Commentary: Nothing wrong with Nashua football

When the decision was made over 10 years ago to split Nashua High School in two, there was worry from some corners of what would happen to the athletic programs.

Would Nashua teams take a hit now that the talent pool wasn't as deep as it used to be? In some cases, it did. There are several sports at both schools that have suffered due to the split, whether because of a lack of talent or a lack of interest.

But other programs, after early struggles, have returned to the level they were at, and in some cases, gone beyond.

The one sport that was probably the biggest worry for high school sports fans has been one of the most successful. Yes, Nashua football is doing just fine.

Last season, both Nashua South and Nashua North reached the Division I playoffs for the first time together. Before that, at least one of the teams had been to the postseason for three straight years.

A recurring question a year ago was how good would a unified Nashua team be. But instead of asking hypotheticals, let's think for a moment about what each program was able to accomplish. Both made the playoffs, and one made the championship game. A handful of players from both teams are continuing their careers in college.

When the split occurred, would anyone have bravely predicted that there was enough football talent in Nashua to produce two successful Division I programs? I doubt it.

To really put it in perspective, consider this - a Nashua team has played in the Division I championship game the last four seasons, with South going in 2007 and 2008 and North going in 2009 and 2010.

The last time a unified Nashua High played in four straight championship games? Never, at least not since the NHIAA started holding title games in 1972. From 1952-55, Nashua won four straight titles, but the closest the school ever came to that kind of stretch since was from 1996-99. The Panthers played in title games following the 1996, 1997 and 1999 seasons, winning it all in 1997.

It would take quite an effort for both teams to reach the postseason again this year. After winning its first division game, a young North team has dropped three straight and been outscored 115-20. South is 2-1 in the division, and still has work to do to get into the playoffs.

The two teams will play the first of - at least - two meetings Thursday night at 7:30 at Stellos Stadium. They'll meet again on Thanksgiving Day.

It still may seem strange to long-time Nashua football fans to have two teams from the Gate City, but football in Nashua is just as strong as it was before.