NHIAA DIVISION V PREVIEW

The League: Epping-Newmarket (736 enrollment), St. Thomas (721), Pelham (700), Bow (669), Stevens (667), Kearsarge (665), Somersworth (605), Trinity (470) and Bishop Brady (443).

Defending Champion: Pelham beat Gilford, 21-7, in last year's Division V championship game.

Top Story Line: Who's No. 1? This appears to be a balanced league that has at least four teams capable of winning the state title.

Player to Watch: Senior halfback Bruce Vieira rushed for 1,289 yards and led Pelham to the Division V championship last season. He'll be the most dangerous offensive player in the division.

Game to Watch: It's tough to pick just one, but we'll go with Pelham at St. Thomas (Oct. 25). Both teams figure to contend for the top spot in the division. This contest will definitely have playoff implications, and the outcome could determine the No. 1 seed for the playoffs.

Noteworthy: Pelham returns seven All-State players. but its attempt to repeat was made more difficult by offseason realignment. Kearsarge, Somersworth, St. Thomas, Stevens and Trinity are the new teams in the division. ... Epping-Newmarket formed a cooperative team in the offseason. The team has 22 players from Epping, and 13 from Newmarket. The Newmarket players include one senior and two juniors. ... St. Thomas will be as balanced on offense as any team in the league. St. Thomas coach Rod Wotton said quarterback Jack MacNevin's strength is his arm, and Zach Merrigan's return from a concussion last season will give the Saints a go-to player in the running game. ... After years of competing in Division I and Division II, Trinity elected to play an independent schedule last season. The Pioneers have nearly 60 players on their roster this year. ... Trinity and Bishop Brady were both placed in Division VI, but petitioned to play in Division V. ... Gilford, Newport, Campbell, Franklin, Winnisquam, Newfound and Farmington are teams that played in Division V last season, but are now competing in Division VI.

-- Roger Brown