Week 10 Power Poll released
Posted by: MARC THALER, UnionLeader.com
It’s noon on Monday, Nov. 2. The Week 10 Union Leader/WGAM/WMUR Power Poll was just released.
There’s no change at No. 1. Bishop Guertin of Nashua still owns the state’s top ranking.
The Cardinals swept the six first-place votes for the ninth straight week.
Check back later today/tonight for “Power Poll: 3-and-out” that identifies three items regarding the new rankings.
Here’s New Hampshire’s top 10 for Week 10:
Week 10 Power Poll
1. Bishop Guertin (9-0 overall, 7-0 Div. II / 6 first place) — No. 1
2. Salem (9-0, 7-0 Div. I) — No. 2
3. Exeter (8-0, 7-0 Div. II) — No. 3
4. Nashua North (7-1, 6-1 Div. I) — No. 4
5. Plymouth (9-0, 8-0 Div. IV) — No. 6
6. Souhegan (8-1, 7-1 Div. III) — No. 7
7. Winnacunnet (6-3, 4-3 Div. II) — No. 9
8. Londonderry (5-4, 5-3 Div. I) — No. 8
9. Pinkerton (5-4, 5-2 Div. I) — No. 5
10. Man. Central (6-3, 5-2 Div. I) — NR
Honorable Mention
Portsmouth (8-1, 7-1 Div. III)
Trinity (9-0, 8-0 Div. V)
Bumped
Portsmouth
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Did the pollsters forget the Londonderry-Pinkerton score? Or the Londonderry-Keene score?
Comment by Bob Bradley — November 2, 2009 @ 12:53 pm
Marc -
I think all HS football fans are looking forward to BG vs. Exeter Saturday night at Stellos. You’ve seen both teams, what do you think it going to happen? Do you plan on attending?
Also, if you had the authority to change the current division alignment or playoff system, what changes would you make…if any? You are an informed, objective person. I would really like to know what you think about the current state of HS football. For example, would you like to see the D1 and D2 champions meet for a “real title” game? Or, would you be in favor of cross-over playoffs between D1 and D2? Just curious.
For example (assuming the playoffs started today and seeding held):
Quarters:
BG (1) vs. Central (4)
Exeter (2) vs. Pinkerton (3)
North (2) vs. Winny (3)
Salem (1) vs. Timberlane (4)
Semis
BG (1) vs. North (2)
Exeter (2) vs. Salem (1)
Finals
BG (1) vs. Salem (1)
The same could be done in the other divisions with the three state title games held on the same day at a neutral, turf field.
Keep up the good work. Shane, Manchester
Comment by Shane — November 2, 2009 @ 4:42 pm
The comment above by Shane made me think more about something I’ve thought about before ~ why doesn’t NH go with the Heal Point System? It’s more than fair and makes all that is HS sports more exciting, if not interesting..let alone muffle all the yappers about “who should play who.” Maine has had it for years and it works well. For those not familiar with, give a look. It’s a lot less confusing than what is now in place here in NH, despite the splash of the Union Leader headline about new “Classifications.” Window dressing, if even that.
And if that is too much, why not have a system in place where teams are ‘relegated’ by record every two/three years… depending on a team’s record… they’re up, or down.
Not sure what the answer is, and cannot speak to Patrick Corbin or the NHIAA. Like to think they’ve the best of NH Sports in mind and heart. However, to this observer, I feel often that any sort of change to them (NHIAA) equates to more “work.”
NH football, and athletics as a whole has changed… and for the better, Mr Corbin. Keep up, or get out of the way. More….. be innovative and leave a positive imprint, rather than be a steward or worse, a custodian.
Comment by Jack — November 3, 2009 @ 3:41 am
How can Laconia not even get any votes? They should be ranked higher than Trinity. Their only losses are to Plymouth and Souhegan…both in the top 6.
Comment by Joe — November 3, 2009 @ 8:24 am
Ummm, Joe…Monadnock 7, Laconia 6. I think that was a loss, no?
Still have questions?
And I saw Plymouth for the first time this past weekend. I can’t speak to their earlier teams…but this Plymouth team would get trounced by any of the guns in DI or II, and Souhegan would absolutely light them up. All the howls from the Land of Lenahan about the lack of respect the Bobcats get is, after watching the team play, ludicrous. EVERY team in the Power Poll would handle Plymouth easily. Every. Single. One.
Comment by Brian — November 3, 2009 @ 12:32 pm
LACONIA JUST LOST TO MONADNOCK, JOE!!!!!! And the Heal Point system is a joke, just ask the teams that got seeded for boys soccer.
Comment by sdfsdf — November 3, 2009 @ 2:16 pm
Brian - Pretty funny that you are using a meaningless Week 9 game between Plymouth and a winless team as your barometer for judging how good Plymouth is. Id be surprised if their starters played more than 2 series. You were pretty much watching their JV. I wasn’t at the game, but played for the program, and the last week before playoffs is always a week to rest the starters. The only thing ludacris here is that you are going to judge the squad based on the performance of their 2nd and 3rd string in an obviously meaningless game.
Comment by Jimbo — November 3, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
Brian,
You have got to be kidding me with that comment. I would agree with 100% that the 2009 Plymouth Bobcats are not as talented as teams they have had in the past, but that could go to show you one of two things. What most would say is that there in D-IV and the competition is awful. D-IV has proven this year that it is better than D-III though. Plymouth’s trouncing of D-III Milford earlier this season is a good example(by the way Milford beat Souhegan). The second opinion that I think of is Coach Lenahan and his staff. You dont just win 53 games in a row by having good players. Its the hours of film and practice that Coach Lenahan puts in for his team.
A post like that is just disrespectful to not only one of the greatest programs in New Hampshire but also to the THE greatest coach in New Hampshire history.
Comment by Sean — November 3, 2009 @ 8:41 pm
Nicely put Brian. Lets see what you watched at Sanborn this week. One Plymouth running back with 3 carries for 190 yards and 3 touchdowns. Another Plymouth back with a touchdown and 80 yards then the Coaches unloaded the bench starting in the second quarter. My god Brian the Plymouth kicker was in the game playing DB in the second quarter. My understanding is he split the season as the captain of the soccer team and kicked the football. Great game to watch in order to make such a clarifying statement. The only thing ludricious here is the Power Poll. No team below Division 2 including Souhegan should be considered in the Power Poll. Like many before me have said if the Sabers want to be considered go up and play up. For another clarification Laconia did not lose to Monadnock, Monadnock BEAT Laconia on its home field in all facets of the game similiar to Milford BEATING Souhegan. The only reality here is that there is a reason the boys play the game and the rest of us sit back and consider the what ifs. So Mr. Thaler what if we had no Power Poll would you even be around?
Comment by George — November 3, 2009 @ 9:11 pm
And all the Plymouth people come out of the woodwork to attack Souhegan and everyone else. Predictable. You beat a Milford team missing 11 starters, congrats. That proves a lot. Souhegan (when healthy) beat Laconia 37-7. What was the score for when Plymouth played again, 13-7? I agree with Brian, in past years with the Boyle brothers Plymouth probably could have played with anyone in the state, but surely not this year. The top teams in the state (including Souhegan) would light up the Bobcats. Just watch what a motivated and healthy Sabers team can do against a full strength Milford team on Saturday. And the top D1/2 schools would have an absolute field day with Plymouth THIS year. BG vs Plymouth? Lol.
Comment by Carl — November 4, 2009 @ 10:14 am
George you forgot to mention that O-line players tried their hand at LB just to mix things up a little. Brian…a personal invite to Plymouth this week to watch the real 2009 Bobcats when the game means something. A true football fan would make every effort to be there. Then whatever opinion you have can be tendered. I’m a Plymouth fan and the Sanborn game was dreadful even for me to watch. I did get to hear about some good hunting spots during the game though…we had to talk about something.
Comment by Bobact Fans — November 4, 2009 @ 10:35 am
Milford was without 11 starters? So those 11 players single handedly beat up the mighty 70,80 or 90 sabers? ESPN should do a piece on them. Even Knute Rockne would love this story. I bet motivational speakers could bundle that story into a book deal. C’mon this isn’t about saber bashing from Plymouth. Plymouth has done there time with Souhegan. You can’t get it back. It is what it was…17-2 period. I know you wish you could play Plymouth again but you can’t. What would you done different, call the referees by there first names?
Comment by Bobby — November 4, 2009 @ 12:38 pm
Plymouth fans it’s simple.
Move up!!!
That’s it, just move up.
Travel cost? It’s 5 games a yr on the road. It’s not a baseball/basketball/hockey schedule.
5 Saturdays a Fall and everyone would be able to see what Plymouth has. It’s pretty obvious Lenehan was done pounding Souhegan and their Coach who spouts off every chance he has trumpeting how great his team is only to lose to a team like Milford. Lenahan should have petitioned up to at least D2. He has an outstanding feeder system and has been dominant for over 20 years. It’s time for a challenge Coach.
I for one hope it happens because I am sick of listening to the white mountain nutjobs rant and rave.
Comment by Dave — November 4, 2009 @ 1:05 pm
Dave - I guess I would be one of the “white mountain nutjobs” who rant and rave. Even though I don’t live in the White Mountains and wouldn’t call supporting the program that I once played in many years ago ranting and raving.
I agree that it might be time for Plymouth to look at moving up, but just watch how the D-IV playoffs go. I guarantee that Kennett and Laconia, Plymouths biggest rivals for many many years will both give them a game. You say Plymouth should have petitioned up to AT LEAST D-II?? I would love to see them go to D-II, but…they don’t play ANY D-II teams in ANY team sport. With your implication that they should at least move up to D-II, than I suppose you think they should move up to D-I and play Pinkerton, Salem, Manchester schools, Nashua schools and so on. Why on earth would Plymouth do that?? So that Southern NH can see that their high schools with 2,000 plus students can beat up on a school with an enrollment of 800? Sweet. That proves alot. Also, those larger schools have nothing to gain by playing Plymouth. If they win, they were supposed to. Lose, and they lost to a school with D-IV depth and enrollment.
I, for one, have been adamant for years that Plymouth move up a couple divisions to really challenge themselves. But honestly, why would they do that?? They are looking at playing their archrivals over the next two weeks, and beating them would be a whole lot more satisfying than beating someone like Nashua South for a championship.
Comment by Jimbo — November 4, 2009 @ 4:24 pm
That is fine Jimbo, but don’t look to get any respect and don’t push your agenda on people. Plymouth is the best “small” school. I still feel they are better than Souhegan. At least if I had a vote I would put them higher. Souhegan’s loss to Milford says it all. Starters out is not an excuse. Plymouth beat Milford, end of discussion. Exeter played with a 3rd string qb for 3 games and they beat quality opponents. Souhegan is ranked way to high in this poll after that loss. Will Souhegan petition to DII? I doubt it, same goes for Plymouth…
Comment by John — November 5, 2009 @ 8:49 am
“They are looking at playing their archrivals over the next two weeks, and beating them would be a whole lot more satisfying than beating someone like Nashua South for a championship. ”
The problem, Jimbo, is plymouth would be blown out in that game…even this year with a typical plymouth team and a down year for south, it wouldn’t be much of a game.
And until you have proof beyond “back when we beat souhegan” and “this one time in a scrimmage”, then no one wants to hear it really. And I’m saying that respectfully, what Plymouth has done is incredible. But many MANYYY of those teams, are sub par at best.
Comment by Brian O — November 6, 2009 @ 1:50 pm
John, you, I, and everyone else in the state know that Exeter’s offense isn’t really dependent on the QB. That’s an unfair comparison considering Souhegan’s loss came when virtually their entire starting O and D lines were out with injuries or the flu. That’s a little different. Wouldn’t surprise me if a healthy Souhegan stomps Milford tomorrow. And to let you know, Milford was missing 11 starters to suspension when they lost to Plymouth. Just a thought. So are Souhegan and Plymouth ranked too high? No. Do youself a favor and watch the game at Souhegan, Saturday at 3.
Comment by Carl — November 6, 2009 @ 11:08 pm