In what could easily be called the game of the year in New Hampshire high school football Windham was dominating St. Thomas, and then they weren’t. St. Thomas had seized all the momentum and taken control of Windham, and then they hadn’t. Back & forth it went until the only perfect team in Division II celebrated its first state title.

 The Windham Jaguars & their head coach Bill Raycraft had come through the most competitive division in the state unblemished and now their follow-up act will include trying to do it again with a new cast.

 Division II football, in the eyes of the head coaches who compete in it, consists of two very competitive conferences (The North & the South) and two considered to be a step below ( The East & the West). With a new playoff format that sends the four conference winners to the playoffs along with the next four highest rated teams, regardless of conference, there are sure to be complaints come November. So fair warning on the second day of September….every game counts. “ I think the new format is a step in the right direction because you likely won’t see a .500 team get to the semifinals,” said one prominent Division II coach. “ The new system gives you the best chance to have the four best teams playing at the end.”

 In the second of our three pre-season football previews we take a look at Division II. Very likely to once again be the most competitive division in the state of New Hampshire.
 
 East Conference Predicted Order of Finish

1.St. Thomas
2.Merrimack Valley
3.Pembroke
4.Kingswood
5.Manchester West

 6’3 wide receivers do not grow on trees but they seem to populate the cafeteria atSt. Thomas Aquinas high school. The Saints gave Division II defenses fits all season long a year ago behind an inexperienced junior quarterback who didn’t win the job until the final week of the pre-season. One year later those wide receivers are still hanging around and the kid throwing to them is the owner of the state record for most touchdown passes in a season. So yeah….St. Thomas is going to be in the mix again. “ (Stevie Hedberg) is more comfortable this year than he was a year ago,” said head coach Eric Cumba of his quarterback who threw 35 touchdown passes a year ago. “ He knows he has a target on his back this season, the whole team does, because of the attention we got a year ago. Now it’s about handling that pressure.”

 Hedberg is able to spread defenses out because of the threat of a very good running game led by Zach Knight, Sam Andolina & Tim Wesson. Tommy Bennett is one of the team’s biggest weapons and will be moved around the field to keep defenses on their toes. A talented group of receivers is led by Liam Middleton, Nate Grunbeck and WR/all-state safety Trevor Martin. “ Offensively we are in sync early, it will be the defense where we need to get the new starters acclimated,” said Cumba. Tom Buchard will start at tight end for the Saints while the offensive line will be led by Matt Elliot, Will Micali and Jay Gallipo. An already loaded offense could be bolstered by the return of Ryan Bennett sometime in October as he recovers from an injury.

 Defensively is where the Saints lack experience but they have the numbers and the athletes to grow. Trevor Martin leads the secondary alongside CB Nate Grunbeck. Matt Elliot anchors the defensive line for a defense that returns only three starters from the Division II runner-up team in 2014. “ We have a lot of experience back at key positions but we lack the overall depth we have had in the past,” said Cumba. “ Players are going to have to step up into bigger roles for us to be successful again.”
 
 North Conference

1.Plymouth Regional
2.Kennett
3.Laconia
4.Lebanon
5.Kearsarge Regional
6.Hanover

 Having Plymouth Regional out of the football playoffs a year ago was like Duke not making the NCAA’s but a closer look at their 2014 season, head coach Chris Sanborn’s first at the helm, showed you they came a lot closer to getting there than many realized.

 A year later Sanborn has 80 kids in the program and so far, an injury free pre-season, neither of which he had a year ago. “ We have had a lot of good competition at a few different positions so far in the pre-season,” said Sanborn. “That gives a few different guys the confidence that they are capable of doing the job. I’m not sure we had that last season.”

 Brandon Roy looks like he will come out of camp as the starting quarterback but Sanborn has confidence in Harrison Macomber and Ben Olmstead if they are called into a game. Plymouth has the same philosophy they’ve always won with, they are going to beat you on the ground, limit turnovers and control the clock. Running back Sam Slaughter is set for a breakout year after being injured a year ago. “He’s just a physical specimen,” said Sanborn. “ He’s really run hard in the pre-season.” John Morse brings speed to the running back position while Garrett Macomber will start at fullback.

 Jason Murray is a 310 lb. OT that will anchor a very good offensive line that includes Chad Merrill, Aaron Evans (voted as a captain) and Evan Bolognani, who would have likely been an all-state lineman a year ago if he had not been injured in the pre-season.

 Evans will lead the defense from the linebacker spot while Slaughter calls the defense in the secondary. Tommy Hamel is set to have a big season at linebacker while Ethan Richard, Nolan Farina and John Moore are three players Sanborn is looking to step up into bigger roles. “ We’re young on defense in some areas so how much players are able to grow into those roles will be a key. We play in one of the toughest divisions and with two very tough out of conference games against Trinity & St. Thomas so every week is going to be a tough test.”

 Kennett made a statement last season in a week one win over a highly regarded Merrimack Valley team and carried it all the way to the Final Four in November. In head coach Vaughn Beckwith’s second season there are playmakers all over the place but a lot of talent & experience to replace upfront. “ This is a very talented senior class that has been working towards this season for some time now,” said Beckwith. “ We have new starters at key positons on the line but if we can jell as a unit we feel like we have a group that can really make plays.”

 It all starts with our Division II player of the year last season Will Pollard who will line up in the backfield alongside running back Ryan Stevens and Tanner Brown. Pollard will look to spread the ball amongst a group of receivers that includes returning starters Drew McDonald, Nate Emerson and Kherry Rober. “Will has such a good chemistry with his receivers. He’s worked really hard with those guys to develop that,” said Beckwith.

 The offensive line, which has to replace four starters from a year ago,  will lean on the development of Theo Scarlett and Dylan Eldridge. Defensively the Eagles will be led by a linebacking core that features Christian Nestell & Bowen Wales, who Beckwith expects a huge year out of. Tanner Brown will lead the Kennett secondary. Scarlett is expected to wreak havoc on the defensive line (“He’s really quick off the ball.,” lauds his head coach)

 “ The kids know the system and so from day one it has been a productive pre-season for us,” said Beckwith. “ Having won the conference last year we know teams are gunning for us every night and the kids really are excited about that challenge.”

 Laconia was one play here & a play there from being in the post-season a year ago, all with a young group of skill position players surrounding a veteran quarterback. In 2015 head coach Craig Kozens was able to hit the ground running with one of his most talented groups in years and his leading rusher back from injury. “ They’ve been flying around since day one and have played pretty well here in the pre-season,” Kozens fresh off of a victory in the CHAD East-West game. “ It’s a very athletic group and they were willing to put the work in over the off-season.”

 The biggest development over the pre-season has been the return of all-state running back Kyle Chiasson who injured his leg a year ago. “ He looks better than ever, I think they gave him a bionic leg,” joked Kozens. “ He broke a 75 yard run in the pre-season and we knew right then he was back.”

 Sophomore Riley Roy takes over at QB for the graduated Matt Swormstedt and will have weapons galore when he drops back to throw. Roy, who has a great touch on his deep throws, will look to all-state WR Brendan Mooney and slot receiver Jacob Filgate. The offensive line is led by Brycen Martin, a 280 lb. three year starter, Carter Doherty and Keith Schultz, who is a menace on both sides of the ball.

 Defensively it starts with Filgate, an all-state selection as a sophomore last season, and Schultz who was one of the division leaders in sacks a year ago. “Keith plays with an attitude out there and he has just been great in the pre-season,” said Kozens. Doherty will play on the defensive line alongside Jordan McCrea while Chiasson, Andre McNeil and Mooney head what is an elite secondary. “ We have told our kids the season opener (against Lebanon) is a playoff game for us,” said Kozens. “ Every week is going to be a battle so we have to be in that mind set right from the top. I wouldn’t be surprised to see more than two teams make the playoffs out of our conference. I think it’s just that good.”

 Lebanon head coach Chris Childs has a championship on his resume so he knows a contending team when he sees it. He’s also smart enough not to let everyone else know, although other coaches are happy to do it for him. “ Lebanon is going to be very good this year,” said one coach in the division. “They are the team I think that will surprise people.”

 A year ago Lebanon barely missed out on the playoffs and was hurt by an offense that struggled to throw the football. That should no longer be the case in 2015. “ I think you’ll see us with a more balanced offense this season,” said Childs. “ I really think Jeremiah (Morton) gives us a weapon we didn’t have a year ago.” Morton will be one of the top wide receivers in the division this season and will be delivered the ball by either Caleb Broughton or Nate Perkins, who were battling for the starting quarterback job in camp. Broughton has the slight edge due to his experience but either quarterback will benefit from the presence of all-state running back Ryan Milliken, who now can officially be called one of the best athletes in New Hampshire entering his junior season. “Ryan has been terrific,” said Childs. “We just have to keep him healthy.” Basketball coach Keith Matte agrees..

 Tavian Tobin will join Milliken in the backfield and line up behind an offensive line that features Ryan Shipp, Mike Flurry, Matt Gilligan and Calvin Hunnewell. Flurry, only a sophomore, is quickly growing into one of the best lineman in the state. “ We have confidence in that group.”

 Walker Tuttle will lead the defense from the middle linebacker position while Nate Perkins, Milliken and Morton make up a very strong secondary. Hunnewell, Flurry and Tobin will all see time on the defensive line. “ We were 5-3 a year ago but we failed to compete with the top teams in the division when we had to win, “ admits Childs. “This year it has to be about taking that next step if we are going to get into the post-season.”

 Which team has the best starting lineup in the North conference? It just might beKearsarge Regional, a team that surged into the playoffs a year ago. But low numbers have put Zach Matthews’ team in a position where they cannot afford an injury to any of their major players. “ This could be a very special team, we have a terrific group of seniors,” said Matthews. “ Staying healthy is going to be essential for us because we only have 30 players on the roster.”

 Running back Riley Antle (6’2 220 lb.) is one of the best players in the state, in any division, and will lead a backfield that includes wing-back Justin Norris and quarterback Willio Rehor. “ Riley has come into camp in the best shape of his life,” said his head coach. Austin Hogancamp, Matt LaParde, Elliot Tucker, Patrick Moore and Josh Vallee make up one of the best offensive lines in the division.

 Hogancamp & Antle are leaders on the other side of the ball as well, with their ability to rush the passer from either the defensive end positon or linebacker spot. Logan Seaholm will help call the defense from the LB position while Justin Norris looks to bring consistently to the secondary. “ Last year we were really burned by big plays and this year we need to be more consistent as a group,” said Matthews. “ I really like what I’ve seen so far. I feel like our #1’s (starters) can compete with anyone, the hope is we stay healthy enough where our lack of depth does not become an issue.”
 
South Conference

1. Windham
2. Milford
3. Souhegan
4. Trinity
5. Pelham

 
 In the moments after his football team capped off a perfect season by beating St. Thomas for the Division II title Windham head coach Bill Raycraft talked to Pete Tarrier about the program that had been built.  For a school that opened in 2009 the Jaguars have already been to a pair of championship games under Raycraft and now comes the true test of the program: can they compete for a second consecutive title after heavy graduation losses? “ We have some players who were waiting in the wings last year for their chance to start and they will get that now,” said Raycraft. “ We were able to get a lot of different players playing time in the second half of games last year.”

 The transition starts at quarterback where Griffin Lippold takes over for graduated three year starter Brendan McInnis. “ He got plenty of playing time a year ago so he is ready to step right in.” Matt Shea & Shane Lafond return at the wing back position and are joined by fullback Victor Pazzati.  All-state center Pat Hume anchors a very good offensive line that includes Mike Furey, Tom Splagounias, Sean Sweeney and Zach Cunha.

 The defense will feature six new starters and will be led by linebacker Victor Pizzotti who Raycraft thinks could have a breakout year,” He is a big, very physical football player. I think by the end of the season he will be getting a lot of attention for his play defensively.” Kyle Adamson will contribute on the defensive line while the Jaguars will again feature one of the best secondary’s in the state, led by Matt Shea, Shane Lafond and Ben Emerick. “ Our conference is going to be a dogfight every week, I think you’ll see more than two teams make the playoffs under the new format,” said Raycraft. “ It’s going to be a battle every game you play and we look forward to that.”

 If Max Urda looks relaxed as he heads out on to the football field it’s with good reason. Few quarterbacks if any are going to be playing behind a better offensive line than the second year starter. If football games are truly won in trenches, Milford is about to have a pretty good year. “ We only lost three starters from a year ago so this is a group that knows how to work together,” said longtime head coach Keith Jones. “ The kids have had a bad taste in their mouths since the loss to Windham in the playoffs last year and they’re ready to get after it.”

 Urda will be in the backfield with a running back by committee that features Mark Madigan, Bryce Walker and Teagan Vitale. “ We have confidence in any one of our backs,” said Jones. Probably because there will be nights you could drive a dump truck through the holes. Kody Palladino might be the best football player in the entire division and he leads an offensive line that includes Michael Boucher, Jaxson Mims and 6’3 310 lb. Steve Dumais.

 Defensively Palladino will rotate between MLB and nose guard (“We will play him wherever we need him,” said Jones) and linebackers Collin Cederberg & Vitale. Urda will help man the secondary alongside Madigan and Walker. “ This is just a fantastic group of high character young men. I’m really excited to see what we are capable of achieving this season.”

 Souhegan Sabers head coach Mike Lochman faced a major rebuilding job when he took over three years ago and in 2015 all of that work may pay off in a big way. The Sabers have a veteran QB playing behind an experienced line with playmakers all over the field. Not to mention what might prove to be one of the best defenses in Division II. “This was by far the best off-season we have had as a team,” said Lochman. “ These guys really decided they wanted to put the work in conditioning and in the weight room and you can already see the results on the practice field.”

 It starts with quarterback Mike Mancini, who Lochman called the hardest worker on the team over the off-season, and a backfield that features Cam Kinney, John Nogueria and exciting sophomore Dante Savo. Brendan Cray is a returning all-state performer who will run the ball and play the slot receiver position as well.  Wide receiver Zach Bossi showed off his ability in the Queen City Jamboree and will return punts, kickoffs and serve as the teams’ kicker as well…a one man special team’s squad. “ He’s incredible as far as his versatility,” said Lochman. “ It goes without saying how valuable he is.”

 Aaron Stonebreaker has had a very strong pre-season and will anchor the offensive line along with Nick Truchon in what Lochman calls the most athletic offensive line he has coached to date.

 The defense is where the true strengths reside as nine starters return from last season. Cam Kinney was a first team all-state selection a year ago at linebacker as was Brendan Cray in the secondary. Nogueria & Tucker Aiello will make up the linebacking group while Mancini and Bossi will start in the secondary. “We feel like we are very good on the defensive side of the ball and if we can have better balance with our offensive production his year we have a chance for a big year,” said Lochman.

 Trinity was another regular post-season participant that missed out a year ago after losing a controversial tie-breaker to Milford. Steve Burns’ team is back at it again with one of the best running back groups in the state and an offensive line with the size to give them room to operate. “ We have three returning starters in the backfield so they know the offense, they know the teams we are going to face and they know what is expected of them, from day one,” said Burns. Saikou Bah is the most explosive back on the team and should provide the Pioneers with a very dangerous return game as well. Will Sheppard is a battering ram with breakaway ability while Nick Perdue has been consistently good all pre-season.

 Kegan Williams, Griffin Lyons and Pete Schibbelhute will anchor the offensive line alongside 300 lb. Nick Poole. Defensively Burns has a talented group of linebackers back in Sheppard, Perdue, Jon Pope, Jack McCahill, Griffin Lyons and Saikou Bah.  The secondary is headed by Colin Hines who led the team in interceptions a year ago. “ We have a lot of very good football players back and the kids have been working very hard but it will come down to how well we block. If we can play well on the lines we have a chance to be pretty good,” said Burns.
 
West Conference

1.Sanborn
2.Hollis-Brookline
3.John Stark
4.Monadnock
5.Con Val

 When you return 14 starters it allows you to pick up right where you left off a year ago and at Sanborn head coach  John Welch likes what he has seen early on. “ We’ve been able to progress week to week here in the pre-season and we are right where we should be heading into the first game.

 Part of that process included flipping Christian Eilers, last season’s starting quarterback, and Nate King, strictly a running back a year ago. It will be King under center when Sanborn opens up this weekend while Eilers will run out of a backfield that includes Shawn Gowans. Kyle Storms returns at tight end and is poised to have a big year as is WR Zach Shoopman.

 The offensive line is anchored by Noah Fioravante, Tyler Ward and Ryan Rose. “ I like the way that group has looked early on,” said Welch. Scott Jenkins and Chris Hanna will call the defense from the linebacker spot while Eilers and Gowans will lead the secondary unit. “ The kids have been aggressive defensively and that’s what we want if we are going to get back to the playoffs again. The conference is really going to be up for grabs so starting strong is essential,” said Welch.

 John Stark will continue to build around the junior duo of quarterback Drew McQuarrie and wide receiver Cooper Gorski.