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# Merrimack football taking steps forward
- URL: https://www.nh-highschoolsports.com/merrimack-football-taking-steps-forward/
- Published: 2013-09-03T15:45:33.000Z
- Updated: 2013-09-03T15:45:33.000Z
- Description: MANCHESTER - It's been almost three weeks since the start of the preseason and new coach Dante Laurendi likes what he has seen from his Merrimack High School football team.
- Author: Joe Marchilena
- Tags: Division II, Fall Sports, Division I, football, Merrimack, Queen City Jamboree, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-08-18 04:44

![Merrimack's Joe Giamietro carries the ball during Friday's scrimmage against Trinity. For more photos, go to the Photo Album.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/bc/58/bc5866d0-9fd9-4113-b959-670d6f16471d/content/images/www-nh-highschoolsports-com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/jmmerfball083013-m24-1.jpg)

Merrimack's Joe Giamietro carries the ball during Friday's scrimmage against Trinity. For more photos, go to the Photo Album.

MANCHESTER - It's been almost three weeks since the start of the preseason and new coach Dante Laurendi likes what he has seen from his Merrimack High School football team.

But there's still a long way to go, and the Tomahawks got to see that firsthand against Trinity last Friday at the Queen City Jamboree.

The Pioneers scored on all four of their possessions, including one drive that took 12 plays and covered 90 yards, and another that was just one play - a 58-yard touchdown pass from Carmen Giampetruzzi to Tristen Theroux.

"Those guys run it crisp and they’re very disciplined at it," Laurendi said. "That’s a seasoned offense there that’s not easy to defend, which is why they run it. The kids know the system in and out and they’re physical. That affects you on the other side of the ball, too. After you take a beating, then you’ve got to come out and play offense with the same kids. They wear you down, but I’m pleased our kids kept fighting."

Merrimack's offense has gone through a big overhaul, as the 'Hawks now operate out of a spread formation. It's similar to what Laurendi ran as the offensive coordinator at Nashua North, and against Trinity, Merrimack was able to move the ball.

The 'Hawks got down to Trinity's 36-yard line on their first drive before a bad snap pushed them back, leading to a punt. On Merrimack's second drive, it went 64 yards on nine plays and got a 2-yard touchdown run from J.C. Santiago.

The key to the offense has been senior quarterback Devin Gillis, who has been a starter since his sophomore year, and his ability to adjust to the new look.

"Devin is a good leader," Laurendi said. "He’s a competitive kid. He’s been there and he wants to win. He wants to grow and wants to get better, so that’s nice."

Merrimack opens the regular season on Friday, when it hosts Goffstown at 7 p.m.