Our second Thursday Thoughts of the season is back as we break down the action from all four divisions. 

  The midway point is fast approaching, and things have already started to shift and shuffle across the Granite State.

  Jay Manzi will bring you insight on Division I while Lance Legere will cover Division II, III, and IV.

 Our column today is brought to you by our great friends at York County Community College!

 

Division I 

Standings & Statistical Leaders

1. Exeter: This is the second week in a row that the Bluehawks will be number one for me. They continue to stay dominant and show excellence on the field They’ve still yet to be beaten, or even challenged. They’re scoring multiple goals a game and limiting their opponents to very few. They do have a tough schedule to look ahead at, however, I still believe they’re going to remain comfortable at the top of the leaderboard. They’re going to continue to rely on names such as Sophia Nadeau, Mia Albertti, and Lauren Roeder.

2. Bedford: This team has me very intrigued. I have yet to get out there to cover the Bedford Bulldogs but I’m definitely interested to see what is truly happening over there. I ranked them a little low last week, and that might’ve been in poor taste. They’re still a team that has yet to be defeated. The defending champion’s record doesn’t surprise me at all, however, the final scores of their games are the reason I ranked them lower last week. This is also the reason they’re lower than Exeter this week as well. Bedford is beating teams in very low-scoring games. Some of the teams they have defeated are very much beneath them on the leaderboard, and I’m not sure why they’re not winning by more. Are they happy with a lower-scoring game? Or are they escaping teams? They’re going to need big contributions from Kate Mikol, Kyleigh Morris, and Lana Morris.

3. Timberlane: We covered Timberlane against Portsmouth earlier this season. They played a great game, but ultimately fell short to the Clippers. Since then they have taken no prisoners. They are on a four-game win streak and have dominated the teams they have played. This past week they had a tough matchup against BG where they handed them their first loss of the season with a final score of 4-2. The win against BG was a great test to see how they match up against a premier competitor, and they stepped up and got the job done. ​​​​​​​

4. Bishop Guertin: BG as stated above has suffered their first defeat of the year. They have been proven to be beatable. However, it has not been proven to be easy. They have bounced back from that loss with a vengeance. Pinkerton, Londonderry, and Memorial have all been casualties on their war path. They have yet to be tested after their blemish to Timberlane. Some of the biggest reasons why they’ve been playing well are Zoe Hourton-Sosa, Martha Lord, Alyson Gurette, Ava Suech, and Kelsey Ackerman. 

 

5. Salem: A team that continues to win, and maintain a solid record. 5-1 so far on the season Salem is a top contender in Division I. They haven’t played a game since the 14th where they beat Memorial, and they won’t play again until the 23rd against Windham. They’ll have to make sure they’re getting good reps in practice. With over a week of straight practice, it’s helpful to make adjustments, and truly focus on the team, and how they’re playing. But there is nothing truly like getting on the field and competing against the great competition DI has to offer. ​​​​​​​

6. Nashua South: A team that I haven’t been able to speak enough about is Nashua South. They’ve been playing very well all season until suffering a shocking defeat. In one of the biggest rivalries of New Hampshire, it was Nashua North beating South this week. The battle of the Nashuas saw South go down for their second loss in three games. South started off with a great season, but with two recent hiccups will we see them start to dwindle? Or will they bounce back and prove they’re still that team that began the year? Time will tell but Addison Varley, Soraya Ross, and Peyton Renzi need to keep playing at a high caliber and rally their regime. ​​​​​​​

7. Portsmouth: Portsmouth what the heck is happening over there? Portsmouth was a team I had very high expectations for. And those only increased when I saw how well they played in their victory over Timberlane.  But they have suffered not one but now two losses so far in their season.  They’ve also only scored one goal in the past three games. These results have been very uncharacteristic for the Clippers. Let it be known they're still one of the best in DI but it’s worth noting the recent trends on display. Keeper Haley Coombs has been great at limiting goals from opponents, but they’ll need key scorers such as Anna Parker, and Mailory Baker to run up their scores. ​​​​​​​

8. Concord: Concord has had a very telling week. This past Thursday they avenged a tie from last season against a rival in Goffstown. This is a game we covered, and boy was it a fun one. Lance Legere spoke very highly of the competitive nature of both sides. Whitney Valliant and Kate Dickson both buried shots on net to give Concord another win to add to an already impressive season. They then went toe to toe with the undefeated Bedford Bulldogs and held them to one goal. The Crimson Tide is competing ladies, and gentlemen. This team is here to play and is giving every team they face issues. ​​​​​​​

9. Goffstown: As talked about earlier Goffstown suffered a tough loss to Concord. But that game showed how well both those teams can compete. Goffstown wasn’t dominated, they fought hard and showed they could’ve easily walked out on top on their home field. They will need to keep this level of play in their next game against Bedford. Goffstown could easily be the team that finally defeats the Bulldogs. It will be no easy task but with weapons such as Arianna Girzone, and Ella Lavalierre anything could happen.

10. Nashua North: Nashua North on paper when you look at their record has no business being in my top 10. Looking at their record they have two ties, and three losses to their name and just got their first win this week.  But look more closely. This team is progressing. They started out with a tie and then lost back-to-back five-nothing games. But then they started to limit other teams' scoring and also put some balls in the net themselves. In their past two games, they lost by one to an undefeated Bedford and then secured their first win against their arch-rival Nashua South. I think they are starting to finally put the pieces together. North is slowly figuring out a close game against Bedford, and a win against South might be the beginning of something. I can’t say for sure, but I believe this could be the changing of the tides for the North. And maybe, just maybe the beginning of something special happening in Nashua. ​​​​​​​

 

Division II

Standings & Statistical Leaders

1. Merrimack Valley: The Pride remain in the top spot for their second straight week but face a Bow team for the first time this season in what should be one of their biggest tests of the fall. We have seen this team's ability to come out on top in close games and Friday's matchup should be an opportunity to do so once again. 

2. Bow: The Falcons fought hard for a 3-2 victory over rival Pembroke on Tuesday and maintained possession to keep the Spartans pinned in their end. Freshman Cara Van Dyke netted two goals in the victory and looks like she could be a difference-maker up front. Friday should be another fun one against MV and could come down to the wire.

3. Hollis-Brookline: The Cavaliers played their closest game of the season to date with John Stark, walking away with that win 3-1. It doesn't seem that many have had the answer to slow this offense down as their Division-best 34 goals on the season is yet to be matched. You can also point to the two lone goals they have let in this season. The schedule is starting to get tougher, but so is Hollis-Brookline. 

4. Coe-Brown: The Bears keep on rolling. A 3-1 win over rival Oyster River has extended their win streak to four games. This team continues to show up for the challenge, and the challenges keep on coming with a trip to John Stark on Saturday and a rematch with Bow on Tuesday.

5. Oyster River: The Bobcats have gone 0-1-2 since we last ranked this division last week. This is a stretch that any young team goes through, but how they respond the next two weeks will be important. Oyster River put themselves in a good position to start the season, and will need to stay afloat a hectic Division II schedule that lies ahead.

6. Pembroke: The Spartans are probably the best 3-4 team in the state. The competition has been fierce, but Pembroke has risen to the occasion almost every time out. Three of their four losses have been decided by one goal. The pieces are there, they just need to all click at the same time. Sophomore Laila Al Shawafi has been terrific in goal and gives this team a chance every time they take the field.

7. John Stark: John Stark is quietly 5-1. A trip to Merrimack Valley will be yet another game the Generals feel they can win. Katherine Smith, Madison Lamothe, and Melody Couturier have provided consistent offensive production and Alexis Bourdreau has provided a boost between the posts. 

8. Lebanon: The Red Raiders tied a very good Bow team 2-2 last Friday, beat Keene 4-0 on Tuesday, and now get ready for a hungry Pembroke team on Friday. Sophie Longacre has been everywhere for Lebanon, leading the team in assists (3) and tied for the team lead in goals (3). Production has certainly spread out between Longacre, Sydney Deshane, Isabelle Hamilton, and Annelies Hanna, which is a good sign for a Lebanon team that is starting to pick up production on the offensive end of the field.

9. ConVal: ConVal continues to be a tough out. They gave Oyster River their second tie of the year last Thursday, lost a 1-0 game to John Stark on Saturday, and tied a Merrimack Valley team that came into the game undefeated. Abigail Lusssier has stepped up big time in goal with Wrayana Covey out with injury.  This is already looking like a team that will be scary come October, but there is still work to be done and games to be had for the Cougars. 

10. Laconia: The Sachems' 5-0 loss to Pelham on Wednesday was a bit eye-opening. Pelham is always going to be a tough out, but the 5-0 score was the real shocker. It is the first big bump for a team that has seen real success at the Division II level this season. They will head to the North Country this Saturday to take on Kennett behind Ava Currier's five goals and three assists so far this season.

 

Division III

Standings & Statistical Leaders

1. St. Thomas Aquinas: The Saints remain in the top spot after two more wins, with one of their closer games of the year taking place on Tuesday, 2-1 over Raymond, a team that has played them tight the last two years. This unit continues to produce and look like the best team in the division. Genna Bolduc has racked up four shutouts in six games. She is a player that will be valuable down the stretch as the competition level increases.

2. Gilford: Gilford has scored a division-best 40 goals, as this offense has not missed a beat. A game with Kearsarge this afternoon should be a good test against an experienced defense. The Golden Eagles can attack you in a lot of ways, and that has powered their offense to be one of the best in Division III.

3. Hopkinton: Since we saw the Hawks last Tuesday they have rattled off two straight wins while scoring eight goals in each contest. Their speed, the ability to shoot from far out, and their chemistry is showing here through seven games. Keegan St. Cyr leads the division in goals with 17 and Katie Brown isn't too far behind with 11 of her own. This is a team that certainly belongs in the conversation with the two teams listed ahead of them. 

4. Stevens: We will get our first look at the Cardinals Saturday night under the lights when they take on Kearsage in a much-anticipated rematch. Since their 0-1-1 stretch to start September, Stevens has picked up five straight wins, scoring six-plus goals in each contest. The offense is certainly humming, but you have to also give credit to Audrina Pelton and the defense. allowing just eight goals in eight games.

5. Kearsarge: Kearsarge has arguably one of their toughest stretches of the season coming up with Gilford today, Stevens on Saturday, Trinity on Tuesday, and the Golden Eagles once again next Thursday. Especially with the first three of those games coming on the road, the Cougars will put their undefeated record to the test and put their experienced defense up for the challenge against three prolific offenses.  If you can come out of those four games .500 you are in good shape. 

6. Campbell: Tuesday's 1-0 win over Derryfield made it a two-game winning streak for the Cougars who will take that into a game with Trinity on Friday, a team they started the season with a 3-2 win over. Amelia LaPlante has eclipsed the 10-goal mark already through seven games and not too far behind her are Kaylie Geiger and Lilli Wilson who have helped make the Campbell offense a lethal one. 

7. Derryfield: The Cougars have put together a strong week with wins over Raymond and Monadnock, both in 2-0 fashion, and a tough contest with a good Campbell team. The Cougars get a red-hot Hopkinton team on Saturday and have a chance to see where they stand as we near the midway point of the season.

8. Trinity: The Pioneers have responded nicely with three straight wins since their 3-2 loss to Hopkinton last Tuesday. This group will always give you a battle when you step on the field with them, and this last week has been no different as Trinity inches their way back up the standings.

9. Fall Mountain: The Wildcats have gone 1-0-1 over the last week and now travel to Bishop Brady for a game against a team that prides itself on the defensive end. This is a game you might circle as a "must-win", especially with the schedule that awaits them over the next two weeks. Aubrey Thomas's five-goal performance in a 10-0 win over Newport was another reminder of the weapons this group possess. 

10. Raymond: At 2-4, Raymond has some ground to make up, but all of their games so far have been within at least two goals. The scrappy Rams gave St. Thomas one of their best games of the season on Tuesday in a 2-1 contest. They have the ability to play with the best in the division, but with the regular season taking a turn for the midway point, this group can't fall too far behind in the loss column. 

 

Division IV

Standings & Statistical Leaders

1. Newmarket: The Mules are yet to drop a contest, but that could be challenged Friday against a Concord Christian team coming off their best win of the season. The Newmarket defense continues to hold strong with just three goals allowed in five games. Friday's game will be a welcomed challenge for a team with championship aspirations.

2. Concord Christian: The Kingsmen's 5-0 win was both impressive and shocking given the history these two have had over the last two years. Coming off two weeks of practice, CCA looked crisp and were dominant from start to finish. Five goals were put in by five different players. Their schedule doesn't get easier as a matchup with Newmarket awaits this Friday, Woodsville comes to town next Wednesday, and they travel to Sunapee for a much-anticipated rematch. This group is for real, and this next week could prove that even more.

3. Profile: After yet another impressive offensive performance in an 8-0 win over Lin-Wood, the Patriots have moved into the top three. Ella McPhaul's two-goal and five assists helped propel Profile to their seventh straight win, and no team has been able to keep them below three goals this season. An always fun matchup against rival Littleton will take place this Saturday and we will be there for all the coverage of that one. 

4. Sunapee: The Lakers, like many of us, were left stunned by Friday's 5-0 loss to Concord Christian. The good thing for them is they get a crack at them again on their home field next Thursday. Even before they get to that matchup we have a battle of North-South foes when Woodsville comes to town on Friday. They also go to rival Newport on Monday and have PCA next Wednesday. The schedule isn't getting easier, and I expect this group to respond in a big way over this next week. 

5. Portsmouth Christian: The Eagles grabbed some extra points in a thrilling 6-5 win over Conant on Wednesday. Next week's contest against Sunapee is certainly circled on this team's calendar as a chance to make a statement. 

6. Woodsville: Things will start to shift in Division IV over this next week, and Woodsville will be a big reason why as they take on two of the best from the south in Sunpee and Concord Christian. Playing this type of competition in the regular season will benefit the Engineers in the long run as these may be two of the best games they play until the playoffs roll around. Makayla Walker's heroics propelled Woodsville to a 3-2 win over rival Blue Mountain Union over the weekend, but a surprising loss to Groveton will have this group in need of a bounce-back win.

7. Littleton: The Crusaders take on Colebrook this afternoon and have a huge tilt with rival Profile in a potential battle of undefeated teams. Defensively is where this team will have to focus early. Limiting the Patriots early in what should be a physical contest will give Littleton a chance to take this one on their home field.

8. Groveton: HELLO GROVETON!! A HUGE 4-3 win over Woodsville was not something I had on my bingo card. A commanding first half was the difference-maker and a goal with ten minutes to go gave the Eagles their biggest win of the season, and their fourth straight. This group may be on the rise..

9. Lin-Wood: The Lumberjacks will look to snap a two-game losing streak against Lisbon this Saturday. Two straight losses to quality opponents is nothing to be down about, but with teams like Groveton grabbing big wins as of late, the middle of the pack becomes that much more crowded.

10. Gorham: The Huskies grabbed a much-needed 5-0 win over Moultonborough to snap a three-game skid. The stage is now set to face Pittsburg-Cannan in homecoming action at Libby Field as well as Lisbon the following Tuesday. These are must-win games for Gorham to stay in the playoff hunt.