Before we take a look at each of the semifinal games this weekend a reminder that each of our three championship games previews next week will feature scouting reports on all six teams using blind quotes from current coaches. Now on to the semifinal round games…
 
 Division III

 (2) Bow at (1) Newport

 The game that we all expected to take place at UNH a year ago will happen 83 miles to the west on Saturday afternoon. Any lingering doubt about the health of Newport all-state running back Noah Wade was answered by his 245 yards and 5 touchdowns on just 11 carries performance against Somersworth. There has been no better back in Division III this season or one with the breakaway ability Wade possesses. Head coach Larry McElreavy pounds the ball between the tackles with CJ Lawrence, uses Stephan Nix for reverses if you get caught over pursuing on Wade and let’s his all-state back get enough looks where he is able to bounce one outside for 60 yard dashes to the end zone. The results are an undefeated regular season and the highest scoring offense in the division.

 The Bow Falcons now get to take on the unfamiliar role of spoiler. Winnisquam’s win at Bow (in a game we covered) was the difference between hosting Inter-Lakes-Moultonborough and heading out to Newport. Bow held off a very well prepared Stevens team last weekend behind 160 yards on the ground from all-state running back Chris Robbins. Jack Corrivieau and Adam Nelson each came up with big interceptions as the Bow defense came away with enough stops to move on to the final four.

 Saturday it becomes about scoring enough points to stay close and keeping Wade from breaking off the long runs that have become his trademark. Newport is not an easy place to win at and it’s a field Bow is unfamiliar with. All those play a factor in whether Bow earns it way to UNH next weekend for the championship game.
 
 (2) Inter-Lakes-Moultonborough at (1) Winnisquam

 One thing is for certain here: if one team happens to jump out to a 14-0 lead the team trailing is not going to panic one bit. Both of these teams can score on anyone, if you’re looking for a 14-12 rock fight you better head somewhere else (Pinkerton/Exeter for example).

 These are two teams that get down the field behind four elite runners: Nick Brothers (1,049 yards during the regular season), Andrew Brothers (394), Christian Serrano (663) and Jake Snow (448). Either team is capable of using the run to set up big throws downfield. No team has done that better in Division III than the combination of Serrano throwing deep balls to Tim Harmon (420 yards receiving). The Lakers are comfortable with their quarterback Ryan Kelly (665 yards passing & 8 TDs) throwing downfield on play action as well and will use all-state performer Malik Carter in a variety of different ways.

 As Pete Tarrier and I discussed on our radio show the gap between the top four teams in the division and the next four in the playoffs was pretty wide (only Stevens/Bow was competitive). We are past that now and these are four teams capable of winning the championship next weekend. Unlike last season when both Gilford (at Newport) and Campbell (at Bow) went in as fairly heavy underdogs there isn’t a combination that should surprise you coming out of Saturday.

 Nick Brothers, CJ Lawrence, Christian Serrano, Chris Robbins and Noah Wade are each capable of taking over a game and leading their team to UNH. Expect two very good games Saturday afternoon all leading to our full coverage of the championship game at UNH next weekend.