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~
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