Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Ed Thibodeau, Londonderry High School's first principal and a former chairman of the NHIAA football committee, died Wednesday at the Elliot Hospital in Manchester. He was 78.

"I believe it was liver cancer," Londonderry athletic director Mike Kobilarcsik said. "He had been at the Elliot for a while, in and out of consciousness."

Thibodeau was credited with establishing the point-rating system for NHIAA football. The system, which is still used in some divisions, rewards teams for "quality wins" or wins against strong opponents. At one time the point-rating system determined playoff teams in all divisions.

Thibodeau, who attended Keene High School, also served as chairman of the NHIAA cross country committee and the NHIAA track and field committee. He was inducted into the NHIAA Hall of Fame in 2002.

Calling hours will be held on Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Peabody Funeral Home and Crematorium in Londonderry. Memorial contributions can be made to the Londonderry High School Scholarship Fund, 295 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry, N.H., 03053.