Division I is currently a nine-team league (not counting Trinity) and it doesn't look like anyone is eager to move up. Keene and Spaulding may be the largest Division II schools by enrollment, but Bishop Guertin and Exeter have the healthiest Division II football programs.

Exeter coach/athletic director Bill Ball has repeatedly said he thinks Division II is the best fit for his team, but what about BG? The Cardinals are 41-1 since the 2004 season started, have won the last three Division II championships and may be on their way to a fourth this year. BG coach/AD Tony Johnson is attempting to add a Massachusetts heavyweight to his team's schedule (probably Central Catholic) next season, so are the Cards ready to make a move?

"Zero chance," Johnson said. "The only enticement for us to go to Division I is playing the Nashua teams. Division II is a more competitive conference (than Division I). Why do we have to leave? Exeter's been the most successful (Division II) program over the last decade.

"You're going to have a major battle on your hands from anybody in Division II who is forced to go up. Keene and Spaulding -- I know those programs do not want to go up."

Spreading 55 teams evenly across five divisons may also force the committee to cut each postseason field in half (four teams to two) to keep the complete season at 12 weeks.

One committee member has raised the possibility of adding a sixth division, but that seems unlikely. Here's what is likely: Keene is forced to move to Division I, Con-Val jumps to Division II, and the remaining 35 schools are spread over the three other divisions. We could end up with 10 teams in Division I, 10 in Division II, 11 in Division III, and 12 in both Division IV and Division V.

"There's formula in place, and that's to go by the numbers (enrollment)," Ball said. "I think we'll get a lot done on the 25th."

The Picks ...

DIVISION I
West 21
South 14

An unbeaten falls.

Central 28
Memorial 13

With West and Salem left on its schedule, Central can't afford to lose this one.

Salem 28
Concord 6

It appears that the Division I playoff race will be settled at the wire.

DIVISION II
Alvirne 20
Spaulding 19

Have to give a slight edge to the home team.

Exeter 21
Bishop Guertin 20

The key for Exeter? Time of possession.

Winnacunnet 26
Dover 12

The Warriors remain on a roll. If BG, Exeter and Winnacunnet all finish 8-1, Winnacunnet will be the third seed.

Merrimack 20
Goffstown 14

The Tomahawks should be the hungrier team, and this is a game they can win.

Timberlane 28
Keene 21

In Division II, three playoff spots are secure and one is up for grabs.

DIVISION III
Portsmouth 14
Con-Val 13

A Portsmouth victory would make the Division III playoff race even more interesting. Don't write off the Clippers yet.

John Stark 21
Pembroke 14

This looks like a must-win game for each team.

Milford 21
Kennett 6

The Spartans are like the Arizona Diamondbacks. They're 4-2, but have been outscored (142-118) this season.

Merrimack Valley 20
Kingswood 7

Back in August, some were touting Merrimack Valley as a playoff team.

Plymouth 26
Souhegan 21

If you're a football junkie you attend this game on Friday, and BG/Exeter on Saturday.

DIVISION IV
Laconia 35
Fall Mountain 0

Not sure anyone will have much success against Laconia this season.

Kearsarge 15
Hanover 14

These teams could meet again.

Lebanon 28
Hollis-Brookline 26

Hollis-Brookline may end up in Division III next season.

St. Thomas 23
Stevens 21

The playoffs start early for the Saints and Cardinals.

Monadnock 14
Somersworth 12

Monadnock prevails in its final home game.

DIVISION V
Gilford 22
Bishop Brady 21

A win would allow Gilford to catch Pelham in the Division V standings. Expect a good effort from Brady.

Bow 35
Farmington 14

If you like high-scoring games, you like Bow.

Campbell 28
Newfound 6

Cougars are averaging 28 points per game, and should score at least that many this week.

Newport 26
Epping 13

Both teams are looking to end a three-game losing streak.

Franklin 36
Winnisquam 12

Franklin allowed 131 points in its three losses, and six in its two victories.

NON LEAGUE
Londonderry 35
Trinity 7

Trinity probably wishes this was the game that was postponed.

Chelmsford 28
Nashua North 6

No Division I team has scored fewer points (40) than North this season.

Pinkerton 27
Brockton 21

The Boxers are good, but you may have heard that the Astros aren't bad either.

-----

Last week: 19-6
Record to date: 126-29

The State of Football, a weekly commentary on New Hampshire high school football, will appear each Friday throughout the season.