> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.nh-highschoolsports.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Defense helping Londonderry football pick up where it left off
- URL: https://www.nh-highschoolsports.com/defense-helping-londonderry-football-pick-up-where-it-left-off/
- Published: 2020-10-07T15:22:42.000Z
- Updated: 2020-10-07T15:22:42.000Z
- Description: When schedules were finally completed for this shortened season, it looked like the Londonderry High School football team was going to have a tough one. All five teams on the Lancers' dance card would have been competing for a playoff spot under normal circumstances, while Londonderry was trying to
- Author: Joe Marchilena
- Tags: Division I, football, Londonderry, NH High School Sports Insider, Salem, slider, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-08-18 04:44

When schedules were finally completed for this shortened season, it looked like the Londonderry High School football team was going to have a tough one.

All five teams on the Lancers' dance card would have been competing for a playoff spot under normal circumstances, while Londonderry was trying to replace a senior class that helped it win its first championship in 23 years.

Two games into the season, and not only have the Lancers won both games, they've done so behind a defense that looks like its in midseason form.

"I can't say enough about them," Londonderry coach Jimmy Lauzon said of his defense. "They're all doing a great job. The coaches on that side work tirelessly. It takes a special group of kids to dive into a game plan. Many of them have been in the program for four years."

Londonderry (2-0) followed up its season-opening win over Pinkerton with a 16-0 victory against Salem in which the Blue Devils had just 118 yards of offense.

The Lancers gave up just four first downs, including one in the second half, and held Salem to just 28 yards in the final two quarters. Through eight quarters, Londonderry hasn't allowed a point in seven of them.

The Lancers have received contributions from seniors Wil Reyes, Lucas Seaman, Dan Gear and Ian Ward, who Lauzon was counting on to step up, while also getting some key performances from other places.

"Colby Ramshaw has been playing on every unit we have," Lauzon said of the junior. "One guy who has been under the radar is Robert Derhak. He's played awesome. Salem seemed to keep trying to stretch him on the sweep. He's a big body, but can move really well."

Londonderry needed its defense to play at the level it has been in the second half against Salem after quarterback Dylan McEachern left the game in the second quarter with an injury. McEachern also starts in the defensive backfield for the Lancers, and his backup on offense, senior Aiden O'Loughlin, does as well, which meant Lauzon had to do some juggling.

O'Loughlin took turns at quarterback with Drew Heenan, who led Londonderry on an 11-play, 65-yard touchdown drive in the fourth quarter that helped put the game away. Heenan capped the drive with a 4-yard touchdown run.

"We felt we had a good beat on them as far as the game plan and what they were trying to do," Lauzon said. "Part of the reason we didn't just go with Aiden (at quarterback) is because he's also a cornerback, and Dylan is a defensive back. We'd be down to our fourth defensive back if something happened."

Lauzon expects McEachern to be ready for Friday's game against Bedford and has been impressed with the way the senior has stepped into the quarterback role that his older brother, Jake, held last season.

With Londonderry able to pull starters in the second half of games in 2019, the younger McEachern had opportunities to get a feel for what varsity football was like.

"The game is slower for Dylan because he has been on a varsity field before," the coach said. "It's amazing how much that experience helps the next year. You always see it, whether you play as a sophomore or a junior.

"I remember my junior to senior year (at Manchester West), every memory as a junior felt like I was looking up at people. The next year, you understand what guys are doing, you're not worried about linemen chasing you."

Having McEachern back behind the center would be a big help for Londonderry's offense as it takes on a Bedford team that likes to get after the quarterback, according to Lauzon.

"They've made some changes on defense and they're pretty aggressive with blitzes," he said. "It's definitely a different game plan on both sides of the ball. They're a good team and they're going to to be in the mix in the end."