Updated: I prematurely wrote that Nashua South “clinched” a home game for the Division I playoffs. Manchester Central’s 24-21 win today (Saturday, Nov. 1) at Pinkerton Academy of Derry leaves the Astros, Little Green and Purple Panthers at 6-1 in league play. Seeds will be determined based on Week 10 results.
NASHUA - The premier playmaker for the Purple Panthers was simply unstoppable tonight (Friday, Oct. 31) at Stellos Stadium.
Nashua South senior standout David Zocco rushed for 269 yards and four touchdowns on 21 carries. In the process, South — No. 5 in the Union Leader/WGAM/WMUR Power Poll — posted a 42-25 triumph over No. 9 Londonderry in Division I high school football.
One week after Pinkerton stifled South, Zocco zipped past Londonderry for a staggering 12.8 yards-per-carry. He ran for TDs of 80, 1, 37 and 51 yards. He also intercepted a pass on defense, one of five turnovers for the Lancers.
With the win, South (6-1 D-I, 6-3 overall) clinched a home game for the upcoming state semifinals.
-MT
Is Pinkerton Academy’s playmaker extraordinaire, junior running back Eric Guinto, a go for the mega-matchup tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 1) at 2 p.m.?
That’s a big question entering the key Division I clash in Derry between the No. 1 Astros (6-0 D-I, 6-2 overall) and No. 2 Manchester Central (5-1, 7-1). Guinto — who injured his shoulder in Week 7 at Brockton, Mass. — didn’t play last week against Nashua South.
Pinkerton head coach Brian O’Reilly talked about this topic last Saturday after his team silenced South, 10-0.
“If I feel that he can play without further injuring himself, then he will play,” O’Reilly said. “If the thought process from the trainers and anyone else is that, ‘You know what? This isn’t going to be good. You could make it worse,’ then he won’t play.
“As far as Eric is concerned, he’s playing Saturday. Let me just say that. Eric says he’s playing Saturday. He’s all set to play. He’s all set to go. I have the final say, and I will make that determination later in the week. He’s fine. Let me just say that right now. He’s fine. He will be practicing with us during the week. This isn’t a case of ‘We’re going to hide him or whatever.’ He’s going to practice during the week. And then we’ll decide based on talking to the trainer, ‘Does he go or does he not go?’ If he doesn’t go, he doesn’t go.”
Central head coach Ryan Ray said he expects Pinkerton’s No. 22 will return to the backfield. Regardless, Ray’s team is preparing for several punishing ball carriers, including Chris George, Matt Mangano and Colby Verge.
“Whoever they’re going to put into (the system), they’re going to be successful,” Ray said. “Guinto or no Eric Guinto, they are the best team in the state of New Hampshire.”
-MT
High school football’s playoff picture is coming in to focus. Postseason entrants are set in certain divisions with seeding to be determined. In other divisions, however, teams are still fighting for a spot in the second season.
Entering Week 9, here’s an unofficial look at the postseason landscape in Divisions I through VI.
Teams listed after a number are locked into that specific playoff seed. Teams listed after a long dash clinched a playoff berth, but seeding hasn’t been decided.
Division I
– Pinkerton of Derry (6-0 D-I, 6-2 overall)
– Manchester Central (5-1, 7-1)
– Nashua South (5-1, 5-3)
– Londonderry (5-2, 6-2)
* Pinkerton clinches the No. 1 seed — and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs — with a home win Saturday, Nov. 1, against Central.
* Nashua South hosts Londonderry on Friday, Oct. 31. South clinches a home semifinal game with a win.
Division II
– Exeter (6-1 D-II, 7-1 overall)
– Bishop Guertin of Nashua (5-1, 6-2)
– Timberlane of Plaistow (5-1, 6-2)
– ?
* Keene (4-2, 4-3) clinches a playoff berth with a win at Dover (3-4, 4-4) on Friday, Oct. 31.
Division III
1. Souhegan of Amherst (7-0 D-III, 8-0 overall)
– Portsmouth (6-1, 7-1)
– Milford (6-1, 6-2)
4. ?
* Milford hosts Portsmouth on Friday, Oct. 31. Winner clinches the No. 2 seed — and home semifinal game.
* ConVal of Peterborough (4-3, 5-3) hosts Goffstown (4-3, 4-4) on Saturday, Nov. 1. Winner clinches the No. 4 playoff seed.
Division IV
1. Plymouth (7-0 D-IV, 8-0 overall)
2. Laconia (6-1, 6-2)
3. Kennett of Conway (5-2, 6-2)
4. ?
* Hanover (4-3, 5-3) hosts Merrimack Valley of Penacook (4-3, 5-3) on Friday, Oct. 31. Winner clinches the No. 4 playoff seed.
Division V
– Pelham (6-0 D-V, 7-0 overall)
– St. Thomas Aquinas (5-1, 6-1)
– Trinity of Manchester (5-1, 6-1)
4. Kearsarge of North Sutton (4-3, 5-3)
* Pelham clinches the No. 1 seed — and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs — with a home win Friday, Oct. 31, against Stevens of Claremont (2-4, 3-4).
* St. Thomas Aquinas hosts Trinity on Sunday, Nov. 2. Winner clinches the No. 2 seed — and home semifinal game.
Division VI
– Franklin (7-0 D-VI, 7-1 overall)
– Newport (7-0, 7-1)
– Campbell of Litchfield (6-1, 6-2)
– ?
* Winnisquam of Tilton (4-3, 4-4) clinches a playoff berth with a win against Newfound of Bristol (3-4, 3-5) on Saturday, Nov. 1.
-MT
Pinkerton Academy of Derry sports fans hoping to cheer both the football team and girls’ volleyball team no longer have to worry about being in two places at once tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 1).
Here’s an e-mail from Ann Cormier of the Pinkerton athletics office:
“We have changed the time of the Pinkerton girls’ volleyball quarterfinal round game vs. Bishop Guertin. It was scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 1, at 2 p.m. It will now be played tomorrow at 6 p.m. This will allow our fans and event staff to be at both the varsity football game (vs. Manchester Central at 2 p.m.) and the girls’ volleyball game.”
-MT
The key clash for second place in Division V between Trinity of Manchester and host St. Thomas Aquinas of Dover has been bumped from Saturday, Nov. 1, at 2 p.m. to Sunday, Nov. 2, at 1 p.m.
Trinity head coach John Trisciani confirmed the move tonight. Trisciani said STA is hosting a soccer tournament on Saturday.
Both teams enter Sunday’s tilt 5-1 in D-V and 6-1 overall. The winner clinches the No. 2 playoff seed — and a home game in the state semifinals.
-MT
MANCHESTER – Good thing Jon Lara carried a fully charged cell phone today (Monday, Oct. 27). A low battery may have delayed delivery of the big news about Manchester Central.
“One of my friends texted me today and said, ‘Hey did you look at (UnionLeader.com)? You guys are No. 2 in the Power Poll,’” Lara said during a break from practice at Gill Stadium.
Lara said Central’s status as New Hampshire’s No. 2 team surprised him. The 6-foot, 225-pound senior defensive lineman figured the Little Green, previously No. 4 in the poll, may jump one spot at best.
“Bishop Guertin and Pinkerton have been up there (at Nos. 1 and 2) ever since Week 1,” Lara said.
Clearly, that’s no longer the case. Central (5-1 Division I, 7-1 overall) secured its highest ranking to date courtesy of three Week 8 final scores.
Unranked Keene shocked No. 1 Guertin. The 18-14 decision bumped BG from the top spot. Second-ranked Pinkerton blanked No. 3 Nashua South. The 10-0 contest pushed Pinkerton to No. 1.
And, of course, Central scorched Manchester Memorial, 47-0.
“I think it’s great that we’re finally getting some recognition that we’re a good team,” Central senior quarterback Pat Tatro said.
As expected, the reaction of Central’s head coach, Ryan Ray, was far more reserved.
“That’s nice that our kids have come that far (in the poll),” Ray said. “But let’s be honest. The only thing that matters to anyone – all year long – is being No. 1 at the end of the season.
“I don’t care about the New Hampshire poll. I think it’s a lot of fun. It’s great. I enjoy looking at it and reading the blog (“Moving the Chains”),” he added. “But being the No. 1 team in Division I at the end of the season is the only thing that matters to us.”
The Little Green won’t wait long to put that No. 2 ranking on the line. They travel to Derry on Saturday for the mega-matchup with three-time defending champion Pinkerton (6-0, 6-2).
How’s this for hype? The Central-Pinkerton contest is already the second No. 1 vs. No. 2 game of the 2008 regular season. Pinkerton, which opened the campaign atop the Power Poll, dropped a 10-3 Week 1 decision to then-No. 2 Guertin.
Lara admitted Central’s placement in the Week 9 Power Poll is gratifying. But he insisted it won’t distract the Little Green from preparing for their biggest game of the ’08 slate.
“We just try to look at (game) film, stuff like that, and focus on what we need to do and not really what the Power Poll says,” Lara said. “All that really matters is what’s on the field, not what’s in the papers.”
A shot at the No. 1 ranking is nice. But clinching the No. 1 playoff seed – and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs – is clearly far more important to the Little Green. They can take a big step toward achieving that goal on Saturday.
“Right now, to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best,” Ray said. “We’re playing Pinkerton this week, so we’ll find out where we stack up.”
-MT
Here are some “leftover” post-game comments from Pinkerton Academy of Derry head coach Brian O’Reilly and Nashua South head coach Scott Knight.
Pinkerton beat South, 10-0, in the matchup of Division I unbeatens on Saturday (Oct. 25).
O’Reilly …
On whether he thinks Pinkerton should reclaim the No. 1 ranking in the Power Poll:
I don’t really care. I only want to be atop the poll after the championship series is done. That’s the only poll I want to be on top of. If someone wants to put us down at fourth, fifth, sixth, if they want to make Manchester Central the No. 1 (team), that’s fine with me.
On the first season of the Union Leader/WGAM/WMUR Power Poll:
I think your poll is outstanding. It gets interest around the state. I think it’s the best thing you ever did.
On the reason Pinkerton consistently succeeds at taking away opponents’ strengths:
You’ve got to have players. You can sit there and say ‘We’re going to take away this particular player.’ And if you don’t have the players to do it, then they still go inside on you for 300 yards. You look like you don’t know what you’re doing, but you do.
You have to have the kids who understand their assignments – and (be) tough enough to do what they need to do. We’ve always had good players. We don’t do this with smoke and mirrors here.
On whether the absence of junior running back Eric Guinto (shoulder) placed pressure on Pinkerton’s defense to stifle Nashua South:
Our attitude was that we were going to move the ball on offense up and down the field like we did against Brockton (Mass.). The attitude this week was not, ‘Hey guys, Eric’s not playing, so we’re really going to have to have a great defense.’ No, I’m a little disappointed that we didn’t have more than 10 points. I’m not disappointed with the way we moved the ball. But we proved (that ability to run effectively) last week against Brockton. We just went up and down the field on them without Eric.
We expect to do that without Eric. There was no pressure on our defense playing without Eric. Now that said, do I want Eric playing? Absolutely. He just changes the whole dynamic of the game. You give Eric the ball 10 times in a game, he’s probably two times in the end zone. He’s dynamic. That we don’t have right now.
Though official word wasn’t given until game time, was the decision that Guinto would not play against Nashua South actually made the previous Saturday (the day after Pinkerton’s 28-27 loss to Brockton)?
Yes.
On whether Pinkerton played with intensity against Nashua South, given the Astros had a taxing game against Brockton a week earlier:
It was a quiet intensity (against South). It wasn’t a screaming and yelling type of intensity. As a coach, those worry you a little bit when they’re quiet intensities because you’re never quite sure if the kids are ready to play today. It was very, very quiet. But we were intense. We were tough. Now it’s my job to make sure we do it one more time for Manchester Central, which is tough to do.
Knight …
On Nashua South’s 10-0 loss to Pinkerton:
We definitely came out flat (Saturday). We showed a little life there late, but …
We weren’t getting it done up front for most of that first half. We didn’t play well all over the field (Saturday).
We just did not have a great day for us. The first time we came out flat all year, I think. I’m not sure (why). We had a decent week of practice, I thought. We had a good week of preparation. Defensively, they didn’t do anything we didn’t prepare for. We just didn’t execute. That’s what it came down to. We got outplayed (Saturday).
On why South struggled to find its rhythm:
We came up with a lot of fourth (downs). That was what was killing us. You’ve got to convert on third down. We came up short a number of times. We just couldn’t get into a flow.
On whether the loss was particularly frustrating, considering Guinto didn’t play for Pinkerton:
I don’t know. Maybe they would’ve done some things that we stopped better. We wouldn’t have played any differently. They did to us (offensively) what they did to Brockton. They beat us up the A-gaps. They ran isolation, belly, fullback trap. They ran some counter, but we were actually more successful stopping their counter. They hit us on a couple buck sweeps for a few yards, but where they really hurt us was up the A-gaps.
We’ve been decent on the outside. We only gave up 10 points. We bend but we don’t break (Saturday). I think we had enough stops to probably win the game if we could score. We just couldn’t move the ball (Saturday).
-MT
The Week 9 Union Leader/WGAM/WMUR High School Football Power Poll was released earlier today (Monday, Oct. 27). This may be the most interesting top 10 yet. Lots of change in the latest poll, which includes some spot-on movement and, once again, some movement I truly question.
Before beginning this week’s Power Poll breakdown, it’s worth noting New Hampshire has a new No. 1 team. Three-time defending Division I champion Pinkerton Academy of Derry — the first top-ranked team — is back on top. The seven-week reign of D-II Bishop Guertin of Nashua ended courtesy of Friday’s upset loss to Keene.
Pinkerton earned five of six first-place votes. Yes, for the second straight week, Plymouth topped one ballot.
You know the drill. First is the comparison between the Week 9 Power Poll and my votes. Second is “3-and-out” which examines what I believe are the new poll’s three biggest items.
Week 9 Power Poll
1. Pinkerton (6-0 D-I, 6-2 overall; 5 first place) — No. 2
2. Manchester Central (5-1 D-I, 7-1) — No. 4
3. Bishop Guertin (5-1 D-II, 6-2) — No. 1
4. Plymouth (7-0 D-IV, 8-0; 1 first place) — No. 5
5. Nashua South (5-1 D-I, 5-3) — No. 3
6. Exeter (6-1 D-II, 7-1) — No. 6
7. Timberlane (5-1 D-II, 6-2) — No. 8
8. Souhegan (7-0 D-III, 8-0) — No. 7
9. Londonderry (5-2 D-I, 6-2) — No. 9
10. Keene (4-2 D-II, 4-3) — N/A
My votes
1. Pinkerton
2. Manchester Central
3. Timberlane
4. Exeter
5. Nashua South
6. Bishop Guertin
7. Londonderry
8. Keene
9. Plymouth
10. Souhegan
First down: Toughest ballot to date
My Week 9 ballot was by far the most difficult to fill out. The Nos. 1, 2, 9 and 10 teams were easy to determine. But placing the Nos. 3-8 teams in order was mighty tough.
Why?
Well, we’ve finally reached a point in the season where assigning rankings isn’t a black-and-white exercise. The majority of my top-10 teams — in the process of testing themselves and proving their “power” — have taken turns beating upon fellow Power Poll mainstays.
In other words, while head-to-head victories are certainly significant, they can no longer be the only barometer used to rank teams.
Perfect example …
Keene beat No. 1 Bishop Guertin on Friday, 18-14. Does that mean Keene should automatically rank higher than BG? You may scream, “Yes!”
But consider this: Earlier this season, Keene lost to Timberlane (13-12), and Timberlane lost to BG (31-0).
See what I mean? Suddenly, this isn’t so simple.
This is the exact reason for a specific post of mine last week. With regard to the Power Poll, I asked whether you place more weight on head-to-head victories or body of work over the first eight weeks.
It likely comes as no surprise to loyal readers of “Moving the Chains” that each team’s body of work takes priority with me. Head-to-head victories certainly score points, but now the circumstances surrounding those victories must be analyzed.
Questions that may be asked include:
* Through eight weeks, has (insert your team) tested itself against tough competition? If so, how many times? What were the results?
* When was the game played? Early in the season? Midway? Last week?
* Did key players compete in the contest(s)?
* Overall, how has (insert your team) fared since Week 1? Has it built momentum or fallen off?
I realize some of you will take issue with where certain teams rank on my ballot. That’s fine. Just remember: As I have consistently said/written throughout the season, my votes reflect where I believe teams rank this week. Poll placement is certainly subject to change entering Week 10.
Second down: Plymouth tops one ballot
Really? Let’s go through all the reasons why I strongly disagree — again …
Hold it! Did you hear that? It’s a whistle. I’ve been flagged for a false start.
Replay second down to discuss a different topic. This one doesn’t make “3-and-out.”
Second down: Cardinals drop just two branches
Guertin occupying the No. 3 spot this week is surprising. I voted the Cardinals No. 6.
Here’s why:
While the No. 1 team, Guertin lost to an unranked opponent. No doubt Keene can play football. The Blackbirds have consistently earned my vote this season. Relative to Week 8, however, Keene didn’t crack the actual Power Poll. That clearly said voters didn’t feel Keene, at the time, was top 10 worthy. With BG losing to this “non-top 10″ foe, I figured the Cards would pay a higher price by dropping lower.
Also, Guertin is riding a two-game losing streak. BG lost, 21-7, to Billerica, Mass., in Week 7.
Third down: Manchester Central movin’ on up
The Little Green reach their highest ranking to date. They’re No. 2 in the Granite State.
Receiving contributions from many players, Central continues to prove its strength. The Queen City crew plays its biggest game of the season this Saturday (Nov. 1).
Top-ranked Pinkerton hosts No. 2 Central. It’s the second 1 vs. 2 matchup of the season (No. 1 Pinkerton vs. No. 2 BG in Week 1). Think there’s any interest in this clash of titans?
-MT
It’s that time. Noon on Monday, Oct. 27, means new rankings. Yes, the Week 9 Union Leader/WGAM/WMUR High School Football Power Poll was just released.
Below is the Granite State’s new top 10, as voted by six individuals, two apiece from the New Hampshire Union Leader, WGAM-Radio and WMUR-TV sports staffs.
Team records and, if applicable, first-place votes, appear in parentheses. Each team’s previous ranking appears after the long dash.
The “Honorable Mention” list is for teams that received votes, but didn’t total enough points to qualify for the top 10. “Bumped” is for teams that dropped from last week’s top 10.
Well, there’s plenty to discuss with regard to the Week 9 poll. No doubt you’re likely to spot some — if not all — of the items. Just like every Monday, I’ll return with my “3-and-out” post later today. In the meantime, here’s New Hampshire’s top 10 for Week 9:
Week 9 Power Poll
1. Pinkerton (6-0 D-I, 6-2 overall; 5 first place) — No. 2
2. Manchester Central (5-1 D-I, 7-1) — No. 4
3. Bishop Guertin (5-1 D-II, 6-2) — No. 1
4. Plymouth (7-0 D-IV, 8-0; 1 first place) — No. 5
5. Nashua South (5-1 D-I, 5-3) — No. 3
6. Exeter (6-1 D-II, 7-1) — No. 6
7. Timberlane (5-1 D-II, 6-2) — No. 8
8. Souhegan (7-0 D-III, 8-0) — No. 7
9. Londonderry (5-2 D-I, 6-2) — No. 9
10. Keene (4-2 D-II, 4-3) — N/A
Honorable Mention
Pelham (6-0 D-V, 7-0)
Portsmouth (6-1 D-III, 7-1)
Bumped
Portsmouth
-MT
Exactly how did Keene beat No. 1 Bishop Guertin of Nashua, 18-14, last night (Friday, Oct. 24) in Division II action?
Here’s how:
Trailing, 14-12, with three-plus minutes remaining in regulation, Keene attempted a 22-yard field goal.
Kicker Mike Tateosian was forced to stop in mid-stride as the snap was high and bobbled by the holder. Without any forward momentum, Tateosian tried to kick the ball, which barely elevated. The ball appeared to hit a lineman. But it never crossed the line of scrimmage, meaning the play was still live.
While many members of Bishop Guertin’s special teams unit ran toward their sideline in celebration, Keene’s Colby Wilkinson scooped the football and ran toward the end zone. He was tackled at BG’s 1-yard line, setting up first-and-goal for the Blackbirds.
Keene’s Tanner Luopa was stopped for no gain on the first play, a quarterback keeper. Tailback Ray Boulay powered across the goal line on the next snap, however, giving Keene the four-point lead with 2 minutes, 17 seconds to play.
-MT
