Date Posted : 09-02-2010 Written by: Dave Haley Share

Brandon Karkhanis and Nashua North look to go one step farther in 2010

 Oh how things can change drastically in a year.

 Twelve months ago Jack Gati and his Salem high school football team listened to every so called football expert in the state (including this one) basically ignore them while predicting another Pinkerton/Nashua South title game. Sure the Blue Devils would score points with that offense, but could they stop anyone on defense? All the while Gati looked and spoke like a coach who has been around long enough to know he had a shot to be there in the end and behind that his team carried a ‘you better not sleep on us' vibe through a strong pre-season. That ultimately translated into the school's first state championship since 1983. (Thank you to one of our readers: correction 1995 Division II champs)

 A year later just about anyone you talk to will tell you its Salem's title to lose and that their punter may never step on the field. Salem features stars galore in Lounge members Matt Cannone & Jerickson Frederick to go along with big Mike Lorenz and last season's player of the year Max Jacques.

 A Division that was considered a bit down last year boasted a crop of very good under-classman and with the return of those players Division I is again the undisputed best class in New Hampshire high school football.

 Today we take a look at the teams that will vie for the title Salem is not eager to relinquish.

Date Posted : 09-02-2010 Written by: Dave Haley Share

Steve Cronan leads Winnacunnet again in Division II

 With apologies to Salem it was Bishop Guertin that was the best football team in the state last year. In 2010 they aren't quite starting from scratch but they're not exactly re-loading either. This is a team that lost over 30 seniors and nearly a dozen All-State caliber performers so this will not be another three month long coronation for Tony Johnson's team.

 At the same time, they are still the team to beat and with Exeter moved on to Division I and Dover replacing several key players, this may be a more top heavy division that it has been the last few years.

 Today we take a look at the new look Division II as Exeter moves up and Manchester West joins the next tier.