50 plus with very limited minutes in this one as it was really over after the first quarter, and the JV team was on the field before the half.
Next week they travel to Kennet for what will be a must win for the Eagles. Expect that one to be a dogfight. More on that one later :)
Plymouth 59 - MV 26
The Bobcats keep on rolling. They will host Lebanon who is riding a 3 game win streak next week, while MV looks to bounce back against a tough Monadnock squad.
Monadnock 31 - Hanover 19
Jesse Leiby, and Drew Bolewski both score for the surging Huskies. They will look to keep in rolling next week against MV.
Friday, October 14, 2011
It's on! Week 7...
Hanover @ Monadnock
Poulin, Bolewski, Rehemer and that Stalwart Husky defense host Cavallaro, Gorman, Keating and crew in a matchup that could be closer than the record indicates. The Husky defense better have their coverages down as the Marauder air attack comes to town. Even still, Huskies pull this one out 21-20.
Lebanon @ Stark
Drew, Morril, Henry and company come into town riding a 2 game win streak. This week makes it 3. Raiders win 28-7.
Kennet @ Trinity
Trinity Defense will be too much tonight. Pioneers roll on 31-7.
Kingswood @ Laconia
Possibly no Meyers means the Sachems bounce back and David Mahoney gets to rest his ankle for the last 2 quarters...this one's over early as the Sachems will be on a mission after last week. Laconia 38 - Knights 0.
Plymouth @ MV
Plymouth tightens it's grip on the 2nd seed... Bobcats 35 Pride 21.
Poulin, Bolewski, Rehemer and that Stalwart Husky defense host Cavallaro, Gorman, Keating and crew in a matchup that could be closer than the record indicates. The Husky defense better have their coverages down as the Marauder air attack comes to town. Even still, Huskies pull this one out 21-20.
Lebanon @ Stark
Drew, Morril, Henry and company come into town riding a 2 game win streak. This week makes it 3. Raiders win 28-7.
Kennet @ Trinity
Trinity Defense will be too much tonight. Pioneers roll on 31-7.
Kingswood @ Laconia
Possibly no Meyers means the Sachems bounce back and David Mahoney gets to rest his ankle for the last 2 quarters...this one's over early as the Sachems will be on a mission after last week. Laconia 38 - Knights 0.
Plymouth @ MV
Plymouth tightens it's grip on the 2nd seed... Bobcats 35 Pride 21.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Week 6 down...and then there were 3 games left.
Plymouth steps up and controls the Sachems in a pivotal 35 - 14 Win
It was a beautiful day (if a bit hot) and the Bobcats were on a mission. They were predominately running the ball all day, and it was QB Will Horan and RB Taylor Newberry who made plays all day. The Bobcats were clicking on all cylinders from the opening kickoff straight through to the end of the Game. Newberry with his high knees was chunking off yardage all day long as was Cole Brooker who seemed to bang out a 1st down every time he touched the ball.
The problem for the Sachems started early as they simply could not shut down Plymouth in the first half. The Bobcats moved the ball at will with both Will Horan and Newbury crashing through to the end zone on short runs inside the Sachems 5 yard line.
David Mahoney ran the ball well for the Sachems, and managed to get Laconia within 7 on a 10 yard scamper in the 2nd quarter.
Plymouth took the ball over on their own 38 and QB Will Horan connected with K. Reisert ( I told you they could throw the ball as well) for 40 yards inside the Sachem 5 yard line. Newberry pounded through to the end zone 21-7 Bobcats.
Starting at their own 20, Laconia QB Scott Ruggieri hooked up with Steele for 25. He then connected on another pass to the TE who then lateralled to David "Motor" Mahoney who trucked down to the Bobcat goal line. His number was called again, and Mahoney found paydirt 21-14 Plymouth. Momentum in favor of Sachems as the half appeared to be closing.
The Bobcats though were not done. After returning the kickoff to their own 40, QB Horan connected with Brooker for 25 yards as the clock was ticking down. Next play it's Newberry bursting through for another 25 yard run bringing the Bobcats inside the Sachem 10. Horan then fires one to the other Reisert for a TD...and in the span of less than 30 seconds it was like the air was sucked out of the Sachem faithful Plymouth up 28-14. The second half was a stark contrast to the first with the only scoring coming on another Horan to Resiert connection for a 25 yard TD and a final score of 35-14 in favor of the hometown Bobcats.
Lebanon 33 - MV 14
The Raider Defense was stingy again Friday night...allowing 200+ to the MV Spread attack. Dylan Drew and Alexander Morril came up big again for the Raiders having big nights defensively as did sophomore Grayson Hardy.
Phil Hwang, Luke Gerow, and Cody Pelletier all scored and Drew rushed for 100 yards and as Lebanon continued to find the endzone against the MV D. For the Pride, Freshman QB Ivan Niyomugabo and Junior All State QB Cody Thurston combined for 200+ yards in the air. Justin Abbott and Tim Barton hauled in numerous passes, but it just wasn't enough to overcome the stingy Raider Defense.
Hanover blasts Kingswood - 42 -0.
The struggling Knights continue to look for their first win of the season. Cavallaro and company pick up win 2. Hanover could run the table here and end up 5-4 on the season.
Kennet drops a big one to Monadnock 26-10
The Huskies take a marathon ride to Kennet, get off the bus and get off big time. They go home winners and get the tie break should they need it. Touchdowns from Jake Dubois, Jesse Leiby, and Drew Bolewski helped propel them into a tie with the Eagles for 4th place.
Trinity beats up on Stark 38-14
Carson Dunn and Colby Decotis each rushed for touchdowns for Stark while Nic Lloyd made two catches, ran for 35 yards and kicked two extra points in a losing effort as the Trinity machine keeps on trucking...led by Josh Hughes, Lauderdale, Chambers, Carrier, Leonard...do I need to keep going :)
It was a beautiful day (if a bit hot) and the Bobcats were on a mission. They were predominately running the ball all day, and it was QB Will Horan and RB Taylor Newberry who made plays all day. The Bobcats were clicking on all cylinders from the opening kickoff straight through to the end of the Game. Newberry with his high knees was chunking off yardage all day long as was Cole Brooker who seemed to bang out a 1st down every time he touched the ball.
The problem for the Sachems started early as they simply could not shut down Plymouth in the first half. The Bobcats moved the ball at will with both Will Horan and Newbury crashing through to the end zone on short runs inside the Sachems 5 yard line.
David Mahoney ran the ball well for the Sachems, and managed to get Laconia within 7 on a 10 yard scamper in the 2nd quarter.
Plymouth took the ball over on their own 38 and QB Will Horan connected with K. Reisert ( I told you they could throw the ball as well) for 40 yards inside the Sachem 5 yard line. Newberry pounded through to the end zone 21-7 Bobcats.
Starting at their own 20, Laconia QB Scott Ruggieri hooked up with Steele for 25. He then connected on another pass to the TE who then lateralled to David "Motor" Mahoney who trucked down to the Bobcat goal line. His number was called again, and Mahoney found paydirt 21-14 Plymouth. Momentum in favor of Sachems as the half appeared to be closing.
The Bobcats though were not done. After returning the kickoff to their own 40, QB Horan connected with Brooker for 25 yards as the clock was ticking down. Next play it's Newberry bursting through for another 25 yard run bringing the Bobcats inside the Sachem 10. Horan then fires one to the other Reisert for a TD...and in the span of less than 30 seconds it was like the air was sucked out of the Sachem faithful Plymouth up 28-14. The second half was a stark contrast to the first with the only scoring coming on another Horan to Resiert connection for a 25 yard TD and a final score of 35-14 in favor of the hometown Bobcats.
Lebanon 33 - MV 14
The Raider Defense was stingy again Friday night...allowing 200+ to the MV Spread attack. Dylan Drew and Alexander Morril came up big again for the Raiders having big nights defensively as did sophomore Grayson Hardy.
Phil Hwang, Luke Gerow, and Cody Pelletier all scored and Drew rushed for 100 yards and as Lebanon continued to find the endzone against the MV D. For the Pride, Freshman QB Ivan Niyomugabo and Junior All State QB Cody Thurston combined for 200+ yards in the air. Justin Abbott and Tim Barton hauled in numerous passes, but it just wasn't enough to overcome the stingy Raider Defense.
Hanover blasts Kingswood - 42 -0.
The struggling Knights continue to look for their first win of the season. Cavallaro and company pick up win 2. Hanover could run the table here and end up 5-4 on the season.
Kennet drops a big one to Monadnock 26-10
The Huskies take a marathon ride to Kennet, get off the bus and get off big time. They go home winners and get the tie break should they need it. Touchdowns from Jake Dubois, Jesse Leiby, and Drew Bolewski helped propel them into a tie with the Eagles for 4th place.
Trinity beats up on Stark 38-14
Carson Dunn and Colby Decotis each rushed for touchdowns for Stark while Nic Lloyd made two catches, ran for 35 yards and kicked two extra points in a losing effort as the Trinity machine keeps on trucking...led by Josh Hughes, Lauderdale, Chambers, Carrier, Leonard...do I need to keep going :)
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Is it Week 6 already?
No really, it seems like the season just started!!!
Hanover hosts Kingswood
Hanover looks to get win #2 this week as they host the Knights. The Marauders struggled last week to contain Plymouth and will look to shore up their Defense against the the double wing of Kingswood. They'll have to watch out for Kohl Meyers who's shown he has the speed to break one at any time, and if BJ Smith get over the limp that held him in check most of the game last Friday, they could suprise the Marauders. For Hanover's part look for them to air it out and spread the defense. They like to throw the football and have numerous threats downfield. The problem for the knights will be covering Gorman and Ferraris as well as spying Cavallaro who's extremely fast...if he get's into a foot race, he will take it to the house.
My guess is that Hanover has too many weapons for the Knights, but look for this one to have some scoring. Hanover on top 42 - 35.
Trinity hosts Stark
Not much to say here that hasn't already been said. Tough to argue with what the Pioneers bring to the table this year. No one has been able to take their train off the track. Make no mistake they're not the little train that could, rather the freight train that's going to run you over and not bother looking back. They execute with precision and have shown some flexibility when needed. A very dangerous team to play. The rest of the field is simply playing catch up at this point. This week the train keeps on rolling. Trinity 40 Stark 7.
Kennet hosts Monadnock
As far as the playoff picture is concerned, this game has more impact than any other this week. This one could very well decide the 4th playoff spot. A win by Kennet puts them at 5-1 and Monadnock at 3-3 and the Eagles are clearly in the driver's seat. A Monadnock victory would muddy the water somewhat putting both teams at 4-2 with the Huskies getting the head to head W.
Kennet gets Trinity, Laconia and Kingswood while the Huskies get Hanover, MV and Laconia.
Odds would say given those remaining games, this might put the favorite in the hands of the Huskies. Regardless this game is big. Jake Poulin and Drew Bolewski have both shown a nice mix of speed and power and willingness to drop a shoulder and run people over when needed. Their Defense is TOUGH as nails. Big Nick Dragon heads up a line that will throw down with the best of D IV. Kennet has a similar game. Nick Massa is a power guy that has better than just good speed. Jesse Wheeler has shown he can run the Eagles ship and has them off to an impressive start. Limiting mistakes and keeping them executing will be key to their victory this week as their line will be tested as will Massa's ability to break the first tackle. If he can get to the second level Eagles win.
I'm going with a close one, Monadnock wins on the road 24-21 in OT.
Lebanon hosts MV
MV brings a potent passing game to Lebanon this week. QB Cody Thurston is sharing the ball nicely and doing time at RB as well as they bring in a new Freshmen QB from time to time. They put up 64 on Kingswood and 22 on Kennet, but also allowed 40+ from Kingswood and 44 from Kennet.
Early on Lebanon's problem was scoring points, and based on last weeks performance they seem to have righted that ship. There Defense has been solid all year thus far with ILB Dylan Drew, LB Chris Henry and Alexander Morril all having All State caliber seasons again. I can't see MV scoring more than 20 on a healthy Raider defense.
If the Raiders can avoid turning the ball over I look for them to win this one with Defense. Raiders 28 - MV 14.
Plymouth hosts Laconia
As important as the Kennet/Monadnock game was, this one will set the tone for what I feel will be a 1st round playoff matchup between these 2 teams. Brooker and Newberry will have their hands full with Steele and Mahoney this week. Up to this point, they haven't seen the speed that these guys possess coming off tackle. They will have to be on their game to stop the Sachems machine. The same is true when you flip sides...add Brandon Goodale to the mix and you have 3 backs that can cause the Sachems D fits. Plus Plymouth will go to the air with efficiency and go there as often as needed.
The big tipping point imo is up front in the trenches. As you can tell I'm on the Sachem wagon when it comes to this Line. They cannot be matched by any team in DIV. They will excert their will on you from the first play, pound you into the dirt and just keep on grinding away. Even still this will be a close game...and I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'll be there and I suspect the Sachems will come out on top, defeating Plymouth 28-21.
Good luck everyone!
Hanover hosts Kingswood
Hanover looks to get win #2 this week as they host the Knights. The Marauders struggled last week to contain Plymouth and will look to shore up their Defense against the the double wing of Kingswood. They'll have to watch out for Kohl Meyers who's shown he has the speed to break one at any time, and if BJ Smith get over the limp that held him in check most of the game last Friday, they could suprise the Marauders. For Hanover's part look for them to air it out and spread the defense. They like to throw the football and have numerous threats downfield. The problem for the knights will be covering Gorman and Ferraris as well as spying Cavallaro who's extremely fast...if he get's into a foot race, he will take it to the house.
My guess is that Hanover has too many weapons for the Knights, but look for this one to have some scoring. Hanover on top 42 - 35.
Trinity hosts Stark
Not much to say here that hasn't already been said. Tough to argue with what the Pioneers bring to the table this year. No one has been able to take their train off the track. Make no mistake they're not the little train that could, rather the freight train that's going to run you over and not bother looking back. They execute with precision and have shown some flexibility when needed. A very dangerous team to play. The rest of the field is simply playing catch up at this point. This week the train keeps on rolling. Trinity 40 Stark 7.
Kennet hosts Monadnock
As far as the playoff picture is concerned, this game has more impact than any other this week. This one could very well decide the 4th playoff spot. A win by Kennet puts them at 5-1 and Monadnock at 3-3 and the Eagles are clearly in the driver's seat. A Monadnock victory would muddy the water somewhat putting both teams at 4-2 with the Huskies getting the head to head W.
Kennet gets Trinity, Laconia and Kingswood while the Huskies get Hanover, MV and Laconia.
Odds would say given those remaining games, this might put the favorite in the hands of the Huskies. Regardless this game is big. Jake Poulin and Drew Bolewski have both shown a nice mix of speed and power and willingness to drop a shoulder and run people over when needed. Their Defense is TOUGH as nails. Big Nick Dragon heads up a line that will throw down with the best of D IV. Kennet has a similar game. Nick Massa is a power guy that has better than just good speed. Jesse Wheeler has shown he can run the Eagles ship and has them off to an impressive start. Limiting mistakes and keeping them executing will be key to their victory this week as their line will be tested as will Massa's ability to break the first tackle. If he can get to the second level Eagles win.
I'm going with a close one, Monadnock wins on the road 24-21 in OT.
Lebanon hosts MV
MV brings a potent passing game to Lebanon this week. QB Cody Thurston is sharing the ball nicely and doing time at RB as well as they bring in a new Freshmen QB from time to time. They put up 64 on Kingswood and 22 on Kennet, but also allowed 40+ from Kingswood and 44 from Kennet.
Early on Lebanon's problem was scoring points, and based on last weeks performance they seem to have righted that ship. There Defense has been solid all year thus far with ILB Dylan Drew, LB Chris Henry and Alexander Morril all having All State caliber seasons again. I can't see MV scoring more than 20 on a healthy Raider defense.
If the Raiders can avoid turning the ball over I look for them to win this one with Defense. Raiders 28 - MV 14.
Plymouth hosts Laconia
As important as the Kennet/Monadnock game was, this one will set the tone for what I feel will be a 1st round playoff matchup between these 2 teams. Brooker and Newberry will have their hands full with Steele and Mahoney this week. Up to this point, they haven't seen the speed that these guys possess coming off tackle. They will have to be on their game to stop the Sachems machine. The same is true when you flip sides...add Brandon Goodale to the mix and you have 3 backs that can cause the Sachems D fits. Plus Plymouth will go to the air with efficiency and go there as often as needed.
The big tipping point imo is up front in the trenches. As you can tell I'm on the Sachem wagon when it comes to this Line. They cannot be matched by any team in DIV. They will excert their will on you from the first play, pound you into the dirt and just keep on grinding away. Even still this will be a close game...and I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'll be there and I suspect the Sachems will come out on top, defeating Plymouth 28-21.
Good luck everyone!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Week 5 is in the books. No surprises, Trinity, Laconia, Kennet and Plymouth all come out on top and the Raiders get win #1!
Lebanon 31 Kingswood 7 -
A great night for football in Wolfboro. Not too hot or cold, just right. In the end though, the Raiders were in control of this game from beginning to end. First of all let me say if you've never been to the Knights field, you're missing out. What a beautiful facility. I've had the pleasure of coming here twice and it really is quite a place.
My biggest question mark this night was really what/why is the Raider O failing to score points this year. They did not have problems this game. While I understand the Kingswood D is struggling this year, I'm left to assume that the Raiders must have some kids back from injury. Sophomore QB Luke Gerow scored twice for the Raiders showing nice speed and moves to the outside, while Phil Hwang also scored and perfect in kicking all there extra points as well as a 30 yard FG. FB Drew doesn't seem to carry the ball much (maybe 3 times or so), but rather lead blocks (and well) for Hwang coming out of the backfield as he seems to be the workhorse for the Offense getting the majority of the carries.
Defense for the Raiders this night was exceptional. All State ILBs Dylan Drew and Chris Henry were all over the field making plays and in the Knight backfield all night long. Both had multiple tackles for losses and were harrassing RB Kohl Meyers and QB Cam Whitcomb all night (no pun intended) long. D Linemen Walker Camp and Alexander Morril were also strong up front for the Raider D. DBs Girdwood and Pelletier each had a pick for the Raiders, but perhpas the play of the night came with DE Hardy came untouched and blocked a Whitcomb pass into his own hands and while never losing stride scampered 30 yards for a pick 6.
For the 1st 3 quarters, the Knights were basically unable to move the football. Things opened up for them in the fourth though, as Whitcomb connected with Meyers on a nice pass inside the Raider 20. Meyers juked out the DB. scampered down field and lowered his head breaking through to the end zone with under 4 minutes to play. Penalties plagued the Knights all evening long as multiple block in the back calls and false starts nullified many nice plays they had and made it difficult to get drives going.
In other notes FB/LB BJ Smith had a noticeable limp and appeared to be playing hurt from the outset and was still managing to make plays defensively and throw down some nice blocks on the offensive side of the ball. All that and still smiling on the sidelines. LB Noah Demaio mad a number of big plays defensively for the Knights, he showed good closing speed and the ability to take good angles and wrap up the tackle when given the opportunity.
Kohl Meyers is clearly the Knights goto guy...and it's easy to see why. He's a very fast guy who can make people miss and he has break away speed. A two way player and his motor was running from start to finish, with a couple more pieces to their puzzle these guys could be a team to watch in the future.
Plymouth 37 Hanover 7 -
The Bobcats were able to contain Cavallaro and the Hanover spread offense jumping out to a huge lead before putting the younger kids in. My guy at the game said Newberry was an absolute force and that the Plymouth Linbacking core was able to contain Cavallaro all night. There score came late in the game and that Plymouth looked impressive!
Laconia 34 John Stark 6 -
The Sachem machine keeps on rolling.
With both teams coming up big in Week 5, the stage is set for what could be a preliminary to another dogfight in these two powerhouse rivals history. Plymouth and Laconia next week...both with multiple weapons, speed, power and execution I can't wait.
Frontiero and Grant both had fumble recovery's that converted to TDs early on for the Sachems. QB Scott Ruggieri connected for a 50 yard TD strike putting them up 21-0 shortly after.
For Stark Dunn rushed well and Franco completed half his passes but the Sachems were just too much this week. Mahoney rushed for another 100 plus playing only a half of football. They will gear up now for next weeks rival game against powerhouse Plymouth. This one should be fun and HC will be there !
Kennett 44 MV 22 -
With the other 3 top teams in the Division the Eagles get overlooked by some. However, with a power runner like Nick Massa and a top notch Defense these guys can beat anyone and shouldn't be underestimated. Their test will come in this back half of the season though as they face Monadnock Trinity and Laconia over the next 3 weeks. We will have a better idea of where they stand over the coming weeks. However as of week 5, there record puts them in the drivers seat for a strong position as the playoffs get closer. Staying healthy and executing down the stretch will be key.
Trinity 16 Monadnock 7 -
This was a tough nosed slugfest from beginning to end. Trinity jumped on top early and converted their 2 point conversion to go up 8-0. Howeveer, the Huskies answered on Jake Poulin's dive and an extra point later it's 8-7 Pioneers.
The score remained that way into the 4th quarter with both teams playing tough, stingy defense. Monadnock got deep into Trinity territory early in the 4th but was unable to convert on a 4th and short. The very next play, Mr. Football contender Josh Hughes rumbles 70 + for some breathing room and a converted 2 pointer made what would be the final score of 16-7.
The min-bus - Drew Bolewski also ran for 68 yards on 19 carries for Monadnock, while Josh Hughes had another 100+ yards and FB Carrier had 90.
The Huskies will have a huge game as they travel to Kennett this week in what could be a deciding game for the 4th playoff spot.
A great night for football in Wolfboro. Not too hot or cold, just right. In the end though, the Raiders were in control of this game from beginning to end. First of all let me say if you've never been to the Knights field, you're missing out. What a beautiful facility. I've had the pleasure of coming here twice and it really is quite a place.
My biggest question mark this night was really what/why is the Raider O failing to score points this year. They did not have problems this game. While I understand the Kingswood D is struggling this year, I'm left to assume that the Raiders must have some kids back from injury. Sophomore QB Luke Gerow scored twice for the Raiders showing nice speed and moves to the outside, while Phil Hwang also scored and perfect in kicking all there extra points as well as a 30 yard FG. FB Drew doesn't seem to carry the ball much (maybe 3 times or so), but rather lead blocks (and well) for Hwang coming out of the backfield as he seems to be the workhorse for the Offense getting the majority of the carries.
Defense for the Raiders this night was exceptional. All State ILBs Dylan Drew and Chris Henry were all over the field making plays and in the Knight backfield all night long. Both had multiple tackles for losses and were harrassing RB Kohl Meyers and QB Cam Whitcomb all night (no pun intended) long. D Linemen Walker Camp and Alexander Morril were also strong up front for the Raider D. DBs Girdwood and Pelletier each had a pick for the Raiders, but perhpas the play of the night came with DE Hardy came untouched and blocked a Whitcomb pass into his own hands and while never losing stride scampered 30 yards for a pick 6.
For the 1st 3 quarters, the Knights were basically unable to move the football. Things opened up for them in the fourth though, as Whitcomb connected with Meyers on a nice pass inside the Raider 20. Meyers juked out the DB. scampered down field and lowered his head breaking through to the end zone with under 4 minutes to play. Penalties plagued the Knights all evening long as multiple block in the back calls and false starts nullified many nice plays they had and made it difficult to get drives going.
In other notes FB/LB BJ Smith had a noticeable limp and appeared to be playing hurt from the outset and was still managing to make plays defensively and throw down some nice blocks on the offensive side of the ball. All that and still smiling on the sidelines. LB Noah Demaio mad a number of big plays defensively for the Knights, he showed good closing speed and the ability to take good angles and wrap up the tackle when given the opportunity.
Kohl Meyers is clearly the Knights goto guy...and it's easy to see why. He's a very fast guy who can make people miss and he has break away speed. A two way player and his motor was running from start to finish, with a couple more pieces to their puzzle these guys could be a team to watch in the future.
Plymouth 37 Hanover 7 -
The Bobcats were able to contain Cavallaro and the Hanover spread offense jumping out to a huge lead before putting the younger kids in. My guy at the game said Newberry was an absolute force and that the Plymouth Linbacking core was able to contain Cavallaro all night. There score came late in the game and that Plymouth looked impressive!
Laconia 34 John Stark 6 -
The Sachem machine keeps on rolling.
With both teams coming up big in Week 5, the stage is set for what could be a preliminary to another dogfight in these two powerhouse rivals history. Plymouth and Laconia next week...both with multiple weapons, speed, power and execution I can't wait.
Frontiero and Grant both had fumble recovery's that converted to TDs early on for the Sachems. QB Scott Ruggieri connected for a 50 yard TD strike putting them up 21-0 shortly after.
For Stark Dunn rushed well and Franco completed half his passes but the Sachems were just too much this week. Mahoney rushed for another 100 plus playing only a half of football. They will gear up now for next weeks rival game against powerhouse Plymouth. This one should be fun and HC will be there !
Kennett 44 MV 22 -
With the other 3 top teams in the Division the Eagles get overlooked by some. However, with a power runner like Nick Massa and a top notch Defense these guys can beat anyone and shouldn't be underestimated. Their test will come in this back half of the season though as they face Monadnock Trinity and Laconia over the next 3 weeks. We will have a better idea of where they stand over the coming weeks. However as of week 5, there record puts them in the drivers seat for a strong position as the playoffs get closer. Staying healthy and executing down the stretch will be key.
Trinity 16 Monadnock 7 -
This was a tough nosed slugfest from beginning to end. Trinity jumped on top early and converted their 2 point conversion to go up 8-0. Howeveer, the Huskies answered on Jake Poulin's dive and an extra point later it's 8-7 Pioneers.
The score remained that way into the 4th quarter with both teams playing tough, stingy defense. Monadnock got deep into Trinity territory early in the 4th but was unable to convert on a 4th and short. The very next play, Mr. Football contender Josh Hughes rumbles 70 + for some breathing room and a converted 2 pointer made what would be the final score of 16-7.
The min-bus - Drew Bolewski also ran for 68 yards on 19 carries for Monadnock, while Josh Hughes had another 100+ yards and FB Carrier had 90.
The Huskies will have a huge game as they travel to Kennett this week in what could be a deciding game for the 4th playoff spot.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Crossing the half way point...Week 5 has arrived.
So let's see, Week 5 is coming up as we cross the half way point. This upcoming week: Lebanon (0-4) plays Kingswood (0-4).
Plymouth(3-1) plays Hanover (1-3) -
This could be an interesting matchup (records aside). Plymouth has a strong defense let by Brooker, Newberry, and Reisert. They have a stong offense with a nice mix of pass and run. I've had the chance to see them play twice this year and Newberry looks very good. A strong North/South guy with high knees and an explosive running style. Brandon Goodale is there make you miss guy, with good speed and nice moves, a very crafty runner. On the Hanover side they will spread the field and test the DB/LB coverage from the first snap. Dan Gorman, Cyrus Rothwell-Ferrari will bring down pretty much anything thrown there way...and once you start thinking pass Cavallaro will find a seam and take off and run with the ball. So the defense has to somehow contain him as he has true break-away speed. This one could be a lot closer than the records would make you think.
I'm going with Plymouth in this one, HOWEVER, if Hanover wins this game (looking at the rest of their schedule) they could run the table and make the playoffs this year. You heard it here first.
Laconia (3-1) plays Stark (2-2) -
As good as start as Stark has gotten off to, Laconia is simply too talented. Their front line with the likes of Hurley, Hollis, Mears and Mahoney are massive and physical up front. Add to that the David Mahoney and Ronnie Steele coming out of the backfield you've got as big a 1-2 punch as you'll find in D IV this year. Scott Ruggieri is coming into his own as the season wears on and Chris Frontiero has very good speed to round out the backfield for the Sachems. These guys are the real deal this year, make no mistake they have the tools to win it all and this week will be yet one more step to the D IV Championship game. Sachems win this one big.
Kennet (3-1) plays MV (1-3)
Nick Massa will have a huge game against the Pride this week. While MV showed us last week that Cody Thurston can put up big numbers. Tim Barton and Justin Abbot have shown the ability to get open and make plays...however, it's the defense of Kennet that will win the day. Massa goes for 150+ in this one and Kennet wins by 14.
Trinity (4-0) plays Monadnock (3-1) -
Could be an interesting matchup, however, I just don't think the Huskies have the weapons to beat Trinity. Hughes is having a banner year this year. The Pioneer defense is suffocating and quicker than expected. Add to that a new dimension they pulled out in last weeks victory by switching up to a spread offense and they're starting to show some serious maturity and growth as a team. The fact that they were able to execute down the stretch in a pressure situation to come out on top over Plymouth has no doubt stoked their confidence. Similar to Laconia, these guys are just stacked with talent. Josh Hughes is an absolute truck (as is his counterpart Ryan Carrier), Chambers is another shifty runner. They are all about the 3 Ps Patience, Pace and Power. Looke for Trinity to win by 2 scores.
Lebanon (0-4) plays Kingswood (0-4) -
I mentioned earlier that Kohl Meyers scored 6 Touchdowns on his own last week in a losing effort to MV. That is unreal. I haven't had the chance to see them play this year, but I think this might be the week I do so. Lebanon has had a disappointing season to say the least with off field distractions, injuries and losses in key areas. All that said, their Defense while young is led by 3 All State players having good seasons on the defensive side of the Ball. Dylan Drew at ILB (one of HC's personal favorites), Alexander Morril and Chris Henry Lead a defense that has kept Lebanon close in 3 of their games. The key (as it is seems to be each week for these guys) is doing something on the Offensive side of the football. You'd think stepping onto the field as defending champs would be good for at least 14 pride points :) Anyway, we'll see. I'll get to see first hand how the offense looks this week as I journey to Wolfboro.
Good luck to all teams!
Plymouth(3-1) plays Hanover (1-3) -
This could be an interesting matchup (records aside). Plymouth has a strong defense let by Brooker, Newberry, and Reisert. They have a stong offense with a nice mix of pass and run. I've had the chance to see them play twice this year and Newberry looks very good. A strong North/South guy with high knees and an explosive running style. Brandon Goodale is there make you miss guy, with good speed and nice moves, a very crafty runner. On the Hanover side they will spread the field and test the DB/LB coverage from the first snap. Dan Gorman, Cyrus Rothwell-Ferrari will bring down pretty much anything thrown there way...and once you start thinking pass Cavallaro will find a seam and take off and run with the ball. So the defense has to somehow contain him as he has true break-away speed. This one could be a lot closer than the records would make you think.
I'm going with Plymouth in this one, HOWEVER, if Hanover wins this game (looking at the rest of their schedule) they could run the table and make the playoffs this year. You heard it here first.
Laconia (3-1) plays Stark (2-2) -
As good as start as Stark has gotten off to, Laconia is simply too talented. Their front line with the likes of Hurley, Hollis, Mears and Mahoney are massive and physical up front. Add to that the David Mahoney and Ronnie Steele coming out of the backfield you've got as big a 1-2 punch as you'll find in D IV this year. Scott Ruggieri is coming into his own as the season wears on and Chris Frontiero has very good speed to round out the backfield for the Sachems. These guys are the real deal this year, make no mistake they have the tools to win it all and this week will be yet one more step to the D IV Championship game. Sachems win this one big.
Kennet (3-1) plays MV (1-3)
Nick Massa will have a huge game against the Pride this week. While MV showed us last week that Cody Thurston can put up big numbers. Tim Barton and Justin Abbot have shown the ability to get open and make plays...however, it's the defense of Kennet that will win the day. Massa goes for 150+ in this one and Kennet wins by 14.
Trinity (4-0) plays Monadnock (3-1) -
Could be an interesting matchup, however, I just don't think the Huskies have the weapons to beat Trinity. Hughes is having a banner year this year. The Pioneer defense is suffocating and quicker than expected. Add to that a new dimension they pulled out in last weeks victory by switching up to a spread offense and they're starting to show some serious maturity and growth as a team. The fact that they were able to execute down the stretch in a pressure situation to come out on top over Plymouth has no doubt stoked their confidence. Similar to Laconia, these guys are just stacked with talent. Josh Hughes is an absolute truck (as is his counterpart Ryan Carrier), Chambers is another shifty runner. They are all about the 3 Ps Patience, Pace and Power. Looke for Trinity to win by 2 scores.
Lebanon (0-4) plays Kingswood (0-4) -
I mentioned earlier that Kohl Meyers scored 6 Touchdowns on his own last week in a losing effort to MV. That is unreal. I haven't had the chance to see them play this year, but I think this might be the week I do so. Lebanon has had a disappointing season to say the least with off field distractions, injuries and losses in key areas. All that said, their Defense while young is led by 3 All State players having good seasons on the defensive side of the Ball. Dylan Drew at ILB (one of HC's personal favorites), Alexander Morril and Chris Henry Lead a defense that has kept Lebanon close in 3 of their games. The key (as it is seems to be each week for these guys) is doing something on the Offensive side of the football. You'd think stepping onto the field as defending champs would be good for at least 14 pride points :) Anyway, we'll see. I'll get to see first hand how the offense looks this week as I journey to Wolfboro.
Good luck to all teams!
Monday, September 26, 2011
I'm back!! Sorry for being away :) Week 4 is in the books!
Well, I've had some time away. Sorry for the absence folks however, I'm back now and hopefully making more posts as we cross mid season. At this point, the front runners have made themselves clear and unlike last year where we had 2 horses pulling away from the field...Plymouth, Laconia and Trinity have established themselves solidly as the top 3 teams. While Kennet and Monadnock are also both 3-1, they both still need to play Laconia and Trinity as well as playing each other. So, I think both teams will be underdogs when playing Trinity and Laconia, which means their head to head matchup could very well determine which team moves on to get that fourth playoff spot.
Trinity, Laconia and Plymouth, have shown they all belong on the same field together. Both the Trinity/Laconia and the Plymouth/Trinity matchups were close and could have gone either way. In fact this weekend's victory by Trinity required them to abandon their power game and go to a Spread offense and take it to the air on the final drive. Goodale was injured early on in this one, he's a favorite of HC! Hope you get your wheels back Brandon! Newberry, Hughes, Lauderdale and Chambers all had very good games in this slugfest. I can't wait to see the rematch in November!
In other news this week, MV put up a season high 64 points in getting their first victory of the season over Kingswood congrats MV! Cody Thurston threw and ran for 100+ yards for the Pride and the Knights Kohl Meyers scored 6 (that's right 6) Touchdowns with 500 + all around yards for Kingswood. Impressive!
Surprisingly, it took Lebanon 4 games to score it's first points of the season. While I was not there, I did have eyes at the game. Special Teams and perimeter defense continued to plague the Raiders. The middle of the Raider defense was solid all day, however, both Mahoney and Steele were able to go off Tackle and break off big gainers outside, along with a big time return from Steele for 6. Hollis and B. Mahoney played solid up front for the Sachems. Drew, Morril and Henry continued to make plays all day for the Raiders on both sides of the ball throughout for what must be a frustrating season for the defending champs. Also looked like Drew might have been injured in the 4th quarter.
And while they suffered defeat at the hands of playoff contender Monadnock congrats to the Stark Generals for their 2-2 start to the 2011 season. Keep up the good work Generals! More later....
Trinity, Laconia and Plymouth, have shown they all belong on the same field together. Both the Trinity/Laconia and the Plymouth/Trinity matchups were close and could have gone either way. In fact this weekend's victory by Trinity required them to abandon their power game and go to a Spread offense and take it to the air on the final drive. Goodale was injured early on in this one, he's a favorite of HC! Hope you get your wheels back Brandon! Newberry, Hughes, Lauderdale and Chambers all had very good games in this slugfest. I can't wait to see the rematch in November!
In other news this week, MV put up a season high 64 points in getting their first victory of the season over Kingswood congrats MV! Cody Thurston threw and ran for 100+ yards for the Pride and the Knights Kohl Meyers scored 6 (that's right 6) Touchdowns with 500 + all around yards for Kingswood. Impressive!
Surprisingly, it took Lebanon 4 games to score it's first points of the season. While I was not there, I did have eyes at the game. Special Teams and perimeter defense continued to plague the Raiders. The middle of the Raider defense was solid all day, however, both Mahoney and Steele were able to go off Tackle and break off big gainers outside, along with a big time return from Steele for 6. Hollis and B. Mahoney played solid up front for the Sachems. Drew, Morril and Henry continued to make plays all day for the Raiders on both sides of the ball throughout for what must be a frustrating season for the defending champs. Also looked like Drew might have been injured in the 4th quarter.
And while they suffered defeat at the hands of playoff contender Monadnock congrats to the Stark Generals for their 2-2 start to the 2011 season. Keep up the good work Generals! More later....
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Week 2 in the books and the favorites begin to show themselves
Laconia routed the MV Pride 59-12 this week cementing their stake as one of the front runners for the title this year.
All Star David Mahoney returned another kick off 80 yards for a TD, and both he and Ronnie Steele (who also scored in this game) rushed for more than a hundred yards this game. The Sachems simply had too many weapons for MV. Despite their best efforts what was most evident in this game was the dominance of the Sachems line. They simply exerted their will on the MV front and moved them wherever they wanted on both sides of the ball.
Billy Mahoney had a great game scoring defensively as he picked up a fumbled snap by MV Cody Thurston and was off to the races, zooming down the sideline for the score. Ronnie Steele also had a nice pick off and return. They (and we all) look forward to their week 3 matchup against Trinity (could be a preview to the championship). I know it's early, I'm just saying :)
The entire Sachems line performed well Hurley, Hollis, Mahoney, and company and showed they will be a force for everyone this year. The Division should take notice and if they don't, these guys will make you pay in spades.
Lebanon fell to the Huskies of Monadnock 21-0 as turnovers on their struggling offense continue to plague the defending champs. Monadnock was steady and consistent in it's execution. They had there moments of struggling as well though with multiple turnovers and didn't really dominate so much as they did capitalize on the Raider mistakes and stagnant offense.
They had one score on a nice blocked punt covered by Huskies in the end zone and turned a recovered Raider fumble into 6. Multiple turnovers allowed the stalwart Huskies to start deep in Raider territory for most of the game. Senior Captain of the Huskies Nick Dragon and the Husky line held Morril in check on both sides of the ball and Poulin and Bolewski played particularly well.
For Lebanon's part 3 plus turnovers, 2 costly fumbles from their half back and interceptions (2 of which were inside Husky territory) cost them dearly.
For positive notes, defensively the Raiders were again very tough. Dylan Drew recorded a sack and fumble recovery and Chris Henry had a Int (and both had 10 plus tackles). The problem for the raiders is not defense...it's figuring out how to score.
Trinity blows out Hanover 46-14. The Pioneers continue to roll this season. Even after losing half their line and their starting QB last year...they are scoring at will on their first two opponents in this young season. Next week will be the real test for them. The question will be whether or not they can contain the big play potential of the Sachems and keep Mahoney and Steele in check.
While they are very strong this year, there is NOT a faster team than Laconia in the division...and they're also huge up front. The question will be can Chambers, Hughes and company execute and keep there machine rolling with that speedy defense. We'll see. This is my feature game next week.
In other games, Plymouth, Newberry and Goodale continue to roll defeating Kingswood soundly 56-20.
Stark lost to Kennett 34-20. More later...
All Star David Mahoney returned another kick off 80 yards for a TD, and both he and Ronnie Steele (who also scored in this game) rushed for more than a hundred yards this game. The Sachems simply had too many weapons for MV. Despite their best efforts what was most evident in this game was the dominance of the Sachems line. They simply exerted their will on the MV front and moved them wherever they wanted on both sides of the ball.
Billy Mahoney had a great game scoring defensively as he picked up a fumbled snap by MV Cody Thurston and was off to the races, zooming down the sideline for the score. Ronnie Steele also had a nice pick off and return. They (and we all) look forward to their week 3 matchup against Trinity (could be a preview to the championship). I know it's early, I'm just saying :)
The entire Sachems line performed well Hurley, Hollis, Mahoney, and company and showed they will be a force for everyone this year. The Division should take notice and if they don't, these guys will make you pay in spades.
Lebanon fell to the Huskies of Monadnock 21-0 as turnovers on their struggling offense continue to plague the defending champs. Monadnock was steady and consistent in it's execution. They had there moments of struggling as well though with multiple turnovers and didn't really dominate so much as they did capitalize on the Raider mistakes and stagnant offense.
They had one score on a nice blocked punt covered by Huskies in the end zone and turned a recovered Raider fumble into 6. Multiple turnovers allowed the stalwart Huskies to start deep in Raider territory for most of the game. Senior Captain of the Huskies Nick Dragon and the Husky line held Morril in check on both sides of the ball and Poulin and Bolewski played particularly well.
For Lebanon's part 3 plus turnovers, 2 costly fumbles from their half back and interceptions (2 of which were inside Husky territory) cost them dearly.
For positive notes, defensively the Raiders were again very tough. Dylan Drew recorded a sack and fumble recovery and Chris Henry had a Int (and both had 10 plus tackles). The problem for the raiders is not defense...it's figuring out how to score.
Trinity blows out Hanover 46-14. The Pioneers continue to roll this season. Even after losing half their line and their starting QB last year...they are scoring at will on their first two opponents in this young season. Next week will be the real test for them. The question will be whether or not they can contain the big play potential of the Sachems and keep Mahoney and Steele in check.
While they are very strong this year, there is NOT a faster team than Laconia in the division...and they're also huge up front. The question will be can Chambers, Hughes and company execute and keep there machine rolling with that speedy defense. We'll see. This is my feature game next week.
In other games, Plymouth, Newberry and Goodale continue to roll defeating Kingswood soundly 56-20.
Stark lost to Kennett 34-20. More later...
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Welcome to Week #2
Week 2 is upon us in D IV...and while it still remains to be seen who will lead the pack in this young season, I can't help but look forward to week 3 and the Laconia, Trinity match up. I must admit that prior to the season, my thoughts were that this year would be a 3 horse race.
Initially I thought there would be a strong possibility that we would see a rematch in the Title game this year between Lebanon and Trinity. I had the opportunity to watch both those teams play last year and the returning players from both teams made this seem like a very real possibility. Barker and Drew would have provided a veteran 1-2 punch in the Raider backfield to compete with Hughes, Chambers and Carrier in the Pioneer backfield. From there, the nod would IMO have to go to the Raiders line with returning lineman of Morril, Davidson, Henry (2 honorable mention all staters and 1 first team all state). The third team in my preseason scenario was a veteran Sachems team with Mahoney, Steele, and Kemos behind there beast of a line, Hollis, Mahoney part deux and company (all all staters in their own right).
All 3 of these teams would be replacing their QBs so it's a wash there, and all 3 have basically the same core returning on Defense.
All of that being said, I am a speed guy. Chris Barker is simply lightning in a bottle...he was poised to have as good a season as Patch had last year and as fast as the Laconia backs are Barker just had that explosiveness that's innate to good running backs. Add to that Dylan Drew at FB with Morril, Henry, Davidson and whoever would replace Geno on the line and it would be hard to argue with them as preseason favorites.
The Pioneers bring much power to their game and with Masuku at safety and perhaps taking the spot that Hoaglund left they'd also have that speed back to compliment Carrier and Hughes power running.
My how the landscape has changed...it is true from what I understand, that (as one post recently noted). Barker and Judd are not on the Raider roster for disciplinary reasons and Davidson did not come out this year. The Pioneers have lost their speed guy as Masuku did not come out this year.
This leaves the Raiders with 3 returning starters from last years team. Drew, Henry and Morril. This means they have 2 veteran lineman and 1 back offensively. For the Raiders to contend this year, someone needs to step up and make plays for them offensively. Drew is a power runner who was the perfect compliment to Patch and Barker last year, but he excels defensively at Linebacker. That needs to change this year. He will be running behind a pretty good line led by Morril and Henry, but it remains to be seen if a power running game will be enough to get them to the playoffs. Usually the championship teams have that one speed guy who has the chance to break one each time they touch the ball. We'll see as time goes on how this works out for the Raiders.
The Pioneers I think can get away with a power game due to the hide and seek double wing offense they run (and run well). No team in D IV runs this offense with the precision these guys do. Hughes, Chambers and Carrier don't need to have blazing speed. The misdirection and ball fakes allow them to put a hand on the lead blocker and waltz there way up field until the hole opens up. Chunk after chunk they chew the field up burning the clock down and absolutely wearing down defenses.
However, with the departure of the speed and the number of veteran leaders on the Raiders...and the loss of that true speed guy on the Pioneers it's hard not to consider the Sachems the front runners this year. Mahoney and Steele have that break away speed. Their power game will come behind the biggest and baddest line in D IV. Hollis, Hurley and Mahoney will flat out run people over and open holes you can drive a truck through. If Scott Ruggieri can stay consistent for them and provide leadership at QB it's difficult to not see them scoring pionts. So many weapons...and both of their backs are the type that can explode on any play at any point in time. This team will keep their opponents Defensive Coordinator up late that much is for sure.
How's that saying go...defense wins championships. So, this must also be true for the Sachems right? While they gave up 33 to a Hanover team that is also loaded with weapons in Cavallaro (who did show serious potential in a week 1 loss), Cyrus Rothwell-Feraris, Carl Keating, Dan Gorman. All with good speed and size, the Spirits (you remembe those from last year right :)) tell me that if you score 55 that means you can let the other team score 54 if you want, and you're still gonna win! So we'll see how things go.
Finally this week let's not forget about Plymouth. Just last year this time we were all abuzz with the win streak and the powerhouse that is Plymouth. No one needs to be reminded of the names Goodale, Newberry and Brooker. Is it just me or does it seem like these guys have been playing high school football for like 10 years... Anyway, this backfield is just as good as the others mentioned above, Goodale is the speed guy and Newberry and Brooker are the power guys (though Taylor can turn the jets on as well if he sees daylight). Does anyone have higher knees when they run than this kid? They won a tough one against Monadnock last week and are pervasive contenders come playoff time.
Okay, well I've already typed more than I intended and I'm getting tired so let's get to the picks this week.
Hanover visits Trinity - Hanover will not be able to stop the Pioneers in this one, though they will not allow them to run away with this one. Pioneers win this at Gill 32 - 21 (does Trinity kick extra points this year or still only go for 2)?
Stark goes to Kennett - Massa had a great game to start the season. He's a good strong runner with decent speed. If Jesse Wheeler can help the Eagles establish some balance on offense these guys can be right in it come November.
Kennett wins this one 21-8.
Lebanon visits Monadnock - The Raiders need this one. Morril, Henry and Drew need to mold this young team into a unit that can defend the D IV championship. They will have their hands full with Nick Dragon and company though...but I'm going with the Raiders in this one 14-7.
Plymouth travels to Kingswood this week to try and get to 2-0. Goodale and Newberry will have big games. Bobcats win 28-14.
MV travels to Laconia. While Cody Thurston, Dylan Sargent and Justin Abbot are all very good football players. It's always difficult to play in Laconia and it's hard to think they'll be able to match the pure firepower that Laconia can bring to bear. Sachems win big 44-7.
Finally, thanks for all the Facebook adds, hehe I guess I might be up to maybe 20 friends :) please keep them coming. Thanks for reading and until next time good luck to all the teams this week!
Initially I thought there would be a strong possibility that we would see a rematch in the Title game this year between Lebanon and Trinity. I had the opportunity to watch both those teams play last year and the returning players from both teams made this seem like a very real possibility. Barker and Drew would have provided a veteran 1-2 punch in the Raider backfield to compete with Hughes, Chambers and Carrier in the Pioneer backfield. From there, the nod would IMO have to go to the Raiders line with returning lineman of Morril, Davidson, Henry (2 honorable mention all staters and 1 first team all state). The third team in my preseason scenario was a veteran Sachems team with Mahoney, Steele, and Kemos behind there beast of a line, Hollis, Mahoney part deux and company (all all staters in their own right).
All 3 of these teams would be replacing their QBs so it's a wash there, and all 3 have basically the same core returning on Defense.
All of that being said, I am a speed guy. Chris Barker is simply lightning in a bottle...he was poised to have as good a season as Patch had last year and as fast as the Laconia backs are Barker just had that explosiveness that's innate to good running backs. Add to that Dylan Drew at FB with Morril, Henry, Davidson and whoever would replace Geno on the line and it would be hard to argue with them as preseason favorites.
The Pioneers bring much power to their game and with Masuku at safety and perhaps taking the spot that Hoaglund left they'd also have that speed back to compliment Carrier and Hughes power running.
My how the landscape has changed...it is true from what I understand, that (as one post recently noted). Barker and Judd are not on the Raider roster for disciplinary reasons and Davidson did not come out this year. The Pioneers have lost their speed guy as Masuku did not come out this year.
This leaves the Raiders with 3 returning starters from last years team. Drew, Henry and Morril. This means they have 2 veteran lineman and 1 back offensively. For the Raiders to contend this year, someone needs to step up and make plays for them offensively. Drew is a power runner who was the perfect compliment to Patch and Barker last year, but he excels defensively at Linebacker. That needs to change this year. He will be running behind a pretty good line led by Morril and Henry, but it remains to be seen if a power running game will be enough to get them to the playoffs. Usually the championship teams have that one speed guy who has the chance to break one each time they touch the ball. We'll see as time goes on how this works out for the Raiders.
The Pioneers I think can get away with a power game due to the hide and seek double wing offense they run (and run well). No team in D IV runs this offense with the precision these guys do. Hughes, Chambers and Carrier don't need to have blazing speed. The misdirection and ball fakes allow them to put a hand on the lead blocker and waltz there way up field until the hole opens up. Chunk after chunk they chew the field up burning the clock down and absolutely wearing down defenses.
However, with the departure of the speed and the number of veteran leaders on the Raiders...and the loss of that true speed guy on the Pioneers it's hard not to consider the Sachems the front runners this year. Mahoney and Steele have that break away speed. Their power game will come behind the biggest and baddest line in D IV. Hollis, Hurley and Mahoney will flat out run people over and open holes you can drive a truck through. If Scott Ruggieri can stay consistent for them and provide leadership at QB it's difficult to not see them scoring pionts. So many weapons...and both of their backs are the type that can explode on any play at any point in time. This team will keep their opponents Defensive Coordinator up late that much is for sure.
How's that saying go...defense wins championships. So, this must also be true for the Sachems right? While they gave up 33 to a Hanover team that is also loaded with weapons in Cavallaro (who did show serious potential in a week 1 loss), Cyrus Rothwell-Feraris, Carl Keating, Dan Gorman. All with good speed and size, the Spirits (you remembe those from last year right :)) tell me that if you score 55 that means you can let the other team score 54 if you want, and you're still gonna win! So we'll see how things go.
Finally this week let's not forget about Plymouth. Just last year this time we were all abuzz with the win streak and the powerhouse that is Plymouth. No one needs to be reminded of the names Goodale, Newberry and Brooker. Is it just me or does it seem like these guys have been playing high school football for like 10 years... Anyway, this backfield is just as good as the others mentioned above, Goodale is the speed guy and Newberry and Brooker are the power guys (though Taylor can turn the jets on as well if he sees daylight). Does anyone have higher knees when they run than this kid? They won a tough one against Monadnock last week and are pervasive contenders come playoff time.
Okay, well I've already typed more than I intended and I'm getting tired so let's get to the picks this week.
Hanover visits Trinity - Hanover will not be able to stop the Pioneers in this one, though they will not allow them to run away with this one. Pioneers win this at Gill 32 - 21 (does Trinity kick extra points this year or still only go for 2)?
Stark goes to Kennett - Massa had a great game to start the season. He's a good strong runner with decent speed. If Jesse Wheeler can help the Eagles establish some balance on offense these guys can be right in it come November.
Kennett wins this one 21-8.
Lebanon visits Monadnock - The Raiders need this one. Morril, Henry and Drew need to mold this young team into a unit that can defend the D IV championship. They will have their hands full with Nick Dragon and company though...but I'm going with the Raiders in this one 14-7.
Plymouth travels to Kingswood this week to try and get to 2-0. Goodale and Newberry will have big games. Bobcats win 28-14.
MV travels to Laconia. While Cody Thurston, Dylan Sargent and Justin Abbot are all very good football players. It's always difficult to play in Laconia and it's hard to think they'll be able to match the pure firepower that Laconia can bring to bear. Sachems win big 44-7.
Finally, thanks for all the Facebook adds, hehe I guess I might be up to maybe 20 friends :) please keep them coming. Thanks for reading and until next time good luck to all the teams this week!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Week 1...Here we go again!
Well, the first weekend is through:
Trinity defeated MV
Laconia defeated Hanover
Kennett defeated Lebanon
Plymouth defeated Monadnock
Stark defeated Kingswood
After week one a couple things are pretty clear. Trinity is still a force and the clear favorite to win the D IV title. Laconia is the real deal folks...they are loaded with talent at both the line and the backfield and could be a close #2 in the division. Plymouth also returns a number of veterans to the field and it shows. Goodale, Newberry, and Booker are ready this year to put Plymouth back on top. Kennett came out out on top in a slugfest with Lebanon in a game that was much closer than the score. Some notes:
Kennett was off the bus early in their win, with Massa scoring on a long run 2nd play from scrimmage. The score stayed that way for 3+ quarters. Kennet looked good and Massa certainly stood out this game, and looked strong and fast at RB. The Raiders could have easily been the team that won 20-0 as 4+ costly turnovers (2 int, 2 fumbles). They will need to get a handle on this quickly to get things back on track this season.
Good news for Kennett is that they got out of Lebanon with a Win. Massa is big and looks strong this year and they bring back their QB Jesse Wheeler.
Good news for the Raiders is that Drew, Morrill, and Henry were in exceptional form already and were flying around making plays on both sides of the ball all game. Pelletier had a very good game at RB for them and while they will certainly miss Barker, Judd, Davidson and others who did not return to the team this year, if they can eliminate the turnovers, they can still make noise.
In Hanover, Dan Gorman is a real and present weapon for the Marauders and their new QB Cavallaro is going to be a very good quarterback. They should put up big numbers this year. Mark my words, Hanover will not start 0-5 this year. That said, Laconia is in a word a "force" this year. If they stay healthy I think early money is on the Sachems and Pioneers to be competing for a DIV championship. Ronnie Steele is back and fast as ever, add to that David Mahoney who is running behind a solid and veteran line and they will be tough to stop this year with all the starters they have brought back. Hollis, Mahoney and company can just flat out open holes. Defense will be their question mark as things move forward.
Plymouth returners Goodale and Newberry, Brooker ran the ball well in the Bobcats week 1 victory, over Monadnock. These two teams played a close game 20-14 and are my dark horses after week 1.
Trinity is back to doing what they do, which is blowing people out. With Carrier, Hughes, and Chambers back it's not so much speed that this team has but sheer power. That combined with the double wing offense that only Lebanon had truly figured out last season. It's hard to think of anyone beating them this year. We'll see though. It's still very early.
As a final note. I just wanted to send a note out to all the families and communities who were affected by Irene recently. I think we all know someone directly touched by this catastrophe and we should put them in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. Good job this week teams and good luck in Week 2!
Trinity defeated MV
Laconia defeated Hanover
Kennett defeated Lebanon
Plymouth defeated Monadnock
Stark defeated Kingswood
After week one a couple things are pretty clear. Trinity is still a force and the clear favorite to win the D IV title. Laconia is the real deal folks...they are loaded with talent at both the line and the backfield and could be a close #2 in the division. Plymouth also returns a number of veterans to the field and it shows. Goodale, Newberry, and Booker are ready this year to put Plymouth back on top. Kennett came out out on top in a slugfest with Lebanon in a game that was much closer than the score. Some notes:
Kennett was off the bus early in their win, with Massa scoring on a long run 2nd play from scrimmage. The score stayed that way for 3+ quarters. Kennet looked good and Massa certainly stood out this game, and looked strong and fast at RB. The Raiders could have easily been the team that won 20-0 as 4+ costly turnovers (2 int, 2 fumbles). They will need to get a handle on this quickly to get things back on track this season.
Good news for Kennett is that they got out of Lebanon with a Win. Massa is big and looks strong this year and they bring back their QB Jesse Wheeler.
Good news for the Raiders is that Drew, Morrill, and Henry were in exceptional form already and were flying around making plays on both sides of the ball all game. Pelletier had a very good game at RB for them and while they will certainly miss Barker, Judd, Davidson and others who did not return to the team this year, if they can eliminate the turnovers, they can still make noise.
In Hanover, Dan Gorman is a real and present weapon for the Marauders and their new QB Cavallaro is going to be a very good quarterback. They should put up big numbers this year. Mark my words, Hanover will not start 0-5 this year. That said, Laconia is in a word a "force" this year. If they stay healthy I think early money is on the Sachems and Pioneers to be competing for a DIV championship. Ronnie Steele is back and fast as ever, add to that David Mahoney who is running behind a solid and veteran line and they will be tough to stop this year with all the starters they have brought back. Hollis, Mahoney and company can just flat out open holes. Defense will be their question mark as things move forward.
Plymouth returners Goodale and Newberry, Brooker ran the ball well in the Bobcats week 1 victory, over Monadnock. These two teams played a close game 20-14 and are my dark horses after week 1.
Trinity is back to doing what they do, which is blowing people out. With Carrier, Hughes, and Chambers back it's not so much speed that this team has but sheer power. That combined with the double wing offense that only Lebanon had truly figured out last season. It's hard to think of anyone beating them this year. We'll see though. It's still very early.
As a final note. I just wanted to send a note out to all the families and communities who were affected by Irene recently. I think we all know someone directly touched by this catastrophe and we should put them in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. Good job this week teams and good luck in Week 2!
Friday, August 19, 2011
2011 Preview
Welcome back after what seemed to be an all too short off season. The kids are gearing up to go back to school and trying to stretch out those last few days of summer. I don't know about you, but as soon as August rolls around and Fall Sport practices start up, it seems like summer is already over, even though there's a month to go!
This time of year, High School coaches find themselves in what seems to be the same situation as last year around this time. Trying to fill holes left by graduating Seniors and replacing old leaders with new ones ready to step up and lead there teams out on the field. This year is no different for many coaches and while the season has yet to begin I thought I'd take a look at what might happen this upcoming 2011 season.
Last year was absolutely movie-like in the way the battle for the D IV championship went down. Mainly a 2 horse race for most of the season, both undefeated Trinity Pioneers and the Lebanon Raiders met in the final week of the season to duke it out for 1st place. Lebanon led by Patch, Morril, Barker, Drew, Henry, Roth and company came out on top in a slugfest down in Manchester over Trinity's double wing offense and powerhouse defense, led by Chambers, Hughes, Carrier, Masuku, Lauderdale, and so on...
These two titans of D IV met a few weeks later in Lebanon for the Title game where Lebanon, showed it's grit coming back in front of thousands of spectators from a 14 point deficit to win their first ever State Title.
Will they be able to repeat? Tough to say.
Of course all kinds of things can happen from game 1 to playoff time (injuries, new kids stepping up, etc...). However, here are my thoughts on the upcoming season. I think that you have to consider Trinity and Plymouth as the front runners. Trinity returns their big 2 backs in Hughes and Carrier (both also exceptional LBs), Chambers can also run the ball well. While they did lose a couple big time linemen including Shrine invite Gratiano...the Double Wing makes this a tough team. Bottom line is you have to figure out who has the football, and nobody runs this better than the Pioneers. That said, I think their one weakness is speed. In the title game Masuku was everywhere making plays (big plays that stopped touchdowns) so he has to stay healthy as he is their real speed guy out there.
Plymouth, Lebanon and Laconia could be their biggest challenge this year. Plymouth returns big playmakers in Goodale and Newberry and I'm sorry there's that Lenahan guy? He's a pretty good coach :) Laconia returns a number of All State caliber players Steele, Mahoney(s), and Raige (is there a cooler first name out there) ? If they stay healthy they could be a real force...Mahoney and Steele are quick and Hollis and Mahoney are a load up front.
Then there's Lebanon. Cody Patch is now playing in Dartmouth, and Roth who I feel was a way underrated QB last year (cool like ice under pressure). Astwood, Morton are gone as well as Geno. That said they return a large number of All state players as well. Chris Barker and Dylan Drew will be in their backfield and Barker is extremely fast and powerful runner and Drew is a load when he gets a head of steam up. There might not be a better Lineman than Morril and add to that Chris Henry and Davidson and they are going to be a very tough and talented football team this year.
The Darkhorse IMO is Kennett - Nick Massa is a very good runner with a nice combination of power and speed and lets not forget they were right in the thick of it at the end of October. Bottom line is they always have a good football team. For Hanover the question is who will replace Sam Carney and can they make an impression this year or are they still a few years away. Gorman is a tall receiver with good leaping ability and great hands but the spread offense they used last year will require someone to throw to him. My guess is it will be Cavallaro (sp?) stepping in, but who wants to fill those shoes :)
Stark, MV, Kingswood and Monadnock could all make a push as well, Nick Dragon (who might compete with Raige for the best name ) is right up there IMO with Morril when it comes to polished Lineman on both sides of the ball can do the blocking but it remains to be seen who will replace the legendary Bus ?! I think that last year MV and Stark both showed signs of being solid teams at points but lacked consistency...if they can put a couple wins together, and get a couple kids to step up who knows.... BJ Smith is a great football player for Kingswood but they need to establish a presence at the line to open some holes for him. If they do that, they could make some noise.
That said here's a list of returning All State players by team...please correct me if I left someone out. It's time for football 2011 and the Head Coach is back...I can't wait!
Lebanon -
Returning 1st team All State players -
Chris Barker - LB
Dylan Drew - LB
Alexander Morril - DT
Returning 2nd Team All State -
Chris Henry - OL
Mark Davidson - OL
Trinity -
Returning 1st team All State -
Mike Leonard - LB
Josh Hughes - RB
Ryan Carrier - RB
Andrew Lauderdale - TE
Adam Chambers - DB
Returning 2nd team All State-
Colin Bouchard - OL
Romeo Masuku - DB
Laconia -
Returning 1st team All State players -
Raige Hollis - OL
David Mahoney - RB
Returning 2nd Team All State -
Ronnie Steele - RB
Steve Kemos - FB
Billy Mahoney - DL
Kennett-
Returning 1st Team All state -
Nick Massa - RB
Returning 2nd Team All State -
Tucker Paven -DE
Conor Mcdonald - LB
Monadnock-
Returning 1st Team All State-
Nick Dragon - L
John Stark
Returning 1st Team All State
Chris Procum - DE
Returning 2nd Team All State
Brian Wagner - WR
Robert Dunn - DT
Nicholas Lloyd - DB
Hanover -
Returning 1st Team All State players -
Dan Gorman - WR
Returning 2nd team All State players
Carl Keating - OLB
Ian Smith - OG
MV
Returning 1st Team All State -
Justin Abbot - DB
Returning 2nd Team All State -
Dylan Sargent - RB
Cody Thurston - QB
Connor Dempsey - LB
Plymouth
Returning 1st Team All State -
Taylor Newberry - RB
Returning 2nd Team All State -
Brandon Goodale - RB
Cole Brooker - LB
Kingswood
Returning 1st Team All State -
BJ Smith - LB
Returning 2nd Team All State -
Cam Whitcomb - DB
This time of year, High School coaches find themselves in what seems to be the same situation as last year around this time. Trying to fill holes left by graduating Seniors and replacing old leaders with new ones ready to step up and lead there teams out on the field. This year is no different for many coaches and while the season has yet to begin I thought I'd take a look at what might happen this upcoming 2011 season.
Last year was absolutely movie-like in the way the battle for the D IV championship went down. Mainly a 2 horse race for most of the season, both undefeated Trinity Pioneers and the Lebanon Raiders met in the final week of the season to duke it out for 1st place. Lebanon led by Patch, Morril, Barker, Drew, Henry, Roth and company came out on top in a slugfest down in Manchester over Trinity's double wing offense and powerhouse defense, led by Chambers, Hughes, Carrier, Masuku, Lauderdale, and so on...
These two titans of D IV met a few weeks later in Lebanon for the Title game where Lebanon, showed it's grit coming back in front of thousands of spectators from a 14 point deficit to win their first ever State Title.
Will they be able to repeat? Tough to say.
Of course all kinds of things can happen from game 1 to playoff time (injuries, new kids stepping up, etc...). However, here are my thoughts on the upcoming season. I think that you have to consider Trinity and Plymouth as the front runners. Trinity returns their big 2 backs in Hughes and Carrier (both also exceptional LBs), Chambers can also run the ball well. While they did lose a couple big time linemen including Shrine invite Gratiano...the Double Wing makes this a tough team. Bottom line is you have to figure out who has the football, and nobody runs this better than the Pioneers. That said, I think their one weakness is speed. In the title game Masuku was everywhere making plays (big plays that stopped touchdowns) so he has to stay healthy as he is their real speed guy out there.
Plymouth, Lebanon and Laconia could be their biggest challenge this year. Plymouth returns big playmakers in Goodale and Newberry and I'm sorry there's that Lenahan guy? He's a pretty good coach :) Laconia returns a number of All State caliber players Steele, Mahoney(s), and Raige (is there a cooler first name out there) ? If they stay healthy they could be a real force...Mahoney and Steele are quick and Hollis and Mahoney are a load up front.
Then there's Lebanon. Cody Patch is now playing in Dartmouth, and Roth who I feel was a way underrated QB last year (cool like ice under pressure). Astwood, Morton are gone as well as Geno. That said they return a large number of All state players as well. Chris Barker and Dylan Drew will be in their backfield and Barker is extremely fast and powerful runner and Drew is a load when he gets a head of steam up. There might not be a better Lineman than Morril and add to that Chris Henry and Davidson and they are going to be a very tough and talented football team this year.
The Darkhorse IMO is Kennett - Nick Massa is a very good runner with a nice combination of power and speed and lets not forget they were right in the thick of it at the end of October. Bottom line is they always have a good football team. For Hanover the question is who will replace Sam Carney and can they make an impression this year or are they still a few years away. Gorman is a tall receiver with good leaping ability and great hands but the spread offense they used last year will require someone to throw to him. My guess is it will be Cavallaro (sp?) stepping in, but who wants to fill those shoes :)
Stark, MV, Kingswood and Monadnock could all make a push as well, Nick Dragon (who might compete with Raige for the best name ) is right up there IMO with Morril when it comes to polished Lineman on both sides of the ball can do the blocking but it remains to be seen who will replace the legendary Bus ?! I think that last year MV and Stark both showed signs of being solid teams at points but lacked consistency...if they can put a couple wins together, and get a couple kids to step up who knows.... BJ Smith is a great football player for Kingswood but they need to establish a presence at the line to open some holes for him. If they do that, they could make some noise.
That said here's a list of returning All State players by team...please correct me if I left someone out. It's time for football 2011 and the Head Coach is back...I can't wait!
Lebanon -
Returning 1st team All State players -
Chris Barker - LB
Dylan Drew - LB
Alexander Morril - DT
Returning 2nd Team All State -
Chris Henry - OL
Mark Davidson - OL
Trinity -
Returning 1st team All State -
Mike Leonard - LB
Josh Hughes - RB
Ryan Carrier - RB
Andrew Lauderdale - TE
Adam Chambers - DB
Returning 2nd team All State-
Colin Bouchard - OL
Romeo Masuku - DB
Laconia -
Returning 1st team All State players -
Raige Hollis - OL
David Mahoney - RB
Returning 2nd Team All State -
Ronnie Steele - RB
Steve Kemos - FB
Billy Mahoney - DL
Kennett-
Returning 1st Team All state -
Nick Massa - RB
Returning 2nd Team All State -
Tucker Paven -DE
Conor Mcdonald - LB
Monadnock-
Returning 1st Team All State-
Nick Dragon - L
John Stark
Returning 1st Team All State
Chris Procum - DE
Returning 2nd Team All State
Brian Wagner - WR
Robert Dunn - DT
Nicholas Lloyd - DB
Hanover -
Returning 1st Team All State players -
Dan Gorman - WR
Returning 2nd team All State players
Carl Keating - OLB
Ian Smith - OG
MV
Returning 1st Team All State -
Justin Abbot - DB
Returning 2nd Team All State -
Dylan Sargent - RB
Cody Thurston - QB
Connor Dempsey - LB
Plymouth
Returning 1st Team All State -
Taylor Newberry - RB
Returning 2nd Team All State -
Brandon Goodale - RB
Cole Brooker - LB
Kingswood
Returning 1st Team All State -
BJ Smith - LB
Returning 2nd Team All State -
Cam Whitcomb - DB
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