The Division I title chase was about who could possibly beat defending champion Londonderry until it wasn’t.

  By the time our November 26th championship game staff picks rolled around, four of our seven members were picking 10th-seeded Bedford to beat the undefeated Lancers, which they did, 15-14.

 There are a few factors involved to help explain why people seemed to believe a 6-3 team was prepared to beat a 9-0 one;

 1) cliches may be cliches, but that doesn't mean a lot of them aren't true. Defense still wins championships, and Bedford came in having yet to allow a single point in three playoff games.

 2) One team was playing with the pressure of expectations. The other with ‘house money’.

 3) No one will ever look at Bedford, a school that would go on to win thirteen championships last year, as the plucky underdog. They’re Bedford, they’re a wagon, and they’re going to be in the mix annually.

 Colby Snow’s game-winning field goal gave us an instant classic and proved once again that no division is deeper than Division I.

 In 2023 the champs may be the favorite, but it’s an extremely deep division of teams that understand that the last team standing only needs to be the team playing their best (and healthy enough) in November.

 Final Division I Standings and Statistical Leaders

 Today in our first of four football previews, we take a look at Division I

 Today's Division I preview is brought to you by our friends and partners at Exeter Hospital!

 Core Orthopedics and Exeter Hospital’s Sports Medicine Team has a wide range of specialists to help your high school athlete recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and work with athletic trainers to get back in the game. Find them at coreorthoaandsportsmed.com

 

 Division I Central Predicted Order  (*-playoff team)

1. Londonderry *

2. Pinkerton Academy *

3. Windham *

4. Salem *

5. Concord *

6. Alvirne

7. Manchester Central

  The Londonderry Lancers led Bedford all the way until the final minute of the game in pursuit of back-to-back titles and their third championship in four seasons.

 With one of the best classes in program history moving on, Jimmy Lauzon’s team is in the re-loading stage, where a lot of new faces step up into more prominent roles.

 “ We have a lot of very good players to replace,” said Lauzon. “ Players who have waited in the wings now get their opportunity, and it’s about them taking advantage of that and we as coaches having them prepared.”

 Player of the Year Drew Heenan is off playing college football, and the battle to fill his shoes has four players competing for the job.

 “ We have four very good candidates at quarterback and a lot of confidence in each,” said Lauzon. “ We are going to let that competition play out before we name a starter.

 Seniors Connor Williams & Cam Brutus and juniors Sam Ogden and Alex Villa all have a shot to end up as the starter. They’ll be joined in the backfield by last year's leading rusher Jake Schena (391 yards on the ground), Jake Perron, Carson Palma, and Adrian Cruz.

 “ I like what I’ve seen out of that (running back) group,” said Lauzon. “ Jake is going to play a big role for us and will also see time at slot receiver.”

 Jaydon Navarro returns at tight end and will play alongside Devin Boles and receivers Seth Doyon, Mason Paquette, and Nathan Rosario.

 The offensive line will be anchored by one of the best in the state, Senior Ty Miles, who was lost to an injury a season ago. “ There’s so much I can say about Ty,” said Lauzon. “ He’s hungry to get back out there. He’s fast, he’s strong, and he’s such a difference-maker for us. Just an outstanding player.”

 Michael Thistle, Charlie Lantz, and Andreas Taliadouros will join Miles on the line.

“ If there is a silver lining to losing a player like Ty to injury, it's that a lot of guys had to step into a more significant role,” said Lauzon. “ That’s going to help us this season. I like the way that group has been coming together. They’ll be a strength of our team.”

 Colin Couture and Paul Binder will play right away on the defensive line, while Doyon is one of the best defensive backs in the state. “ Seth is someone who I think flew a bit under the radar last season,” said Lauzon. “ He was outstanding and is going to have another great season for us.”

 Matt Carroll and Cam Brutus will also contribute right away for the Lancers.

 All four linebackers from a year ago graduated, and getting the new starters up to speed will be a priority early in the season.

 “ It’s going to be a challenge, but the players understand what is expected of them. It’s a great opportunity for us to integrate new players and continue to be a program that competes for championships year in and year out.”

 With fourteen returning players who saw significant playing time a year ago, the Pinkerton Academy Astros should follow one of the best offensive lines in the state straight into November.

 Adam Day, 6’5 Joey Packowski, Marcos Centeno, Ryan Placey, and 6’5 300 lb. Dawson Fenner all return in the trenches and will lead a backfield led by Caden Michaud, Matt Morrison, Ryan Catineau, Ben Isaac, and Ben Quintinliani.

 Tim Hersom returns at quarterback for the Astros after throwing for 405 yards and four touchdowns last season.

 Landon Mackiernan and Jacon Adrien will play significant roles at tight end, while the defense will be led by a group that includes Ben Wolthers in the secondary and Dan Sullivan on the defensive line.

  Head coach Jack Bryne and the Windham Jaguars thought they had lost to a pretty good team after their first-round playoff loss to Bedford.

 Three weeks later, they were positive they had.

 The Bulldogs went on to win the Division I championship, but for the Jaguars, the preparations for 2023 were already underway. “ We had kids back in the weight room immediately,” said Bryne.

 “ When you lose to the best team in the state, it shows your players the level you need to get to. You see it across the line for four quarters, which is the level we are trying to reach.”

 “ We have a lot of players coming back, and the seniors who graduated left a culture behind. We are a team looking to take the next step forward.”

 Senior Billy DePietro takes over at quarterback after backing up Josh Sweeney (581 yards passing) a year ago. “ He shared reps in practice, so he is more than ready to step in,” said Bryne. “ He is quick and shifty. He fits our system well.”

 Tiger An returns as one of the best football players in the state. An ran for 688 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, the fifth most in the division last season.

 “ Tiger is a great kid and an incredibly hard worker,” said Bryne. “ We are going to put a lot on his shoulders this season, and he’s ready for it.”

 Joining him in the backfield will be Chris Brearley, Cam Williiams (“Both players have a ton of speed,” said Bryne), and Hayden Tedesco.

 Matt Desmarais returns at wide receiver along with TE/WR Ben Roy.

 The offensive line has a chance to be a strength of the team. That unit is led by four returning starters: Dane Grieco, Dylan Kim, DJ Klemm, Christian Parsons, and Luke Sweeney, whose father is the O-line coach.

 “ Our interior lines should be a strength for us this season. The coaches have done a terrific job of getting the kids prepared, and the effort level has been great.”

 DE/OLB Liam Shambo is poised for a breakout season and will be joined on defense by Grieco, linebackers Matt Kabouris & Kavi Patel, and CB Caleb Brow & Dylan Roy.

 “ We have a ton of speed and experience in the trenches. So the pieces are in place, but in this division, it’s a fight every week,” said Bryne.

 “ We’re excited to get going.”

 In 2023 the Salem Blue Devils will be improved, but a fast start will be crucial with a schedule that has them ending the season against Londonderry and Pinkerton in back-to-back weeks.

 “ We started eight sophomores last season, and any coach in this division will tell you that while it speaks to the potential of your underclassman, it’s not ideal when they are going up against senor-dominated lineups,” said head coach Steve Abraham.

 “ That experience and a good off-season in the weight room should make us a better football team this season, but we’ll be tested every week.”

 Quarterback Nolan Lumley returns after throwing for 525 yards and rushing for 206 last season.

“ He is a good leader on & off the field and fits what we are trying to do offensively,” said Abraham. “ He can throw the football, a dynamic we haven’t always had. It brings more versatility to our offense.”

  RB/LB Daniel Hughes steps up into a more significant role this season in the backfield along with RB/CB David Gasbarro, speedy Felix Gonzalez, and Kevin Todisco.

 The Blue Devils never seem to lack depth in the backfield, and that will again be the case as Talen Walton and Jordan Zannini will get an opportunity to play right away.

 They’ll carry the ball behind an offensive line that lacks size but not athleticism. “ It’s a tough group with the ability to get out and create space for us,” said Abraham.

 The line will be anchored by center Aaron Masson and Lucias Mosher, with many of the same players leading the defense.

 “ The attitude and the effort level have been great,” said Abraham. “We open with a tough Keene team and a good Memorial team, so we have to be ready from Week 1 to compete. There are no easy nights in this division.”

  The Concord Crimson Tide made good on their pre-season buzz a year ago with a 5-3 season and the team’s first playoff appearance in nearly a decade.

 With eight starters back and the leading rusher in the division returning, James Corkum’s team looks poised for a November playoff run.

 “ We have a good nucleus returning, and this is a group we like a lot, but there are key positions with new starters and underclassmen stepping into significant roles.”

 “ The potential is there. We now need to go out and produce.”

 Eli Bahuma returns after a monster junior season that saw him rush for 1,559 yards and 23 touchdowns. “ Eli is a pleasure to coach and such a big part of our program,” said Corkum. “ He is a better kid than he is a player, and that is obviously saying a lot.”

 “ We also know our best offense is a balanced one, so we are not looking to have him carry the ball thirty-five times a game. Certainly, though, we are going to rely heavily on him, and he is a player who leads by example.”

 With Zack Doward having graduated Colby Nyhan and Levi Madison are competing for the starting quarterback job. “ Both have a lot of versatility and can throw the ball well,” said Corkum. “ Each has had their moments, and I expect both to see the field this season.”

 Joining Bahuma in the backfield will be Nate Gailbraith, Jackson Burkush, and Trevor Craigue.

 Brett Tuttle and Oscar Perez give the Tide speed and athleticism at the wide receiver and tight end spot, while Aiden Diachenko, Kenny Mercado, and Sam Pfitz will anchor the offensive line.

 “ The play of our lineman has improved by the week,” said Corkum. “It’s been a really pleasant surprise in camp.”

 All-state defensive back Connor Hughes will lead the defense (“He is going to have an outstanding season for us,” said Corkum), as well as linebackers Oscar Perez, Van MacIver, and Nate Gailbraith.

 “ We graduated a big class, so it will take time for players to step into roles, but the chemistry and attitude have been very good, and we are excited to compete.”

  Talk to any coach in any sport, and they will tell you the biggest leap in an athlete’s ability comes from their sophomore to their junior year.

 New Alvirne head coach Matt Lee doesn't just believe in that theory; he’s banking on it.

 “ This junior group played a ton of snaps as sophomores,” said Lee. “They were overwhelmed at times, and it led to a lot of injuries. What you see this season is that the kids have put in the time in the weight room, and they want to prove they are a better football team than they were a year ago.”

 Charlie Crawford will start at quarterback for the Broncos and will be joined in the backfield by running backs Aiden Mills and Shayne Mackey.

 A talented group of receivers should be a strength in Lee’s spread offense, as Ryan Rocheleau, Cam Drohan, Cole Doinne, and Jonavan Santana are all expected to contribute right away. “ We have had a good pre-season, and you can see the offense coming together.”

 The majority of the offensive line played together as sophomores. It is a group led by senior Cam Porter and juniors Andrew Deely, Devin Scott, Zach Fontes, and Liam Bowie.

 A pair of seniors who did not play last season will help lead the defense: MLB Ayden Kelly and Kyle Dufour. “ Ayden played very well in our scrimmage at the linebacker spot, and having Kyle back has given us another playmaker on defense,” said Lee.

 Brody Orr is also expected to play right away at linebacker.

 “ We have a big junior group and eighty-five players in the program, so we as a coaching staff are encouraged,” said Lee. “ It’s about competing every week and continuing to improve as a team.”

  Ryan Ray’s Manchester Central Little Green are talented but very inexperienced. Meaning they might have to take their lumps this season before a nucleus that can contend for the playoffs evolves.

 “ We are very young,” said Ray. “ So it becomes about the coaches teaching, the players being receptive and working hard, and a goal of getting better by the day.”

 Cayden Salvi gives Central a versatile athlete who can make all the throws at quarterback while running back Ethan Cenesca gives the offense production and attitude. “ Ethan is a tough runner and a hard-nosed kid,” said Ray. He’s a smart kid and someone you look to as a leader.”

 Joining Cenesca in the backfield will be Trevor Wong and all-state RB/LB Lleyton Sargent. “ We have speed and players with a good understanding of what we are trying to accomplish on offense,” said Ray. “ It’s about new starters stepping into bigger roles.”

 Enock Bangasimbo will be a difference maker at both linebacker and the offensive line, while DL Remy Content is one of the best in the division.

 “ Numbers are down, and depth is an issue. We need to have everyone prepared to play because we are facing some of the best teams in the state again this season.”

 

 East Predicted Order

1. Portsmouth-Oyster River *

2. Exeter *

3. Dover *

4. Spaulding *

5. Timberlane *

6. Manchester Memorial

7. Winnacunnet

 The Portsmouth-Oyster River Clipper Cats have stood in the shadow of seacoast rivals Exeter and Winnacunnet since their move back to Division I in 2014.

 With eight starters back on both sides of the ball from a playoff team a year ago and more running back depth than they have had since a Division II title game run in 2013, Brian Pafford’s team looks ready to step into the spotlight.

 “ There is a good vibe here, across the board,” said Pafford, who will take over offensive play-calling duties this season. “ We had one hundred and fifteen players come out for the team this season, we returned our core from a year ago, and we had very good attendance/participation in the weight room.”

“ All of that can lead to success. The job now is to get better every week and prove it.”

 The depth begins behind center, where Aidan Thomas returns after throwing for 743 yards and rushing for 201 last season as a junior. He will compete for the starting job with junior Colby Gedney, who has had a strong pre-season.

 “ We have confidence in both players, and I anticipate both will see playing time at quarterback,” said Pafford.

 Cole McLaughlin rushed for a team-high 351 yards a year ago and will be joined by talented newcomer Brooks Connors, who played for Winnacunnet a year ago. “ We feel like we have two #1 backs,” said Pafford.

 Senior Angus Moss and Emmanuel Poe will join them in the backfield. “This is the deepest group of running backs I can remember,” said Pafford.

 They’ll be joined by wide receiver Nick Smith and play behind an offensive line that returns four starters: all-state standout Max Durkin, Cam Worster, Colton Brisard, and a much improved Fletcher Miles, who Pafford noted has bulked up over the off-season.

 “ We feel like the offensive line is going to be a strength for us, but like any team, health is always the key. We need all five on the field,” said Pafford.

 Durkin will lead the defense in the trenches, along with Ryan Cummings at defensive tackle, Cole McLaughlin at linebacker, and Dominic Buono at outside linebacker.

 “ How well we throw the ball is going to be key,” said Pafford of an offense that in the past would routinely throw thirty passes a game.

 “If we can be a versatile offense, we have a chance to be a pretty good football team.”

 The formula remains the same at Exeter under legendary head coach Bill Ball.

 Ensure the program has healthy numbers (120 players will suit up for the Blue Hawks this season), develop your underclassmen so they thrive as seniors and limit turnovers and mistakes until late into November.

 “ We are replacing a big senior class, but the players behind them were ready and are prepared to contribute now,” said Ball. “ In the pre-season, it’s about making sure they understand what is expected of them on and off the field as well as getting them up to game speed.”

 Jack Bove steps into the quarterback role and will be joined in the backfield by Evan Delorie, Sean DeLello, RB/DB Jack Kavanaugh, and converted guard Daniel Batstone. “ Daniel is moving over to running back, and he has done a very nice job with that transition,” said Ball. “He is a hard-nosed runner who fits our style very well.”

 Tyler Graney will step into the tight-end role his all-state brother Ryan vacated and play alongside an offensive line anchored by twin brothers Eli & Isaac Beem and Harry Caraccilio. “Isaac and Eli lead our interior lineman, and both are set to have a very strong season for us.”

 DeLello, Delorie, and the Beem brothers will lead a new-look defense that features size and speed.

 “ How we perform when we get sped up will be key, but that’s why we have very good scrimmages in place to get us prepared,” said Ball. “The seacoast is very strong this season, so we are going to have to be ready from Day one.”

  Eric Cumba’s Dover Green Wave earned a playoff berth a year ago but were a gang of walking wounded by the time they arrived.

 Injuries, particularly across both lines, slowed the momentum of what had been a 3-0 start, but with key playmakers returning on both sides of the ball along with one of the best quarterbacks in the state, Cumba’s team is ready for their second act.

 “ We lost some very good football players to graduation, players like Brett Davis that take multiple guys to replace,” said Cumba. “ But we have a great senior group and a lot of experience on both sides of the ball. Injuries kept us from reaching our potential last season, and the hope is we can finish strong with this group.”

 Ryder Aubin lost the Division I passing title to Nashua South’s Karsten Lemire by one yard last season (1,416 to 1,415) and returns stronger and even more prepared than he was a season ago. “ He lived in the weight room over the off-season, and you can see his comfort level with the offense, his throws, and the guys around him.”

 “ He’s very smart and a great kid,” said Cumba. “ That’s a terrific combination.”

 Aubin will be joined in the backfield by Brady McInnes (a good weapon as a receiver as well, with 247 yards in catches last season), Tony D’Andrea, and Amari Lewis.

 Tight end Bryce Carberry returns after 369 yards receiving and four touchdowns last season. He will play alongside receivers Sam Grube and Ben Allen and behind an offensive line anchored by returning starters Kyle Merrill, Orion Jennison, and Tobey Desroches.

 Familiar faces will also lead the defense as (DB) Jacob Bernier (DB) Lukah Ready, (LB) Liam Gannon, Grant Davis, and (LB) Coen Monahan all will make an immediate impact.

 “ We have good chemistry with this group, and the goal is to take the next step,” said Cumba. “Injuries are always a concern, so it’s about building depth behind the starters and making sure everyone is prepared and ready to contribute.”

 The turn-around at Spaulding under head coach Kevin Hebert culminated in a playoff appearance last season and a strong showing in a 35-20 loss at Pinkerton Academy.

 With eighty-seven players on the team, double where the program was six years ago, and twelve who started a year ago returning, the Red Raiders don’t plan to return to also-ran status anytime soon.

 “ We liked where we were headed as a team last fall, but injuries just knocked the wind out of our sails,” said Hebert. “ We were down fourteen key players at one point and just struggled to continue the momentum we had built.”

 “Those underclassmen that were pushed into action maybe a little earlier than they were prepared for are going to benefit from that experience.”

 Kaiden Melendez returns at quarterback to run the Wing-T offense. “He does a great job running our offense. He’s been in the system for three years, and we have a ton of confidence in his ability to lead the offense.”

 Leading rusher Hunter Trueman returns after running for 748 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He will be joined in the backfield by Seth Cortina (414 yards last season), Jonas Levesque, and RB/slot receiver Zach Lynch.

 “ We are a triple option team, so depth at that position is crucial, and we feel like we have it,” said Hebert.

 Hunter Patch will anchor the offensive line alongside Gavin Letourneau and Jack Rup, who has had a very strong pre-season. “ We are replacing some key players on the line, so we have spent a lot of time working within that unit and getting the kids prepared.”

 Rup will help lead the defense at linebacker after moving from defensive end last season and will be joined by cornerback Grady Collins and Seth Cortina.

 “ The chemistry has been terrific with this group; it’s been fantastic,” said Hebert.

 “ We have twenty-eight freshmen in the program and some good momentum. The goal is to stay away from injuries and work to get back to the playoffs.”

 The Timberlane Owls followed up their 2021 Division II championship with a 7-2 season back in Division I that included playoff wins over Concord and Exeter before bowing out to eventual champion Bedford.

 “ We ran into a buzzsaw against Bedford, but we accomplished a lot in beating two very good teams in the postseason,” said head coach Kevin Fitzgerald.

 “ We lost a very good group of seniors last season, but we feel the program is in a very good place. We expect to compete again this season.”

 Gary Shivell stepped in for an injured QB Dom Coppetta two years ago and helped lead the Owls to a championship. After playing receiver last season, he again will compete for time behind center against Jeremy Mlocek.

 “ We have good competition at that position and a lot of confidence in each player,” said Fitzgerald. “ They are both three-sport athletes who understand the work it takes and how to compete.”

 Eddie DiGiulio returns after leading the team in rushing a year ago with 575 yards and 12 touchdowns. “ He’s set up to have a big year for us. He had a great off-season.”

 DiGiulio will be joined in the backfield by the team’s third-leading rusher a year ago, Liam Corman (474 yards and 8 TDs), and Cam Nazarian, who Fitzgerald plans to play at multiple positions. “ I love the versatility of that group. Our backfield will be a strength for us.”

 The wide receivers will be led by Tyler Chiccino, Jake Basnett, and Charlie Marshall, while Ryan Kontos will anchor an offensive line that includes Nick Devlin and Caleb Goldman.

 Shivell will lead the defense at safety along with Liam Kelley at linebacker, Cameron Bilotta, Eddie Gull, and sophomore Matt Fitzgerald.

 “ We have a lot of players stepping up into more significant roles, so it may take us some time to hit our stride, but the attitude and effort level has been really good, and we’re excited to compete in a very deep division,” said Fitzgerald.

 The build has been slow but steady for Rob Sturgis and his staff at Manchester Memorial. But with eight starters back, including his quarterback and top running back, the Crusaders should contend for a playoff spot.

 “ We are like a lot of teams in our division where you can feel great, but you’re also two or three injuries away from being in trouble,” said Sturgis. “ So we’ve taken steps this season to improve our odds of keeping the best players on the field.”

 Memorial will play each player on one side of the ball, limiting the number of snaps they play and, hopefully, the number of injuries that pile up over the course of a three-month season.

“ We played Windham a year ago, and we were right there until our guys just wore down in the fourth quarter,” said Sturgis. “ We made the decision as a coaching staff that going two-way (playing both offense and defense) was something we needed to move away from.”

 The sense of optimism around the program begins at quarterback, where Connor McFarland returns after throwing for 1,225 yards and nine touchdowns last season. “ He is a hard-working kid who understands the system very well.”

 Erik Seymore is a four-year starter in the backfield and will be joined at the skill positions by wide receivers Colin Beaulieu, Ethan Vilgrain, and sophomore Jacob Schuff.

 Patrick Vachon, a three-year starter, will anchor the offensive line. “We’ll run the triple option, and with the backs we have and our ability to sustain blocks at the line of scrimmage, we feel confident in our ability to compete with the best teams on our schedule. We just have to go out and prove it.”

 The defense will be led by all-state cornerback Martin Alisandro (“There isn’t a better corner in the state in my opinion,” said Sturgis), who allowed only three pass completions last season and picked off six passes.

 Jose Soto will start at linebacker and be joined on defense by the speedy Chase Burris (who will also return kicks on special teams) and DE Nick Young.

 Thirty-two freshmen came out for football at Memorial this August, and Sturgis anticipates some seeing the field. “ The talent is there; it’s about getting them up to speed and learning the system.”

 All of which makes the Crusaders a sleeper pick to be on the field when the playoffs kick off in November.

 “ We have made a lot of strides as a program, but now is the time to break through and make it to the post-season,” said Sturgis. “ That is the goal from Day 1.”

  The youth movement begins at Winnacunnet, where Ryan Francoueur’s Warriors will have only nine seniors on the roster but a large number of underclassmen coming up through the program.

 “ We had well over one hundred kids in our summer camp program and an incoming freshman class of thirty-one players,” said Francoeur of the overall health of one of the most consistent programs in the state over the last ten seasons.

 “ We have a talented group, but we lack experience. How we improve week to week will tell you how well we perform this season.”

 6’5 Riley McDaniel saw time as a starter last season and takes over the role full-time QB job as a junior. “ He can make all the throws, and that will be a key for us; our ability to throw the ball and be a more balanced offense,” said Francouer.

 Running back Syncere Bailey is coming off a good off-season and will get the bulk of the carries out of the backfield, while Mason McDonald and Levi Minard will also contribute right away.

 6’1, 240 lb, sophomore Owen Denio will help anchor a new-look offensive line for the Warriors. “Owen is going to play a big role for us this season. There would be years in the past where we could bring him along slowly, but with our lack of experience, we need him and other underclassmen to step in right away.”

 “ We will have a brand new offensive line this season.”

 Senior captain Jack Strother will play tight end and wide receiver while Dylan Palmer (CB) and Bailey will lead the Warriors secondary along with safety DJ Sciacca.

 “ We have speed on the edges and kids ready for their opportunity,” said Francouer. “ Every team in our division has the playoffs as a realistic goal, so we must be prepared every week.”

 “ It’s about gaining experience and the underclassman stepping into significant roles this season and beyond.”

 

 West Predicted Order

1. Bedford *

2. Nashua North *

3. Bishop Guertin *

4. Nashua South

5. Merrimack

6. Goffstown

7. Keene

 For those of you who point to the saying ‘ It’s most important to be the team who is playing the best at the end of the year’ as a tired old sports cliche, I present to you the 2022 Bedford Bulldogs.

 A 6-3 regular season landed Zach Matthew's team the 10-seed—a team who lost two of their last three regular season.

 When the post-season lights turned on, so did the Bulldogs.

 A good defense morphed into a great one, and over four weeks, a defense that gave up 24 points in a season-ending loss to Merrimack shut out Windham, Nashua North, and Timberlane before upsetting defending champion Londonderry 15-14 in the title game.

 “ We look back on that run with a lot of pride, but we are never satisfied,” said Matthews of the defending champs. “ Those seniors went out champions, and now we have a new group looking to accomplish the same goal.”

 Danny Black returns at quarterback after throwing for 1,169 yards and 11 touchdowns last season as a junior. “ He has taken a step forward as far as reading the coverage and making the right decisions,” said Matthews. “ He’s a leader for us, and the experience he gained last season was invaluable.”

 Sophomore Brody Helton is ready for a breakout year at running back (“We expecting a big year from Brody,” said Matthews) and will be joined on offense by a loaded group of receivers that include Domminic Tagliaferro, Ledger Russell, who moves over from running back to slot receiver, and all-state basketball standout Luke Soden, who rejoins the team after focusing on basketball last fall.

 “ We are really excited to have Luke back. He was always close with the guys and wants to be a part of it again on the field.”

 Luke’s brother Dylan Soden will also be in the mix at tight end for the Bulldogs.

 Tight end Kevin Sheridan will produce right away on a loaded offensive line.

 Three starters return on the offensive line: all-state standout Spencer Henrichon, Jake Benn, and center Jake Sheff. “ We have a great foundation on the line with the starters we have coming back and very good competition for the open spots,” said Matthews.

 “ Building depth along the offensive and defensive lines is crucial, and we feel like we have the players to do it.”

 All-state performer Sheridan will help lead a defense that includes Tagliaferro and linebacker Jack Riso.

 “ I have been pleased by our progress in the pre-season,” said Matthews. “ There is a lot of depth and talent, and now it becomes about players stepping into more significant roles for us this season.”

 “ We know we have a target on our back, but the players embrace that. They’re just excited to compete.”

 Nashua North head coach Chad Zibolis will not play the ‘what could have been’ game, so I’ll do it for him.

 The Titans finished the regular season 9-0, even with the loss of all-state performer Toby Brown (a CCSNH/Adrenaline Fundraising player of the week winner) to a season-ending injury.

 Then, while hosting 10th seeded Bedford, they lost their all-state quarterback Derek Finlay to a leg injury and ultimately the game 7-0.

 I need not fill you in on who went on to win the title.

 Eighteen seniors graduated from that team, but this season's theme is about continuing the group's success. “ We wrote the word rebuilding on the board and then quickly erased it,” said Zibolis.

“ That’s not what this season is about. We have a very good group and players ready for their opportunity.”

 Replacing Finlay will be challenging, and four players are vying for the job in camp. Gavin Flynn, Bishop Guertin transfer Jon Canaway, Dylan Noble, and freshman Dharyus Sissay.

 “ There is a lot of depth at the position, and that is obviously a pretty good problem to have,” said Zibolis.

 Steven Rosario will get the bulk of the carries at running back, while John Barry and Luke Peters will operate out of the slot alongside newcomer Adrian Lazo. “ We were excited to have Adrian back in the program. It gives us another athlete who can make plays for us.”

 After moving from center to guard, Darius Smith will anchor the offensive line and be joined by returning starters. Melvin Fernandez and Nick Wardner. “ We have a good core group there with the returning starters and players now battling it out for the final two starting positions,” said Zibolis.

 Barry will lead the defense from the safety position along with Peters at OLB and Jack Krulikowski, who has a bright future as a sophomore.

 “ We love the junior class we have in place, and they’re excited about their opportunity to be difference-makers for us this season.”

 Bishop Guertin has a lot of key players to replace and a new coaching staff on board.

 The key for the Cardinals will be a new-look offensive line and how the underclassmen step into more prominent roles this season.

 “ We have a lot of talent on the roster. It’s about coming together as a unit on the lines and players making the most of their opportunities,” said first-year head coach Anthony Nalen.

 All-state quarterback Matt Santosuosso graduated in June, but back-up Mike MacDonough has game experience and has impressed his new head coach in the preseason. “ We have a lot of confidence in Mike,” said Talen. “ He’s a natural leader at quarterback, has a strong arm, and is a smart kid.”

  Ethan Chmielecki takes over the lead-back role after finishing third on the team in rushing a year ago. He will be joined in the backfield by AJ Holmes.

 The tight end and receiver group should be a strength for the Cardinals as leading receiver Cody Symnasky, Connor Lennon, Ronan Balistreri, and Will Helmke look poised for breakout seasons.

 “ Receiver/tight end is an area of strength for us, no question,” said Nalen. “Great of kids, and they are working hard.”

 The offensive line will feature five new starters and has been a pre-season focus. “ We have the players capable of doing the job; it’s just about putting everyone in the best position to succeed,” said Nalen.

 The defense also has a lot to replace and will be led by Symnasky at safety, Sam Ronzio at linebacker, and Aaron Chmielecki at defensive end.

 “ I took the job in February, so I was able to be there in the weight room and set the expectations with the team,” said Nalen. “ They have been terrific here in the pre-season, and we are excited to get going in the regular season.”

 A Nashua South Panthers team loaded with talented underclassmen is primed for a two-year run beginning in 2024, but don’t tell that to head coach Scott Knight, who is intrigued by a team ready to contend for a playoff spot this season.

 “ I love our talent, but it’s super young,” said Knight. “ This is the best pool of talent I have seen in all my thirty years of coaching, but we lack experience. How the players develop over the course of the season will dictate how well we are playing in October.”

 Sophomore Cody Jackson will start at quarterback after a strong pre-season (“He’s looked really good,” said Knight) and will be joined in the backfield by fellow sophomore Sam Levine and junior Adriel Gonzalez.

 6’3 sophomore wide receiver Joshua Tripp returns after racking up 337 receiving yards as a freshman a year ago, and his head coach expects a major leap from his talented wideout.

“ He is going to be special, as good as any receiver we have ever had,” said Knight. “ He goes up, gets the ball, and can create space to make the catch. He’s going to have a terrific career.”

 Tripp will be joined by WR/DB Diego Cabrera, 6’2 Samson Akotey, slot receiver Kyle Evans, and Mason Joshi.

 Kevin Ndubulsi will anchor the offensive line along with Stephen D’Ortona, center Kevin Hamel, and Kayden Doubleday. “ Our play on the line will again be a big key for us,” said Knight. “ We like the group we have and want to build depth as well.”

 Kyle Emmons returns to the secondary along with Tripp and Akotey, with a lot of position battles on defense still up for grabs with a week to go in the pre-season.

 “ Sophomores going up against seniors is a tough way to go in this division, but we love the group we have and have some upperclassmen ready to step into more significant roles,” said Knight.

 “ This is a fun group to come to work with every day.”

  The Merrimack Tomahawks were the surprise team of Division I in 2022 when the offensive line came together to become a strong unit after a 2-2 start, helping lead the team to a 4-1 finish that included a win over eventual champion Bedford in the final game of the regular season.

 Reimello Hyde graduated after finishing second in the division with 1,292 rushing yards.

 Replacing him will be challenging, and early in the pre-season, the Tomahawks were giving opportunities to earn the starting job in the backfield. “ You aren’t going to replace that kind of production with one player, so it’s about building depth and spreading out the carries more than we did a year ago,” said Jackson.

 “ Between Reimello, Trent Jackson, and Owen Sadowski we lost about 80% of our offensive production. Replacing that will be a process.”

 Sahil Mujawar and Shea Egan are competing for the starting job at quarterback, while the wide receivers will be led by all-state standout Garron Brown.

 “ Garron gives us a big-time threat offensively and is an integral part of our defense as well,” said Jackson.

 Zach Rezaoui will anchor a new-look offensive line, while Brown, Jack Thornton, Logan Day, and brothers Nathan & Jonathan Sadia will lead the defense.

 “ The defense is ahead of the offense at this point, but we are confident in the group we have,” said Jackson. “ Last year’s team had a bit of a chip on their shoulder to prove to people that we were better than people anticipated. I can see some of that attitude with this group as well.”

 “ We have a lot of confidence in them as coaches. It will just take time to come together as a team.”

 One of the best football programs in the state will look to bounce back from an 0-9 record as the Goffstown Grizzlies hope all the lumps endured by a young football team are about to pay off.

 “ There is definitely a sense that this group wants to prove that they have improved and are ready to prove it,” said head coach Nick Hammond. “ I’ve been happy with the effort and the attitude here in the pre-season.”

 Jayden Pares and Tyler Simard have been competing for the starting quarterback position after Josh Webb graduated in June. “ They both have the qualities to make them an effective starter,” said Hammond. “We have a lot of confidence in both players.”

 Will Patenaude returns at running back and will be joined in the backfield by Billy Schmidt.

 The strength of the team may be an experienced group of tight ends and receivers, as Luke Lavalliere, Gavin Philbrook, and Hunter Long will play alongside an offensive line led by Jacob Gagne, Antonio Hebert, and Carter Charest.

 Defensively Max Cote, Aiden Audesse, and Jayden Pares will lead the way, along with Patenaude and Vincent Ruiz.

  “ We have had great energy during the pre-season,” said Hammond. “ The kids understand they have to put in the work with the coaches, and they’re coming in every day ready to do it.”

 Keene head coach Linwood Patnode will go to battle with the smallest roster (40 players) in the division but with his eye on big numbers at the youth level.

 “ We have made a concerted effort to build the program from the youth levels up,” said Patrnode. “ I am very encouraged by the level of participation, and I think it bodes well for the future here.”

 The Blackbirds return a solid core, but depth will be an issue against rosters twice their size. “We need to develop the players and have everyone ready to contribute,” said Patnode.

 Sophomore Kasen Abbott will start at quarterback (“ He has the ability to throw the football, and we are looking for balance in our offense,” said Patnode) and will be joined in the backfield by Wyatt Avery, who has battled injuries in the past two years, Sawyer Leppie and Jasiah Sales.

 “ We are in good shape at the running back position,” said Patnode. “That will be an area of strength for us.”

 Isaac Nelson gives the Blackbirds a dynamic receiver, while the offensive line will be anchored by Evan Ray, Jacob Worcester, and Owen Hope.

 Starters will play on both sides of the ball as outside linebacker Trey Jewett, Nelson at defensive back, Ray at defensive end, and Tarr at outside linebacker will lead the way.

 “ The players have been working hard,” said Patnode. “The key is staying healthy and continuing to build depth up and down the roster.”

 

 Coming tomorrow: Division II