Nashua South football focusing on Manchester Memorial

It's been a bit of a strange season for the Nashua High School South football team.

First, there are the injuries. The Panthers seem to go into every game with a list of players who aren't available, but have received some strong performances from the ones who have filled in. But come Monday, there will be a few more who are nicked, and maybe some others who are coming back.

And then there is the schedule. When South hosts Manchester Memorial on Friday, it will be just the third time this season the Panthers have played at Stellos Stadium.

The first was in a Week 2 victory over Salem. The second was another win over Nashua North in Week 5, in a game that was played in a downpour. With more rain expected for Friday's game, South coach Scott Knight was left wondering if his team would ever get to play in front of a good home crowd.

"It's Week 8 and we're playing our third home game," he said. "(The rain is) not a huge factor unless its pouring buckets. I hope it doesn't rain, but if it does, it does. I'd like to get a good crowd and get the band there. We've had one game at home with the band and a good crowd. It's been a weird year for us."

The feeling after last week's 35-21 loss to Exeter was a bit strange, too. The Panthers (3-2 in Division I) were stung by the loss, but had to feel good after North upset Concord (3-3) and improved South's chances of making the postseason.

"You never feel good about losing, but we feel good about our progress," Knight said. "We'll feel good to have a full squad again. We're hoping that happens by Londonderry. Nobody is back this week."

For that reason, Knight believes his team can't take Memorial (2-4) lightly. The Crusaders have done a good job moving the ball against opponents all season, but they've struggled to get into the end zone. Memorial is averaging 16.6 points a game against division opponents, even though Jared Ombati is fourth in the division in rushing (615 yards) and Stephen Deane is fourth in passing (454).

"Memorial has had success moving the ball on everybody," Knight said. "They're not much different than us. They've moved the ball well and one of these games they're going to finish drives and score."

If the Panthers are going to win, Knight believes his players must stay disciplined on both sides of the ball, no matter what the weather is like.

South and Memorial will kickoff Friday at 7 p.m. at Stellos Stadium in Nashua.