Nashua North's Joel Pacheco busts his way into the Winnacunnet backfield during Friday's game.
While the Nashua High School North football defense struggled at times with tackling Friday, there was one player who was consistently on the Winnacunnet side of the line of scrimmage.
Anyone watching film of the game will see North’s Joel Pacheco getting through the line, either forcing plays in different directions or making a big stop himself. On one series, Pacheco had two tackles for a loss, including a sack of Winnacunnet quarterback Steve Cronan.
“We played pretty good up front,” North coach Jason Robie said of his defensive line’s play.
But there were too many breakdowns in other areas for the Titans in their 27-21 overtime loss to the Warriors, things that Robie was disappointed to see a veteran team do.
So what did we learn? With the 2009 title game contestants from Division II beating both their counterparts from Division I – Bishop Guertin also defeated Salem – the gap between the state’s top two classifications may not be as big as some would like to believe.
Nashua South 49, Portsmouth 14
With top running back Derek Paradis bottled up early, South coach Scott Knight knew he and his coaches needed to find another way to move the football against the Clippers on Saturday.
“They were pinching their tackles down and the linebackers were two yards off the ball,” Knight said. “I don’t care who you play, you can’t run inside. You can run a lot of other things and that’s what we did.”
Instead, the Panthers found ways to get Armand McRae the ball on the outside; answered the call with nearly 200 yards on offense. South also found early success in the passing game on a number of short throws from Keith Farkas, which his receivers were able to turn into big gains.
So what did we learn? South may not miss Nick Haskell and Nick Frederickson as much as it thought. Also, the Panthers and Clippers are a long way removed from the 1984 Division I championship game, which Nashua won 17-14 in overtime.
Manchester Memorial 38, Milford 17
The Spartans got a big game from John Forte, but struggle overall against the Crusaders. Forte had 124 of Milford’s 174 rushing yards and added two sacks on defense, but the rest of the Spartans gained a total of just 60 yards. Milford hosts Pembroke on Friday to open the Division III season.
So what did we learn? Not a lot, other than Memorial should be concerned about converting extra points. As for Milford, the Spartans should be fine as long as they have a consistent ground game and it looks they’ve found someone to carry the load for now.
Souhegan 34, Londonderry 19
Perhaps the most surprising game of opening week, especially since the Sabers trialed 13-0 at halftime and 19-0 early in the third quarter. Souhegan got help from everyone on offense, as five different players scored and the defense held up despite being put in some tough spots early. The Sabers face another challenge on Friday, when they head to Portsmouth for the Division III opener.
So what did we learn? The faces may be new, but the cupboard certainly isn’t bare at Souhegan. And as only one of two Division III teams to win this weekend – Bedford was the other – maybe its still the Sabers’ title to lose after all.
Manchester Central 21, Alvirne 10
The Broncos had an early 7-0 lead in this one, but Alvirne couldn’t find a way to stop Central’s KK Haliburton, who had 228 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Despite being outgained 380-70, Alvirne was down just 13-10 in the fourth quarter before the Little Green went on a long drive to put the game away. The Broncos open Division II play on Friday when they host Keene.
So what did we learn? Alrine may not be on the same level as teams from Division I, but the Broncos – who made the playoffs last year – should be able to compete for a postseason spot in Division II.
Merrimack 28, Hollis/Brookline 14
Merrimack avoided what was a big trap game to open the season thanks to three touchdowns from Brody Williams, who finished with 102 yards on the ground. His 59-yard touchdown run just seconds after the Cavaliers pulled within a score helped solidify the win for the Tomahawks. While his numbers weren’t eye-opening, H/B’s Kyle Gervais completed 10-of-19 passes for 65 yards in his first varsity start. Merrimack heads to Dover on Friday for its Division II opener, while H/B has a bye week.
So what does it mean? It means both teams got what they needed out of a non-division game. Merrimack gained the confidence that comes with a win, while H/B should gain confidence knowing it hung with a school that has nearly double its enrollment.
Bishop Guertin 48, Salem 21
The Cardinals manhandled the defending Division I champs thanks to Mike Kelly’s 312 yards of total offense. At the same time, BG’s young defense was holding Salem’s running back duo of Max Jacques and Jerikson Fedrick to just 97 rushing yards combined. The Cardinals head to Timberlane on Friday to start their Division II schedule.
So what does it mean? Maybe the Cardinals aren’t as far removed from the team that won back-to-back Division II titles as everyone thought. Or maybe Salem – which also lost to Goffstown in the Queen City Jamboree – is suffering a bit of a championship hangover to start the 2010 season.
Bedford 51, Manchester West 6
This game was all about Bedford’s Jordan Garron. The junior running back carried the ball just 17 times, but rushed for 219 yards – 166 in the first half – and five touchdowns. Garron also returned the opening kickoff of the second half 85 yards for a touchdown. The Bulldogs host Goffstown on Friday in the Division III opener for both teams.
So what does it mean? The Bulldogs might already have a good understand of the new spread offense the coaching staff installed in the preseason. And maybe Manchester West hasn’t dropped down far enough.