For the past seventeen seasons, we have handed over the championship previews to the people who know these teams better than anyone: the head coaches who faced them during the season.

 We asked opposing head coaches to break down both teams and predict the outcome of Saturday’s championship game.

 Brandon Bojarsky and Ben Conant will be in Laconia to bring you all the highlights, plus the post-game interview/celebration with the entire team.

 Our column is brought to you by our longtime partners at Manchester Community College!

 Division IV

 Final Standings and Statistical Leaders

  (1) Raymond vs. (2) Mascoma

 We asked the head coaches we spoke to break down both teams, beginning with the undefeated Rams.

 "They are without a doubt the most talented team in the division and the deepest as well," said one of the head coaches we spoke with. "They are a senior-heavy team and have played a lot of football together."

 "They'll go with four receivers or even an empty set that puts five receivers on the line," said one coach. "Their best players are Dennis Glidden, Logan Brien, and Drezell Duffaut. They gave their QB (Ethan DeRoche) time to throw, and one of those three is always open."

 "They have good speed, and Brien is a very instinctive receiver," said one of the head coaches we spoke to. " He has a good understanding of how to get open."

 What about the Mascoma offense?

 "They are a very tough, no-frills unit,"  said one of the head coaches we spoke to. "They have the biggest offensive line in the division, they play with an attitude and beat you between the tackles."

 "Mascoma is very consistent. They don't throw the ball much; they look to push you off your spot and wear you down over four quarters."

 "It's hard to get through their offensive line and hard get a good push on their defensive line."

 What would have to happen for Mascoma to pull off the upset?

 "Raymond will turn it over; we saw that in their win over Hillsboro-Deering," said one of the coaches. "If Mascoma is going to win, they will need short field (position) created by turnovers."

" Offense vs offense, it will be difficult for them to win."

  Another coach brought up the Royals' defense vs. the Rams ' -high-powered offense.

 "Mascoma's ability to cover those three Raymond receivers in space is where I see a big disadvantage. I don't see them being able to contain those receivers."

 "Raymond has a solid defense. What they do best is they keep everything in front of them and don't give up the big scoring play. They make you grind out scoring drives."

 "(Ethan) DeRoche is a solid quarterback, one of the top three in our division. To me, it's Dennis Glidden who was the problem when we faced Raymond. He's a terrific football player."

 " Raymond's defense is good against the run, and if they can get Mascoma off the field quickly, this game could be lopsided."

 So who wins on Saturday?

 "Raymond 28-14"

 "Raymond 56-12"