Well last week I went 9-1 last week to improve to 24 and 6 on the season. Not too bad...looks like the divining rod still has it's shine. As I mentioned last week I had the opportunity to visit Manchester and see first hand the machine that is the Trinity Pioneers. Suffice it to say that Petruzzi and company are the real deal. They make very few mistakes and are the same team they always have been, but with a bit more flare. They are not shy about going to the air but their precision is their ground game. They play a deliberate brand of football and are very business like in what they do. Everyone is on the same page and they are loaded with athletes. They will be a tough out for anybody this year.
Lebanon on the other had was not what i had expected. I guess for a team with such a veteran squad (double digit seniors), I had expected a more cohesive unit. At times they seemed rattled and pressing (even as early as the first quarter). I guess the best way to put it is whereas Trinity seemed like 1 unit functioning as 11 guys heading toward a common goal, Lebanon seemed like they were 11 individuals kind of doing their own thing. This lead to costly mistakes, finger pointing and the type of thing you tend to see with young teams. In any event, hopefully this week they'll get the ship righted, it is still early and at least in DII North it's everybody else playing for second place behind the Bobcats.
The reality last Friday was that the game was over by halftime with the Pioneers up big 36-0. Petruzzi, Poole, Chambers and Rhoades all had big plays throughout the night. Defensively they harassed Lebanon QB Hastings all night long resulting in a number of turnovers. The Raiders never really got anything going on the first squad outside of a few 1st downs, most of them coming late in the game. It was a dominating performance by the Pioneers.
Now on to this weeks games.
Kingswood (1-2) at Merrimack Valley (2-1) -
Well, MV came back to earth at the hands of the Clippers last weekend. They'll look to get back on track this week as they play host to the Knights. Look for the Pride to rebound with a vengeance in front of the home crowd. MV wins this one going away 34-14.
Portsmouth (2-1) at Souhegan (0-3) -
The Clippers are coming into this one with their train clearly back on track. The Sabres lost a tough one last week to Windham but are playing much better ball. They'll have to play perfect this week to slow down the high powered Portsmouth O. Look for the Clippers to improve to 3-1 as they chase St. Thomas in DII East. Portsmouth on top 31 - 7.
Hanover (1-2) at Laconia (1-2) -
Coming off a forfeit last week, the Marauders are going to look at regrouping as they visit Laconia. The Sachems squeaked one out against the Knights last week to get their first W. I'm looking for Hanover QB Cavallaro to have a big game as Hanover gets to .500 and defeats Laconia on their new home field 28-14.
Kennett (1-2) at Lebanon (1-2) -
As I mentioned last week, I was at the Raiders - Pioneers game. They will need to come together this week as this game will go a long way in deciding who gets the #2 spot in DII North. I think this could go either way, so I'll go with the Home team. Raiders on top 24-21.
Hollis/Brookline (0-3) at Milford (2-1) -
HB is a better team than their record shows. That will not be enough this week though as the Spartans are beginning to find a groove. Milford is essentially one quarter away from a perfect 3-0 (a poor 4th against Trinity). They will move to 3-1 this week as they beat Hollis 40-7.
Kearsarge (1-2) at Con-Val (0-3) -
Conval has been struggling early on this season and have been outscored by there opponents 120-14 in their 3 losses. Kearsarge is in a rebuilding year and their sole W comes from a forfeit win over Hanover last week. I think this one could go either way. I'm going with the Home team on this one also, Con-Val collects their first W 21-14.
Sanborn (2-1) at Monadnock (3-0)-
Two good teams. The deciding factor in this one is going to be whether or not Sanborn can match the physicality of the Huskies. Coach Patnode doesn't run much in the way of funny stuff. His squad wants to hold their fist out and the proceed to simply punch you in the face. Then they dare you to punch them back. So far no one has been able to step up to the Husky bark. Sanborn will test Monadnock but the Huskies will remain perfect winning at Home 21-7.
St. Thomas (3-0) at Pembroke (1-2) -
The Saints have not been tested this season racking up wins against Stark, Kearsarge, and Kennett (a combined 3 - 6 with one of those wins coming by forfeit). Pembroke's only win comes against a rebuilding Laconia team. Look for the Saints to win on the road improving to 4-0 as they defeat the Spartans 39-14.
Windham (2-1) at John Stark (1-2) -
The Jaguars are off to a good start and while their record doesn't necessarily show it right now, this is a good Stark team they face this week. This will be a close game and could go either way. This is my upset of the week. Stark comes out on top as Dunn has a huge game 28-21.
Plymouth (3-0) at Trinity (3-0) -
What a doozy this one is going to be. Two powerhouses squaring off, Petruzzi, Poole, Rhoades, Chambers on one side and Thomas, Sullivan, Reisert, Khuel on the other as 3-0 meets 3-0, something has to give here. Both teams have veteran squads and are playing confident, disciplined football. I think the easy pick is to go with the hall of fame coach Lenahan, but Home field, turf, and a raucous crowd might be the deciding factor in this one. On paper they're even and the game will definitely be tight. I think I'm going to go with Plymouth by 5 in a game full of big hits and stingy defense. Bobcats win 21-16.
Good Luck to all teams!
~HC~
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Week 3 Predictions and thoughts
Well, there were a LOT of close games last week that could have gone either way. Lebanon/Monadnock, Hanover/Souhegan, Milford/Trinity, etc....That said I nailed the Sanborn Win on the nose and went 7-3 last week to improve my overall record to 15-5. Not too bad compared to others I'm reading about out there.
This week there are some interesting matchups on the slate. For myself I'm going to take a quick jaunt across the river and check out this Pioneer train I keep reading about in person. Look for my recap this weekend.
Laconia (0-2) at Kingswood (1-1) -
Has Kingswood turned the corner. The Knights host the Sachems after getting a much needed W last week. This will be a close game but I'm going with the home team as the Knights come out on top 21-7.
Merrimack Valley (2-0) at Portsmouth (1-1) -
This MV team is trying to put the P back in Pride. But wins over John Stark and a rebuilding Kearsarge team have left us wondering where they stand with the big boys of DII. This week should be a good indication of good they really are. My vibe is that the Clippers speed will win out in the end as they hold home field and improve to 2-1 defeating MV 31-21.
Kearsarge (1-2) at Hanover (1-2) -
This one has already been decided. Player suspensions for a majority of the Varsity Marauder team has forced a forfeit for this weeks game. Kearsarge gets their first W.
Lebanon (1-1) at Trinity (2-0) -
The Raiders haven't faired well against Trinity over the last 2 years. This one will be closer than past contests but the Pioneers will keep the wagon rolling and I'll be there to see it in person. Trinity on top 21-14.
Con-Val (0-2) at Milford (1-1) -
Coach Jones let one slip away last week. Look for Milford to rebound with authority at the expense of the Con-Val Defense. Milford wins this one big - 40-7.
Pembroke (1-1) at Sanborn (1-1) -
Sanborn is looking to continue it's winning ways after coming up big in the second half last week. This too will be close but a missed Spartan extra point will be the difference as Sanborn pulls it out in the 4th in front of the home crowd. Sanborn wins 21-20.
John Stark (1-1) at St. Thomas (2-0) -
The Generals are coming off a big win against Pembroke last week. They'll give St Thomas a test, but Coach Cumba's fast paced run ~n~ gun style will wear them down in the second half. The Saints will pull away and win 31-21.
Kennett (1-1) at Plymouth (2-0) -
Not much to say here. The Crystal Ball only shows me a growling Bobcat with the mug of one John Thomas smiling behind it :) Look for Plymouth to improve their record to 3-0 in preparation for next weeks war with Trinity! Bobcats win easily 31-13.
Souhegan (0-2) at Windham (1-1) -
I'm not sure what to make of this years Windham team yet, but it's still early. I think it's clear though that this is a rebuilding year for the Sabres. The Jaguars will win this one 28-10.
Monadnock (2-0) at Hollis/Brookline (0-2) -
Look at these Huskies! Everyone is talking about Trinity and Plymouth, while Monadnock quietly dispatches teams. Wins over Souhegan and Lebanon have put them in position to start having folks take notice. They'll be 3-0 the next time you read my blog. Huskies improve by dominating HB 24-0.
Good luck to all teams this week!
~HC~
This week there are some interesting matchups on the slate. For myself I'm going to take a quick jaunt across the river and check out this Pioneer train I keep reading about in person. Look for my recap this weekend.
Laconia (0-2) at Kingswood (1-1) -
Has Kingswood turned the corner. The Knights host the Sachems after getting a much needed W last week. This will be a close game but I'm going with the home team as the Knights come out on top 21-7.
Merrimack Valley (2-0) at Portsmouth (1-1) -
This MV team is trying to put the P back in Pride. But wins over John Stark and a rebuilding Kearsarge team have left us wondering where they stand with the big boys of DII. This week should be a good indication of good they really are. My vibe is that the Clippers speed will win out in the end as they hold home field and improve to 2-1 defeating MV 31-21.
Kearsarge (1-2) at Hanover (1-2) -
This one has already been decided. Player suspensions for a majority of the Varsity Marauder team has forced a forfeit for this weeks game. Kearsarge gets their first W.
Lebanon (1-1) at Trinity (2-0) -
The Raiders haven't faired well against Trinity over the last 2 years. This one will be closer than past contests but the Pioneers will keep the wagon rolling and I'll be there to see it in person. Trinity on top 21-14.
Con-Val (0-2) at Milford (1-1) -
Coach Jones let one slip away last week. Look for Milford to rebound with authority at the expense of the Con-Val Defense. Milford wins this one big - 40-7.
Pembroke (1-1) at Sanborn (1-1) -
Sanborn is looking to continue it's winning ways after coming up big in the second half last week. This too will be close but a missed Spartan extra point will be the difference as Sanborn pulls it out in the 4th in front of the home crowd. Sanborn wins 21-20.
John Stark (1-1) at St. Thomas (2-0) -
The Generals are coming off a big win against Pembroke last week. They'll give St Thomas a test, but Coach Cumba's fast paced run ~n~ gun style will wear them down in the second half. The Saints will pull away and win 31-21.
Kennett (1-1) at Plymouth (2-0) -
Not much to say here. The Crystal Ball only shows me a growling Bobcat with the mug of one John Thomas smiling behind it :) Look for Plymouth to improve their record to 3-0 in preparation for next weeks war with Trinity! Bobcats win easily 31-13.
Souhegan (0-2) at Windham (1-1) -
I'm not sure what to make of this years Windham team yet, but it's still early. I think it's clear though that this is a rebuilding year for the Sabres. The Jaguars will win this one 28-10.
Monadnock (2-0) at Hollis/Brookline (0-2) -
Look at these Huskies! Everyone is talking about Trinity and Plymouth, while Monadnock quietly dispatches teams. Wins over Souhegan and Lebanon have put them in position to start having folks take notice. They'll be 3-0 the next time you read my blog. Huskies improve by dominating HB 24-0.
Good luck to all teams this week!
~HC~
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Week 2 Predictions...
As week 2 approaches, I'm looking forward to a couple games on the docket. Of particular interest are Lebanon and Monadnock as well as Plymouth and Windham. We should have a preliminary idea of who the front runners are in DII after this week. I've once again pulled out the divining rod and here are my picks for this weekend.
Conval (0-1) @ Kingswood (0-1) -
Both teams struggled in Week 1 however, one of them will come out of this contest with their first W. I think it's going to be a close game but look for Conval to upset the Knights at home 14-10 with a late TD in a come from behind win.
Kearsarge (0-1) @ Merrimack Valley (1-0) -
MV put up some big numbers last week against John Stark and word is QB Ivan Niyamugabo has the personnel and ability to the put the Pride back into Merrimack Valley. Kearsarge is young this year and will get better each week. They'll have to wait one more though to get their first W. The Pride will win this one at home 28 - 14 and improve to 2-0.
John Stark (0-1) @ Pembroke (1-0) -
Pembroke had to come from behind last week against a game Laconia Sachems squad. They will have no such issue this week as they will lead from the get go. Carson Dunn will have a good game but the Spartans will improve to 2-0 as they defeat the Generals 32-7.
Laconia (0-1) @ Portsmouth (0-1) -
The Clippers will come into this one with a chip on their shoulder after last weeks drubbing at the hands of the Pioneers. It's hard to look past the fact that they did put up 37 points on that stingy Trinity D. The Sachems schedule is shaping up to be a very difficult one and I don't think they will have an answer in week 2. This one might be over by halftime...Clippers get their first W and take out last week's frustrations on Kozen's crew 45 - 14.
Kennett (1-0) @ St. Thomas (1-0) -
The Eagles always play tough hard nosed defense and this game will be no different. I think it could go either way, but the difference is going to be the speed of this St. Thomas squad. Look for Geppert to have a big game. It will be close for 3 quarters but the Eagles will fade in the 4th and suffer their first loss as St. Thomas wins 31 - 21.
Hanover (0-1) @ Souhegan (0-1) -
Last week's game for Hanover could have been much closer than the score indicates. Make no mistake Cavallaro can play and you have to defend against his ability to scramble and make something out of nothing. If he gets into space the kid can fly. Souhegan is rebuilding and they will win games this season, just not this week. Look for the Marauders to get their first win, defeating the Sabres 21 - 14.
Trinity (1-0) @ Milford (1-0) -
Winning is a tradition at Trinity High School and is seems like every year we're talking about new football phenoms cropping up in their program (Hughes, Carrier, Green, Masuku, etc and so on). Well this year is no different, the names have changed (again) but after last weeks impressive performance against a highly touted Portsmouth team the results look to be the same. Coach Jones is going to have to pull more than a rabbit out of his hat to stop the Trinity train from rolling through town. Pioneers win 40 - 14.
Sanborn (0-1) @ Hollis Brookline (0-1) -
After faltering in the fourth quarter against Milford, Sanborn let one slip away last week. The spirits tell me that they get a W in a game that could go either way. Sanborn comes out on top 21 - 7.
Monadnock (1-0) @ Lebanon (1-0) -
2 teams coming off dominating performances against rebuilding programs are butting heads up north in Lebanon tomorrow night. Turnover's and time of possession are going to determine the winner. The Raiders pitched a shutout last week and the Huskies allowed 7 at the back end of a 40-0 trouncing, sonething's got to give this week. It's going to be a low scoring affair that goes right down to the wire. I've channelled my inner Nostradamus on this one and have had a vision. The Huskies will come from behind and look to tie it up as time expires, but will miss an extra point as the clock winds down and come out on the bottom end of a 14-13 score. Raiders improve to 2 - 0.
Plymouth (1-0) @ Windham (1-0) -
This might not be last year's Windham squad but they are still a disciplined and tough nosed team. They will come to play. The Bobcats might have the 2 best players in DII this year though in John Thomas and Kyle Reisert. These guys were causing fits for opposing coaches last year and they're looking to be even better in 2013. Look for the Bobcats to shut down the Jaguars attack and win a tough but comfortable game 28 - 14.
Good luck to all teams this weekend!
~HC~
Conval (0-1) @ Kingswood (0-1) -
Both teams struggled in Week 1 however, one of them will come out of this contest with their first W. I think it's going to be a close game but look for Conval to upset the Knights at home 14-10 with a late TD in a come from behind win.
Kearsarge (0-1) @ Merrimack Valley (1-0) -
MV put up some big numbers last week against John Stark and word is QB Ivan Niyamugabo has the personnel and ability to the put the Pride back into Merrimack Valley. Kearsarge is young this year and will get better each week. They'll have to wait one more though to get their first W. The Pride will win this one at home 28 - 14 and improve to 2-0.
John Stark (0-1) @ Pembroke (1-0) -
Pembroke had to come from behind last week against a game Laconia Sachems squad. They will have no such issue this week as they will lead from the get go. Carson Dunn will have a good game but the Spartans will improve to 2-0 as they defeat the Generals 32-7.
Laconia (0-1) @ Portsmouth (0-1) -
The Clippers will come into this one with a chip on their shoulder after last weeks drubbing at the hands of the Pioneers. It's hard to look past the fact that they did put up 37 points on that stingy Trinity D. The Sachems schedule is shaping up to be a very difficult one and I don't think they will have an answer in week 2. This one might be over by halftime...Clippers get their first W and take out last week's frustrations on Kozen's crew 45 - 14.
Kennett (1-0) @ St. Thomas (1-0) -
The Eagles always play tough hard nosed defense and this game will be no different. I think it could go either way, but the difference is going to be the speed of this St. Thomas squad. Look for Geppert to have a big game. It will be close for 3 quarters but the Eagles will fade in the 4th and suffer their first loss as St. Thomas wins 31 - 21.
Hanover (0-1) @ Souhegan (0-1) -
Last week's game for Hanover could have been much closer than the score indicates. Make no mistake Cavallaro can play and you have to defend against his ability to scramble and make something out of nothing. If he gets into space the kid can fly. Souhegan is rebuilding and they will win games this season, just not this week. Look for the Marauders to get their first win, defeating the Sabres 21 - 14.
Trinity (1-0) @ Milford (1-0) -
Winning is a tradition at Trinity High School and is seems like every year we're talking about new football phenoms cropping up in their program (Hughes, Carrier, Green, Masuku, etc and so on). Well this year is no different, the names have changed (again) but after last weeks impressive performance against a highly touted Portsmouth team the results look to be the same. Coach Jones is going to have to pull more than a rabbit out of his hat to stop the Trinity train from rolling through town. Pioneers win 40 - 14.
Sanborn (0-1) @ Hollis Brookline (0-1) -
After faltering in the fourth quarter against Milford, Sanborn let one slip away last week. The spirits tell me that they get a W in a game that could go either way. Sanborn comes out on top 21 - 7.
Monadnock (1-0) @ Lebanon (1-0) -
2 teams coming off dominating performances against rebuilding programs are butting heads up north in Lebanon tomorrow night. Turnover's and time of possession are going to determine the winner. The Raiders pitched a shutout last week and the Huskies allowed 7 at the back end of a 40-0 trouncing, sonething's got to give this week. It's going to be a low scoring affair that goes right down to the wire. I've channelled my inner Nostradamus on this one and have had a vision. The Huskies will come from behind and look to tie it up as time expires, but will miss an extra point as the clock winds down and come out on the bottom end of a 14-13 score. Raiders improve to 2 - 0.
Plymouth (1-0) @ Windham (1-0) -
This might not be last year's Windham squad but they are still a disciplined and tough nosed team. They will come to play. The Bobcats might have the 2 best players in DII this year though in John Thomas and Kyle Reisert. These guys were causing fits for opposing coaches last year and they're looking to be even better in 2013. Look for the Bobcats to shut down the Jaguars attack and win a tough but comfortable game 28 - 14.
Good luck to all teams this weekend!
~HC~
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Week 1 Recap 2013 DII football is underway!
Well, it wasn't too bad all things considered. Re-alignment, a bunch of teams I haven't seen before and I managed to go 8-2. I'll take it. Here's a recap of how things went last week.
MV vs Stark -
Boy was I off on this one. QB Ivan Niyamugabo threw for over 200 yards as MV came out on top of Stark 48-26...breaking a 14 game winless streak in the process. Pride RB Tucker Burt carried the ball for 140 yards while Carson Dunn had a TD for the Generals.
Trinity vs. Portsmouth -
So much for grinding it out...Pioneer QB Giampetruzzi threw for 400 yards (4 TDs) and Chambers caught 5 of them for 280 yards and 2 TDs as Trinity put up college numbers on Portsmouth 58-37. Clippers QB Donovan Phanor was injured in the 1st half of the game and his status is unknown for next week's matchup.
Lebanon vs. Con-Val -
A veteran squad showing poise. Raider RBs Ethan Perkins and Lucas Gerow both ran for 100+ as Lebanon pitches a shutout 34-0. Next week's matchup should be interesting as the Huskies come to town for Lebanon's home opener.
Hollis/Brookline vs. Kennett -
Got this one wrong also...a tight game where a couple plays made the difference. Eagles got the W 16-14.
Kearsarge vs. St. Thomas -
The Cougars drop their home opener 36 - 14. St Thomas RB Jake Geppert returned a punt 65 yards for TD, LB Ryan Bennett picked off a Kearsarge pass attempt and took it to the house, and Geppert followed that up by scooping up a fumble and taking it 50ish yards to pay dirt. He'd later run his third TD of the game from 5 yards out.
Pembroke vs. Laconia -
Pembroke did it the hard way in this one and came from behind to beat the Sachems 36-23. Vinny Dustin was the Spartan hero, rushing for 230 yards and a couple TDs (most of it coming in the second half).
Milford vs. Sanborn -
Another come from behind victory. Banuskevich rushed for 150 yards and Urda ran, threw and returned a punt for TDs as Milford scored 4 times in the 4th to spoil Sanborn. Milford was behind at the half 20-14 and 23-21 at the end of the third. But 4 TDs later they were in the win column 48-23.
Monadnock vs. Souhegan -
This one was never close. The Huskies were up 40-0 before relinquishing a Sabre score. Monadnock QB Prince rushed for 2 TDs and threw for another as the Huskies roll 40-7.
Plymouth vs. Kingswood
Bobcats leave no doubt 48-29. Plymouth's John Thomas scored 3 TDs and Sullivan threw for 200+ yards in the victory. Next week will be tougher for the Bobcats as they visit the Jaguars of Windham.
Hanover vs. Windham -
The Jaguars win comfortably 28-7. This one was close at the half 13-7, but the bruising double wing offense Windham runs was too much as time wore on. Frake had a pick and Jolicoeur scored twice for Windham. Next up for them...last year's champs. That should be a good one!
Next weeks picks to come!
~HC~
MV vs Stark -
Boy was I off on this one. QB Ivan Niyamugabo threw for over 200 yards as MV came out on top of Stark 48-26...breaking a 14 game winless streak in the process. Pride RB Tucker Burt carried the ball for 140 yards while Carson Dunn had a TD for the Generals.
Trinity vs. Portsmouth -
So much for grinding it out...Pioneer QB Giampetruzzi threw for 400 yards (4 TDs) and Chambers caught 5 of them for 280 yards and 2 TDs as Trinity put up college numbers on Portsmouth 58-37. Clippers QB Donovan Phanor was injured in the 1st half of the game and his status is unknown for next week's matchup.
Lebanon vs. Con-Val -
A veteran squad showing poise. Raider RBs Ethan Perkins and Lucas Gerow both ran for 100+ as Lebanon pitches a shutout 34-0. Next week's matchup should be interesting as the Huskies come to town for Lebanon's home opener.
Hollis/Brookline vs. Kennett -
Got this one wrong also...a tight game where a couple plays made the difference. Eagles got the W 16-14.
Kearsarge vs. St. Thomas -
The Cougars drop their home opener 36 - 14. St Thomas RB Jake Geppert returned a punt 65 yards for TD, LB Ryan Bennett picked off a Kearsarge pass attempt and took it to the house, and Geppert followed that up by scooping up a fumble and taking it 50ish yards to pay dirt. He'd later run his third TD of the game from 5 yards out.
Pembroke vs. Laconia -
Pembroke did it the hard way in this one and came from behind to beat the Sachems 36-23. Vinny Dustin was the Spartan hero, rushing for 230 yards and a couple TDs (most of it coming in the second half).
Milford vs. Sanborn -
Another come from behind victory. Banuskevich rushed for 150 yards and Urda ran, threw and returned a punt for TDs as Milford scored 4 times in the 4th to spoil Sanborn. Milford was behind at the half 20-14 and 23-21 at the end of the third. But 4 TDs later they were in the win column 48-23.
Monadnock vs. Souhegan -
This one was never close. The Huskies were up 40-0 before relinquishing a Sabre score. Monadnock QB Prince rushed for 2 TDs and threw for another as the Huskies roll 40-7.
Plymouth vs. Kingswood
Bobcats leave no doubt 48-29. Plymouth's John Thomas scored 3 TDs and Sullivan threw for 200+ yards in the victory. Next week will be tougher for the Bobcats as they visit the Jaguars of Windham.
Hanover vs. Windham -
The Jaguars win comfortably 28-7. This one was close at the half 13-7, but the bruising double wing offense Windham runs was too much as time wore on. Frake had a pick and Jolicoeur scored twice for Windham. Next up for them...last year's champs. That should be a good one!
Next weeks picks to come!
~HC~
Friday, September 6, 2013
Friday Night Lights are back! New Division II NH Football starts tonight!
Two-a-days are over and game jerseys are now the selection of choice across NH, as Football players head off to school on Friday morning. The first year of the re-alignment will get underway tonight. It's going to take a DIV guy like myself to get acclimated with all the new programs but bear with me lol...there's always a learning curve with everything! It's tough to say in week 1 how teams will do and who the new up-and-comers are so we're going to start slow and go with what we know.
I've consulted with the Football spirits of yore and I'll need there wisdom for a while, but here are my picks in the new DII.
Merrimack Valley vs. John Stark
Both teams struggled a bit last year but this might be an up year for the Generals. You can only be a 'young' team for so long in high school football. Stark on top in this one 28-21.
Portsmouth vs. Trinity
This should be the game of the week. I've read a lot about the fast spread that Portsmouth will bring to the gridiron, but they need to have the ball to score points. The spirits tell me that Giampetruzzi, Theroux, and Chambers will grind it out, control the clock and keep the ball out of the Clippers hands. Trinity on top 28-14.
Lebanon vs. Con-Val -
The Raiders of Lebanon have a veteran team this year and should be in the playoff chase come November. Raiders on top 21-7.
Hollis/Brookline vs. Kennett
It's hard to say what you're going to get with Kennett. They were inconsistent last year especially after losing RB Nick Massa to injury. I don't know much about Hollis/Brookline except that they have a new coach and a new offense. I'm going with a win for new Head Coach Bergskaug and his Cavaliers 31-10.
Kearsarge vs. St. Thomas
Coach Cumba likes to spread them out and go. Kearsarge has consistently been at the top of the DV ladder year in and year out. But they lost a huge number of Seniors to graduation this year so this may be a rebuilding year for them. St. Thomas on top 24-21.
Monadnock vs. Souhegan
A few years ago I nick names a Husky RB by the name of Bolewski the Bus. Coach Patenaude rode the Bus right into the playoffs. Well now his younger brother has arrived. Look for last year's DV champs to be strong again in the new DII. Huskies start off with a W...and beat Souhegan 14-10.
Laconia vs. Pembroke
The Sachems lost some good players last year in Mahoney, Nyhan, and Kemos. The Spartans graduated a beast in DL Chris Ford last season but will come out on top in this contest 24 - 7.
Plymouth vs. Kingswood
The Bobcats won it all last season and will be a front-runner in the new DII this year as well. They might have the best DE in the league in Kyle Reisert and LB in John Thomas. Combined with returning QB Colin Sullivan and a legendary coach's last hurrah...look for an inspired Bobcats team to come ready to perform. Bobcats win big 39 - 14.
Milford vs. Sanborn
Coach Jones will have his guys ready to play. Milford starts 2013 with a win 20 - 10.
Windham vs. Hanover
Windham may be a new school, but they're establishing themselves as a team to be reckoned with. They run a similar A formation Wing T as Trinity and they are very disciplined. Coach Ivanoski at Hanover as a burner in QB Shawn Cavallaro, who can also throw well. This should be a close game, but I'm going with the Jaguars 15-13.
Good luck to all! Have a great season!
~HC~
I've consulted with the Football spirits of yore and I'll need there wisdom for a while, but here are my picks in the new DII.
Merrimack Valley vs. John Stark
Both teams struggled a bit last year but this might be an up year for the Generals. You can only be a 'young' team for so long in high school football. Stark on top in this one 28-21.
Portsmouth vs. Trinity
This should be the game of the week. I've read a lot about the fast spread that Portsmouth will bring to the gridiron, but they need to have the ball to score points. The spirits tell me that Giampetruzzi, Theroux, and Chambers will grind it out, control the clock and keep the ball out of the Clippers hands. Trinity on top 28-14.
Lebanon vs. Con-Val -
The Raiders of Lebanon have a veteran team this year and should be in the playoff chase come November. Raiders on top 21-7.
Hollis/Brookline vs. Kennett
It's hard to say what you're going to get with Kennett. They were inconsistent last year especially after losing RB Nick Massa to injury. I don't know much about Hollis/Brookline except that they have a new coach and a new offense. I'm going with a win for new Head Coach Bergskaug and his Cavaliers 31-10.
Kearsarge vs. St. Thomas
Coach Cumba likes to spread them out and go. Kearsarge has consistently been at the top of the DV ladder year in and year out. But they lost a huge number of Seniors to graduation this year so this may be a rebuilding year for them. St. Thomas on top 24-21.
Monadnock vs. Souhegan
A few years ago I nick names a Husky RB by the name of Bolewski the Bus. Coach Patenaude rode the Bus right into the playoffs. Well now his younger brother has arrived. Look for last year's DV champs to be strong again in the new DII. Huskies start off with a W...and beat Souhegan 14-10.
Laconia vs. Pembroke
The Sachems lost some good players last year in Mahoney, Nyhan, and Kemos. The Spartans graduated a beast in DL Chris Ford last season but will come out on top in this contest 24 - 7.
Plymouth vs. Kingswood
The Bobcats won it all last season and will be a front-runner in the new DII this year as well. They might have the best DE in the league in Kyle Reisert and LB in John Thomas. Combined with returning QB Colin Sullivan and a legendary coach's last hurrah...look for an inspired Bobcats team to come ready to perform. Bobcats win big 39 - 14.
Milford vs. Sanborn
Coach Jones will have his guys ready to play. Milford starts 2013 with a win 20 - 10.
Windham vs. Hanover
Windham may be a new school, but they're establishing themselves as a team to be reckoned with. They run a similar A formation Wing T as Trinity and they are very disciplined. Coach Ivanoski at Hanover as a burner in QB Shawn Cavallaro, who can also throw well. This should be a close game, but I'm going with the Jaguars 15-13.
Good luck to all! Have a great season!
~HC~
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