Bishop Guertin's Jakob Baker (84) chases down last year's Nashua South QB Mike Rutstein in the teams' 2021 meeting. Baker will return when the two schools tangle again in Saturday night's season opener at Stellos Stadium. (Telegraph file photo by TOM KING)
Football returns this weekend in full force, the highlight being games tonight and Saturday at Stellos Stadium involving the three Nashua teams.
Here’s a capsule look at all the action:
LAST YEAR: Did not play.
The Bulldogs finished 7-3 last year and lost in the quarterfinals, and return five starters on offense and four on defense, including senior QB-saftey Evan Cibotti.
The Titans, of course, return Derek Finlay as well as back Jack Peters and defensive force Toby Brown, Jr. Bedford is usually about speed;North right now is about athleticism. Should be a good one.
WHERE: Hugo Bolin Field in Rochester
LAST YEAR: Did not play.
FYI: Something has to give in this one, right? Spaulding went 0-9 a year ago while Alvirne went 0-8 (COVID cancelled a game), and neither team opted to move down to Division II, which if one did, would have kept things as they are with an even number of teams. The Raiders played a lot of young players a year ago, but have just four starters back each on both sides of the ball. Alvirne also was young and have only eight seniors on this year’s team, but have a good combination of QB Zach Peters and receiver Cole Bucknam, both seniors.
LAST YEAR: Did not play.
FYI: For the first time in nearly three years, Kyle Crampton won’t be at quarterback for the Tomahawks, having graduated. That has opened the door likely for senior Trent Jackson. This should be a game with no pressure to work out the kinks as the game won’t count in any standings other than possibly a tie breaking procedure (wins on the road). The Scots are ranked No. 10 in Maine, and averaged 32.5 points a game a year ago, giving up 22.3. They have as many as 18 seniors on the roster led by QB Cam Marcello.
LAST YEAR: Milford 41, John Stark 16
FYI: The Spartans will likely outrank the Generals, led by QB Charlie Urda, but they’ve had a rough start with illness forcing them, along with Souhegan, to bow out of the Manchester Jamboree and their practice time has been limited. Not an easy start for Stark, either, as the Generals have to play Milford, Hanover and Pelham right off the bat. Ouch.
FYI: The Cavaliers start right up where they ended up last season, vs. the Bears. And just like last year, this won’t be easy, given the fact Hanover has eight returning starters on each side of the ball, including three linemen and QB-corner Teddy Sumner. Remember, the Cavs’ numbers are low, but the team’s top two rushers from a year ago, Elliott Troddyn and Adam York are back. You never know on Opening Night.
LAST YEAR: Did not play.
FYI: Let’s face it, the division belongs to Campbell and Trinity, but Epping-Newmarket moved up from Division IV after a successful 7-3 2021 season and has 11 starters (six defense, five offense) back to go with new coach Ron Ross. The Cougar defense, led by inside linebackers Nick and Scott Hershberger, will have to contend with returning running backs Jordan Espo and Jared Decourcey, and the Campbell defense should make life difficult for soph QB Nate Gallant.
NASHUA SOUTH AT BISHOP GUERTIN
LAST YEAR: Bishop Guertin 35, Nashua South 7.
FYI: A great all-local opener, with the Cards looking to establish themselves as title contenders and the Panthers just hoping to bounce back from a 3-6 2021 nightmare. BG has many of the same names – QB Matt Santosuosso, back Charlie Bellavance, and defensive force Jakob Baker, while the Panthers have a new QB, Karsten Lemire, with other new skill players but a defense led by tackles Colby Vancelette and Matt Harding could force the Cards to go to the outside. Should be a good one to cap off a holiday football weekend.
FYI: The Redhawks finished 2-6 a year ago but have seven starters back, including junior QB Noah Carter. They’re simply looking to improve – they could have been even better, losing five other starters to either relocation or just leaving the program entirely. Souhegan, led by sophomore QB Romy Jain, has aspirations for a deep playoff run. But they’ll have to take care of business first.
Join thousands already receiving our daily newsletter.
Join thousands already receiving our daily newsletter.
Copyright © The Nashua Telegraph | https://www.nashuatelegraph.com | 110 Main St, Ste 1, Nashua, NH 03060 | 603-882-2741