The Granite State Football Officials (GSFO) recently held its annual meeting at the Boston Billiards Club in Nashua. The GSFO contracts with the IWFL (Independent Woman's Football League) to officiate home games for the league's Manchester Freedom franchise at West Memorial Field.  The GSFO also travels to officiate games at IWFL venues in Portland, Maine, Providence R.I., Montreal, and Brockton Mass.

GSFO executive board elections were held and the following officials were elected to serve two year terms:  president - Bert Lawlor, vice president - David Dickson, treasurer - Timothy Begley, commissioner - Jim Lally. Brian Williams, Neal Vogler and Andre Arel were granted active-member status, while Mark Liss was appointed to act as Liason with the IWFL league office in Houston Texas.

The GSFO was founded in 2004. In 2006, the GSFO provided the officiating crew for the IWFL's Eastern Conference Championship between the Atlanta Xplosion and Bay State Marauders held in Boston.

***

Pictured above is the GSFO crew at last season's Manchester Freedom home opener: (L to R)  Mark Liss-(Umpire), Neal Vogler-(Line Judge), Bert Lawlor (Referee), Brian Williams (Back Judge) and Tim Begley (Linesman.)

Since he took over as the University of Oregon's offensive coordinator at the start of the 2007 season, Chip Kelly's offense has scored more than 30 points in 19 of 25 games, and has averaged 39.9 points per contest. The Ducks are 1-5 during that span when they fail to score more than 30 points.

Kelly (pictured), a former assistant coach at the University of New Hampshire who grew up in Manchester, will be calling plays when Oregon faces Oklahoma State in Wednesday's Holiday Bowl.

Here are the game notes for Tuesday's Humanitarian Bowl between Maryland and Nevada. It'll be Dave Philistin's final game with the Terrapins.

Phillistin (pictured), a linebacker, was a three-year starter at Manchester Central. He enters Tuesday's contest ranked No. 2 on the team in tackles (91).

Tuesday's game will be played on the blue turf at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho. The opening kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

College: UNH redshirts entire class >> Manchester Union Leader

College: Kelly, Oregon offense keep quacking >> San Diego Union-Tribune

Monadnock Regional High School has an opening for a varsity head coach for its football program. Monadnock competes in Division IV.

Those interested should send a letter of intent and a completed SAU #38 application to Ellen Cronin, athletic director, Monadnock Regional High School, 580 Old Homestead Highway, Swanzey, N.H., 03446.

Applications can be found at www.sau38.org, and must be received by Jan. 16, 2009.

Visit the Chalkboard to see other NHIAA coaching vacancies.

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

When Vermont head coach Mike Hatt surveys his surroundings before next year's Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl, some things will look very familiar.

The 2009 Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl will be played at Windsor (Vt.) High School, and Windsor is an opponent Hatt's Springfield team faces every year. In addition, Hatt will likely be coaching at least three of his Springfield players: quarterback Grant White, center Keith Cook and running back Stephen Miller.

White and Cook were Burlington Free Press first team All-State selections. Miller was named to the second team.

"It's kind of like a baseball team being strong up the middle," Hatt said. "Grant is real adept at running our offense, and Cook will be able to handle all the line calls. Being a coach, you look for every edge you can."

Hatt, who guided Springfield to an 11-0 record and the Division III state championship last season, recently sent out invitations to players he hopes will make up Vermont's 36-player roster. Players were asked to respond by Jan. 5. Hatt said White, Cook and Miller were among those invited.

Official rosters for both teams are expected to be announced in February.

"I think we'll have some good athletes, and I like the size on our team," Hatt said. "It should be a very athletic group. I like our skill."

White completed 109-of-165 passes for 1,821 yards and 26 touchdowns in Springfield's spread offense last season. He also ran the ball 103 times for 466 yards and 16 TDs. He holds the school record for touchdown passes in a career (52).

Cook was a three-year starter on Springfield's offensive line, and was named the team's top defensive player in each of those seasons.  

Hatt said he's hoping Hartford running back Mick Wong and Mount Mansfield running back Brian Wilcox will join Miller in the Vermont offensive backfield.

Wong rushed for 1,427 yards last season, when he led Hartford to its second consecutive Division I state championship. Wilcox, a converted lineman, was a four-year starter for Mount Mansfield. He rushed for 1,497 yards and scored 21 TDs last season.

"We do have some terrific skill kids, but you win the game at the line of scrimmage," Hatt said. "You gotta stop New Hampshire when it runs if you want to win the game."

Franklin's Greg Husband will serve as New Hampshire's coach for next year's game, which will be played Aug. 1. Husband guided Franklin to an 11-1 record and the Division VI state championship last season.

Hatt, who is in his third stint as Springfield's head coach, also serves as the school's athletic director. The Cosmos have a 39-37 record in his eight seasons as the school's head coach.

New Hampshire extended its winning streak to eight games when it beat Vermont, 42-0, in the 2008 game. New Hampshire has a 40-13-2 edge in the series.

"We haven't been very successful," Hatt said. "You want to make it enjoyable and as good an experience as you can. We'll show up and we'll have a plan to win."

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Laconia High School's Christian Birt gave a verbal commitment to the University of Massachusetts on Wednesday night, according to Laconia head coach Craig Kozens.

Birt, a running back/defensive back, rushed for 1,171 yards last season, when he helped Laconia reach the Division IV championship game. He scored 24 touchdowns, 19 of which came on the ground.

Birt scored Laconia's only TD during its 14-7 loss to Plymouth in the Division IV championship game.

Birt also helped Laconia win the 2007 Division IV title. He rushed for 1,308 yards and 18 TDs on 150 carries as a junior, when Laconia capped an 11-0 season by beating Hanover, 35-14, in the Division IV championship game. He also intercepted six passes that season.

UMass competes in the Colonial Athletic Association's North Division, a league that includes the University of New Hampshire.

New Hampshire Football Report will have more on Birt's committment later this week.

High School: Football All-Stars >> Nashua Telegraph

College: Pennsylvania DE commits to UNH >> Manchester Union Leader

High School: Ranauro, Wood step down >> Keene Sentinel

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Another piece was added to the University of New Hampshire's 2009 recruiting class Tuesday, when Souderton (Pa.) High School's Cody Muller accepted a scholarship offer from the Wildcats.

Muller (pictured) is a 6-foot-3, 230-pound tight end/defensive end. He is expected to sign a National Letter of Intent on Feb. 4.

"New Hampshire really stayed with me through the whole recruiting process," Muller told PhillybBurbs.com. "It was a place I felt good about when I visited with the players and the coaches. I know I can get a great education and play some really good football."

Muller collected eight sacks during his senior season and finished with 33 sacks in his high school career. He also caught 28 passes for 416 yards as a senior.

(No. 1)
Nashua South 33, Pinkerton 32
Division I championship game
November 21

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Perhaps no game played during the 2008 season featured more drama than this one. Pinkerton, which was attempting to win its fourth consecutive Division I state title, trailed by 12 halfway through the fourth quarter, but came up with a late charge to force overtime.

A long pass from quarterback Ryan Simpson to Matt Mangano gave the Astros a first down at Nashua South's 2-yard line, on fullback Chris George scored on the following play.

The kicking game became an issue for the Astros when place-kicker Shawn Clukey was taken to a local hospital after being hit during a first-half kickoff. Pinkerton failed on the two-point conversion that followed George's touchdown, which left Nashua South with a 26-20 lead and 5:49 to play.

Mark Maguire forced a fumble on Nashua South's next possession, and Tom Giancola covered the ball on the Nashua South 30-yard line. Four plays later, Simpson swept around left end for the game-tying touchdown with 4:11 left. The Astros missed the point-after kick (Clukey had not returned) and it remained 26-26 at the end of regulation.

Nashua South running back David Zocco scored his fifth touchdown on the second play of overtime, and Cam DiCecca's PAT put the Panthers in front 33-26.

After a penalty and two short gains, Pinkerton scored on a 14-yard pass from Simpson to Mangano. Pinkerton coach Brian O'Reilly elected to go for the win, but Simpson's pass fell imcomplete in the end zone.

Zocco, who was named New Hampshire's Mr. Football earlier this month, finished the game with 111 yards on 26 carries. Sophomore quarterback Keith Farkas was the star of the Nashua South offense. Farkas completed 17-of-21 passes for 262 yards.

George rushed for a game-high 126 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries.

The victory gave the Gate City its first Division I championship since Nashua split into two public high schools in 2004.

Here's an evaluation of Jeff Touron, a 6-foot-1, 225-pound tight end/defensive end from Brockton High School. Several sites have him on the University of New Hampshire's list of 2008-09 recruits. Maine also appears to be in the mix.

High School: Winnacunnet hopes to build on success >> Hampton Union

High School: 2008 champions by state: Rivals.com

High School: Final Top 25 >> USA Today

(No. 2)
Plymouth 14, Laconia 7
Division IV championship game
November 15

It was midway through the fourth quarter, and it looked like the state's longest winning streak was about to end.

Laconia had a 7-0 lead against Plymouth, which was trying to secure the program's 44th consecutive victory. It was the first time Plymouth trailed in the fourth quarter all season.

Laconia's touchdown came in the first quarter, when running back Christian Birt took a direct snap and raced 56 yards to the end zone. Tyler L'Heureux made the PAT that put the Sachems up 7-0.

It remained 7-0 until Plymouth drove 48 yards in nine plays in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Rich Manzi hooked up with Phil Slaughter for a 19-yard touchdown pass on a fourth-and-1 play with 7:55 remaining. Plymouth failed to convert on the PAT, however, and the upset still seemed possible.

Tim Farina scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 16-yard run with 5:10 left. It capped a four-play, 44-yard drive. Manzi ran it the two-point conversion that handed the Bobcats a 14-7 lead.

Laconia had two more possessions and drove into Plymouth territory each time. The first drive stalled on Plymouth's 38, and the Sachems moved as close as the Plymouth 12 on their final possession. Laconia's final drive ended when quarterback Nick Converse was forced out of bounds with 5.9 seconds left.

It was the fourth straight 11-0 season for the Bobcats, who dropped from Division III to Division IV following the 2007 season. It was also Plymouth's eighth state championship in the last nine years. The Bobcats posted a 95-3 record during that span.

(No. 3)
Pinkerton Academy 19, Londonderry 15
Division I semifinals
November 15

It looked like Pinkerton's quest for a fourth consecutive Division I state championship would end in the semifinals against its arch-rival.

Fourth-seeded Londonderry led 9-0 at halftime. After top-seeded Pinkerton sliced the lead to three points, the Lancers seemed to assume control when Joey McLaughlin scored on a 56-yard run that made it 15-6 with 7:19 to play. McLaughlin gained a game-high 93 yards on 17 carries.

Pinkerton began to show its championship pedigree when quarterback Ryan Simpson tossed a screen pass to halffback Matt Mangano, who shook free of several defenders and traveled 84 yards for a TD.

Pinkerton's final drive began on its own 12-yard line with 1:52 to play. It was fourth down when Simpson hooked up with Sean Allen for a 20-yard gain. On the following play, Colby Verge  scored on a 40-yard run that finalized the scoring with 44 seconds remaining.

It was the second TD of the game for Verge, who also scored on a 43-yard run in the third quarter. Simpson completed 7-of-19 passes for 178 yards.

The comeback meant Pinkerton would face Nashua South in the Division I championship game for the second consecutive season.

(No. 4)
Hanover 28, Merrimack Valley 27
October 30

The playoffs started a week early for these teams. The winner would secure the No. 4 seed for the Division IV playoffs, and there were times in the fourth quarter when each team looked like it would extend its season.

Hanover prevailed when quarterback Sam Carney hooked up with tight end Parker Sutherland for a successful two-point conversion in overtime.

Merrimack Valley quarterback Alex Ladd broke a 14-14 tie when he capped a 13-play, 59-yard drive with an 8-yard touchdown run with 3:56 to play. The kick sailed wide left.

Hanover countered with a 36-yard touchdown pass from Carney to Franklin Taylor that tied the game with 1:08 to play. Carney was stopped short on the two-point conversion attempt, however, which meant the playoff spot was still there for the taking.

Merrimack Valley's Alex Thurston rushed for 10 of his 93 yards when he scored on the first play of overtime. The PAT gave the Pride a 27-20 advantage. 

Hanover also scored on the first play of its overtime possession. Senior tailback Christian Harris (21 carries, 128 yards) covered the 10 yards after catching a screen pass. That set up the pass from Carney to Sutherland that denied Merrimack Valley its first postseason berth in the program's history.

College: Nashua's Morrisey hopes to stick with Ducks >> Portland Tribune

College: UMass lands UNH recruit >> Reading Eagle

Fall Mountain Regional High School is looking for a varsity head football coach. Those interested in the position can submit a resume and a letter of interest to Casey Todd, athletic director, Fall Mountain Regional High School, 134 FMRHS Rd, Langdon NH 03602, or email to: ctodd@sau60.org.

Check the Chalkboard for information on camps, clinics and other coaching vacancies.

College: Wildcats have scheduling issues >> Manchester Union Leader

College: Mullen takes talents to MSU >> Derry News

College: Sicko named to AP All-America team >> Portsmouth Herald

(No. 6)
Goffstown 36, Con-Val 30
November 1

This was a make-or-break game for each team. The winner would earn a spot in the Division III playoffs. The loser would be done for the season.

Con-Val led 23-22 and added to its lead when running back Justin Morgan scored on a 14-yard run late in the third quarter. At that point the Cougars seemed to be in a comfortable position.

Goffstown had plenty of fight left, however. The Grizzlies responded with a scoring drive capped by Jamie McGarry's 1-yard run early in the fourth. Goffstown failed on the two-point conversion attempt, which left Con-Val with a 30-28 lead.

Goffstown went in front to stay when Tom Foote scored on a 4-yard run with 2:22 to play. Con-Val's final drive lasted four plays. The victory handed the Grizzlies the No. 4 seed and set up a semifinal date with top-seeded Souhegan.

Con-Val, which was attempting to make the playoffs for the second time in the program's history, had three touchdowns called back because of penalties.

Goffstown's Jake Staffiere rushed for a game-high 143 yards on 28 carries, which pushed him past 1,000 yards for the season. Morgan finished with 102 yards and two touchdowns in what ended up being his final high school football game.

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Items found on the recruiting trail:

• Here's a story about Kennett High School's Ian White, who committed to Boston College in October. White played tight end at Kennett, but will likely move to the interior offensive line in college.
• Alfred Tillerson (pictured), a linebacker from Wallington, N.J., spurned an offer from West Virginia and has committed to the University of New Hampshire.
• According to ESPNU, Laconia High School running back Christian Birt and Dracut, Mass., quarterback Matt Grimard are among the players who have UNH on their radar.

(No. 7)
Keene 18, Bishop Guertin 14
October 24

There's smart, and then there's football smart. Keene's Colby Wilkinson proved that he's a student of the game after his team had a 22-yard field goal attempt blocked late in the fourth quarter of this contest. Wilkinson scooped up the loose ball and returned it to Bishop Guertin's 1-yard line. That set up Ray Boulay's 1-yard touchdown run -- his third TD of the game -- with 2:17 to play that helped the Blackbirds post a four-point victory.

Wilkinson's 12-yard run came while many BG players were celebrating the blocked field goal that mometarily preserved the Cardinals' two-point lead. Boulay finished the game with 126 yards on 26 carries.

BG played without quarterback Andy Vailas, who suffered a concussion in a loss to Billerica, Mass., the previous week. It was the first time BG had suffered back-to-back losses in five years.

Keene, which held BG to 79 yards rushing, build a 12-0 lead in the first quarter, but quarterback Steve Cuipia came off the bench to rescue the Cardinals. Cuipia replaced starter Tony Phillips and completed 5-of-11 passes for 82 yards and two touchdowns. 

Andy Cunningham scored both BG touchdowns. He hauled in a 19-yard TD pass from Cuipia with 35 seconds left in the first half, and caught a 26-yard pass that helped give BG a 14-12 lead with 8:50 left in the third quarter.

Keene's second play from scrimmage produced Boulay's first TD -- a 53-yard run. Keene's second TD was set up when BG fumbled the ball away on its own 5-yard line. Boulay made it a 12-0 game when he scored on a 1-yard run.

Keene's game-winning drive included a 31-yard halfback pass from Boulay to Mike Tateosian. Shortly thereafter, BG blocked a field goal attempt that Wilkinson turned into the play of the game.  

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Former University of New Hampshire quarterback Ricky Santos signed a one-year deal with the Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes last week and is expected to be in training camp next June.

Santos was not drafted by an NFL team following his senior season at UNH, and was released after attending a mini-camp with the Kansas City Chiefs. He spent much of last season on the injured list.

The Alouettes have also re-signed former UNH defensive back Etienne Boulay, who appeared in eight games with Montreal last season.

(No. 8)
Souhegan 28, Portsmouth 21
October 3

In the game's first 28 minutes Souhegan looked like one of the best team's in the state. In the final 20 minutes, Souhegan wasn't even the best teams on the field.

The Sabers, who were playing without injured fullback/linebacker Steve Jellison, led 21-0 after quarterback D.J. Petropulos connected with split end Ben Stallman for a 73-yard touchdown pass on the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter. Souhegan increased its lead on Stephen Daigneau's 14-yard TD run with 7:40 left in the third.

That's when Portsmouth tore the running plays out of its playbook, and made it a 28-21 contest with 5:25 to play. Portsmouth moved the ball to Souhegan's 32-yard line on its final possession, but the game ended after Mike Fransoso's pass fell incomplete near the goal line.

Fransoso established a school record by attempting 50 passes in the loss. He completed 29 passes for 267 yards and two touchdowns. Portsmouth's Mike Montville, a junior wide receiver, set the school record for receptions in a game by catching 17 passes for 152 yards and two TDs. Montville's second TD catch came with 5:25 to play.

The Clipppers also received a 4-yard touchdown run from tailback Gallagher Hogan.

Petropulos completed 12 of 20 pass attempts for 220 yards and two touchdowns. Stallman hauled in both TD passes.

Souhegan, which improved its record to 5-0 with the victory, opened the scoring on a 1-yard run by running back Nick Chacos. Stallman caught six passes for 155 yards. 

It turned out to be Portsmouth's only regular-season loss. 

Note: The Manchester Wolves issued the following press release Monday after the Arena Football League announced that it had decided to suspend the 2009 season:

The arenafootball2 league (af2), the official development league of the Arena Football League (AFL), will continue to operate as usual and will play in 2009 - the league's 10th anniversary season, the af2 league office announced Monday.

The af2 operates entirely on its own and is not directly affected by the AFL's current situation. The Manchester Wolves, owned by a group of local businessmen, are financially stable and strong.
 
The af2 is supported by 25 team ownership groups that are personally and financially committed to operate in 2009, a sound and sensible economic structure, and a league office which operates efficiently.
 
The AFL announced Monday that the League's Board of Directors have decided to suspend the 2009 season subject to agreement and cooperation with the Arena Football League Players Association while the League works on developing a long-term plan to improve its economic model.
 
"Today's decision by the AFL will not affect our preparation for a successful 2009 af2 campaign," said af2 president Jerry Kurz. "We're excited by the addition of Milwaukee to our league family and feel that this, our 10th anniversary season, will provide our fans with the most competitive and most entertaining year ever."
 
The 2009 af2 schedule was finalized and released in early November. Since then, all af2-member teams have been busy building rosters, selling season tickets and hiring additional staff as necessary in preparation for the 2009 season.
 
The af2 is also coming off one of its most successful campaigns in 2008. Last season was the fifth time in nine (9) seasons that the league's total attendance figure topped one million fans. The campaign was capped off by the best attended ArenaCup championship game in league history.
 
The future of the af2 stands on solid ground as well as evidenced by the addition of two new expansion teams already committed for the 2010 season (Toledo, Ohio and Worcester, Mass.). The league has also expanded its corporate support by developing multi-year relationships with two brand new league partners - Aaron's and Russell Athletic - to join current proud supporters such as Schutt, Spalding and Network Foundation Technologies (NFT).  

(No. 9)
Exeter 21, Nashua South 20
September 6

It was a matchup much of the state wanted to see: One of the best teams from Division I taking on one of the top programs in Division II. The game didn't disappoint.

Division II Exeter trailed by 14 points early in the fourth quarter, but took the lead when halfback Jason Monroe hauled in a 24-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Andrew Kukesh and then James Holler added the point-after kick with 2:59 to play.

Kukesh rushed for 92 yards, and completed 7-of-12 passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns in the contest. His 10-yard pass to Ben Callahan opened the scoring with 6.7 seconds left in the first quarter.

Nashua South running back/defensive back David Zocco was bothered by leg cramps and was limited to one carry in the second half. Zocco, who was named New Hampshire's Mr. Football earlier this month, gained 46 yards on nine carries. He scored Nashua South's first touchdown on a 23-yard run in the second quarter.

It was a 7-7 game at halftime, but South scored twice in the third quarter. The Panthers took the lead on a 21-yard option pass from Nick Haskell to Nick Frederickson with 7:15 to play in the quarter, and then added another touchdown when Nilsson Basora returned a fumble 32 yards with 6:01 left in the third.

The momentum turned in Exeter's favor when the Blue Hawks gained 25 yards on a fake punt on a fourth-and-nine play from their own 30-yard line late in the third quarter. Exeter halfback Robbie Kisiel scored on a 2-yard run 10 plays later.

One of the key plays on Exeter's final scoring drive was Kelleher's 18-yard run on a fourth-and-six play from Exeter's 42-yard line with six minutes to play.

Each team ended up advancing to the championship game in their respective division. 

Four Proctor Academy players -- running back Stanley Benion, linebacker Spencer Wood, defensive tackle Harris Williams and offensive tackle Tyler Swertfager -- have been named to the All-New England First Team.

In addition, Benion earned the Evergreen League's Most Valuable Player Award, and Williams was named the league's Most Valuable Lineman.

Wood, Swertfager, running back Josh Harris, defensive end Pat Donnely and wide receiver Stephen Alli made the Evergreen League's First Team. Fullback Will Sullivan, center Nate Fifer and defensive end Matt Williams were Evergreen League Honorable Mention selections.

Proctor also earned the league team sportsmanship award.

Proctor won this year's Evergreen League championship by beating Kimball Union Academy, 42-40, in the title game.

(No. 10)
Nashua South 21, Manchester Central 20
September 26

This was an early showdown between two of the top teams in the state. It was also the night David Zocco began to state his case as the best two-way player in New Hampshire.

Zocco carried the ball 30 times for 234 yards and two touchdowns in soggy conditions to highlight Nashua South's victory. Central led 20-14 with 4:51 to play when it failed to get a punt off on the slippery Stellos Stadium turf. Nashua South took over on Central's 35-yard line and scored the game-winning touchdown when sophomore quarterback Keith Farkas hooked up with Nick Haskell for a 5-yard touchdown pass with 38 seconds remaining.

Central running back Michael Cavanaugh rushed for 190 yards and two touchdowns. He scored on runs for 75 and 19 yards.

Two Zocco touchdowns handed Nashua South a 12-0 lead, but Central cut into its deficit when Jake Tremblay returned a kickoff 87 yards for a TD.

Cavanaugh's 75-yard TD run gave Central the lead, but Nashua South's Cam DiCecca put his team back in front by kicking a 35-yard field goal. Central regained the lead midway through the third quarter, when Cavanaugh scored his second touchdown one play after Nashua South fumbled the ball away on its own 19

Nashua South's final scoring drive lasted 10 plays. The key play was a fourth-and-1 run by Zocco with just over a minute to play.

Each team completed the regular season with a 7-1 record in Division I. This victory gave Nashua South the home-field advantage when the teams met again in the Division I semifinals. Nashua South won that contest, 24-9.  

University of New Hampshire tight end Scott Sicko has been named a Walter Camp Football Foundation Football Championship Subdivision All-American, an award that recognizes the contributions he made during his junior season with the Wildcats.

The All-America team was selected by head coaches and Sports Information Directors at FCS schools.

Sicko (pictured), who was the only tight end named to the first team, finished the season as UNH's second-leading receiver with 50 catches for 660 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games. He averaged 13.6 yards per catch and 55.0 yards per game for the Wildcats.

Sicko helped lead UNH to its fifth consecutive appearance in the NCAA FCS playoffs and UNH advanced to the quarterfinals for the fourth time during that five-year span after winning at Southern Illinois (29-20) in the first round. The Wildcats were the champions of the Colonial Athletic Association North Division, finishing the 2008 season with a record of 10-2, just one win shy of the school record for wins in a season.

Sicko was also named a CAA first-team all-conference pick for 2008.

Apologies for the lack of New Hampshire Football Report content during the past few days, but the home office has been without power since Thursday night. Power returned Sunday morning.

We'll begin reviewing the top 10 high school games from the 2008 season on Monday morning. There will also be a story on Mike Hatt, the Vermont coach for next year's Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl, coming soon. Thanks for your patience.

                                  Roger Brown

The parade of postseason honors for the Plymouth State University football team continued this week when three Panthers were named to the D3football.com 2008 All-East Region Team.

Senior offensive guard Joe Duval (Dover) and junior defensive end Jim Sestito were Plymouth State's representatives on the All-East Region First Team, and senior running back Jeff Mack (Milford) was named to the Second Team. They were all First Team All-Conference standouts in Plymouth State's run to the New England Football Conference championship and a berth in the NCAA playoffs.

Duval anchored PSU's powerful offensive line, which helped Mack rush for a school-record 1,779 yards and 20 touchdowns. Plymouth State ranked in the top 10 in the nation in rushing, averaging 285 yards per game on the ground.

Sestito was one of the leaders of the Panther defense, which led the conference in rushing yards allowed, points allowed and total defense. He led the 16-team NEFC with 8.5 sacks and finished fourth with 14.5 tackles for lost yardage. Sestito ended up with 41 tackles overall.

Plymouth State won nine games in a row this year, including a victory over Maine Maritime in the NEFC championship game, before losing to SUNY Cortland in the first round of the NCAA play-offs. The Panthers finished the season with a 10-2 overall record, matching the school record for victories in a season previously accomplished in 1982, 1984, 1987, 1988, and 1994.

College: NH's Mullen to take MSU's reins >> Manchester Union Leader

College: Mullen will lead program's turnaround >> CBSSportsline.com

College: Who is Dan Mullen? >> Jackson Clarion Ledger

NORTHEAST CLINICS will be offering its 27th Annual Quarterback/Receiver Camp and its 14th Annual Lineman/Linebacker Camp next year from July 10 to July 12. Players in grades 6 through 12 are eligible for the camps, which offer day and overnight sessions.

Each camp will be held at The Governor's Academy in Newbury, Mass.

The Quarterback/Receiver Camp is open to high school, junior high school and youth quarterbacks and receivers, including tight ends, wideouts and running backs in a passing offense. The following sessions will be offered:

• Overnight Clinic ($415): Players should arrive on July 10 at 8 a.m.
• Extended Day Clinic ($365): The clinic will meet July 10 from 8 a.m. to 8:15 p.m., July 11 from 9 a.m. to 8:15 p.m., and July 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Day Clinic ($325): The clinic will meet July 10 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and July 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Lineman/Linebacker Camp is open to high school, junior high school and youth linemen and linebackers, including tight ends. Players will be grouped according to age, experience and ability. The following sessions will be offered:

• Overnight Clinic ($415): Players should arrive on July 10 at 8 a.m.
• Extended Day Clinic ($365): The clinic will meet July 10 from 8 a.m. to 8:15 p.m., July 11 from 9 a.m. to 8:15 p.m., and July 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Day Clinic ($325): The clinic will meet July 10 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and July 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A $100 registration fee (non-refundable) must accompany a player's application for either camp. Team and sibling discounts will be offered. Coaches, parents and guests may attend the practices and lectures free of charge.

Enrollment for each camp is limited. For more details, call (603) 887-4907. Coaches may secure team reservations by telephone. NORTHEAST CLINICS can also be reached by fax: (603) 887-3502; by email: northeastclinics@hotmail.com; or regular mail: Northeast Clinics, INC., P.O. Box 839, East Hampstead, N.H., 03826.

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Dan Mullen, who led Trinity High School to the Division I championship in 1988, will be named Mississippi State's head coach, according to a report on ESPN.com.

Mullen (pictured), who is currently the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Florida, was born in Manchester and grew up in Londonderry. He attended junior high school in Nashua before moving on to Trinity.

Skip Swiezynski, currently an assistant coach at Exeter High School, was Mullen's head coach when Trinity beat a Jack Gati-coached Concord team, 10-9, in the 1988 Division I championship game. Mullen played college football at Ursinus College, a Division III school in Collegeville, Pa.

ESPN reported that a press conference is scheduled for Thursday.

University of New Hampshire coach Sean McDonnell and three of his players will be honored Thursday night at the New England Football Writers Captains And Awards Banquet at Casa Di Fior in Wilmington, Mass.

McDonnell, who was named the Football Championship Subdivision Coach Of The Year, led the Wildcats to their fifth consecutive appearance in the NCAA FCS Championships and advanced to the quarterfinals for the fourth time during that five-year span. McDonnell guided UNH to a 10-3 campaign in 2008 and the CAA North Division title.

McDonnell (pictured) posted his 70th career victory when UNH won its first-round NCAA contest at Southern Illinois (29-20). Over the past five seasons, McDonnell has led his UNH to a 47-17 record in his 10 seasons as the program's head coach. This also marks the second time that McDonnell has won the New England Football Writers Coach Of The Year Award. He was also honored in 2005.

Senior linebacker Matt Parent earned first team All-New England defensive honors after his best season as a Wildcat. He completed 2008 as the team's second-leading tackler (33-64-97). He also had two sacks and intercepted two passes, one of which he returned 100 yards for a touchdown against Massachusetts. He also recovered two fumbles for a Wildcat defense ranked second in the nation in turnover margin.

On the offensive side of the ball, senior wide receiver Mike Boyle and senior offensive lineman Josh Droesch were both named first team All-Stars. Boyle, a team tri-captain, topped the 1,000-yard mark in receiving yards with 67 catches for 1,116 yards for an average of 85.8 yards per game. He also led UNH in scoring (72 points) and in all-purpose yardage (1,334 yards). He caught 10 touchdown passes and rushed for two touchdowns.

Droesch, an NFL prospect, helped UNH averaged 35.6 points per game last season. The team averaged 404.2 yards per contest behind Droesch, the team's strarting left tackle. Droesch was a three-year starter for the Wildcats.

By Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

When the teams take the field for next year's Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl, a homecoming crowd will be waiting for New Hampshire head coach Greg Husband.

Husband, who guided Franklin to the Division VI state championship last month, played football at Windsor (Vt.) High School, which is the site for next year's game. The game is usually played at Dartmouth College, but the 2009 game was moved so renovations could be done on the stands at Dartmouth's Memorial Field.

Husband has known he would be New Hampshire's coach for the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl for several weeks, but the official announcement came last week. He'll be coaching an all-star team that will battle Vermont all-stars on Aug. 1.

"It's an honor to coach in this game," Husband said. "The fact that it's being played in my hometown makes it unique. Even though I grew up in Vermont, my mom told me my job is to win the game."

Franklin finished with an 11-1 record last season and beat Campbell, 8-0, in the Division VI championship game. Franklin's only loss came in a non-league game against Division V Bishop Brady.

Husband, 44, graduated from Windsor High School in 1982. He became Franklin's varsity head coach in 2004, after spending one season as the head coach at Franklin Middle School. He also spent three seasons at the offensive coordinator at Stevens High School.

Husband, who attended Plymouth State University, said his first task will be to assemble a coaching staff. The 36-player rosters for each state will be announced in January. He said he still hasn't settled on the offense New Hampshire will run in next year's game.

"There are 55 teams and a lot of talent in the state," Husband said. "Unfortunately you can't take them all. One of the things I want to do is meet with some of the coaches who have coached in this game before.
"I think it's going to be a good year for New Hampshire. It should be a pretty strong team." 

Springfield's Mike Hatt will coach Vermont in the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl. Hatt directed Springfield to an 11-0 record and the Division III championship last season.

New Hampshire won the 2008 game, 42-0, and has a 40-13-2 advantage in the all-time series.

The Manchester Wolves, who reached the American Conference Championship last season, will hold two open tryouts for players in January and February.

Head coach Danton Barto and his staff will evaluate players on January 31 and February 21 at the team's official practice facility, the Hampshire Dome, in Milford. The pre-registration fee is $50 per player, or $60 on the day of the tryout.

Players must be at least 18 years old. Players must bring proper identification, along with a tee shirt, shorts, and athletic shoes (cleats are suggested). Registration is at 8 a.m. and the tryouts will begin at 9 a.m. Players will be evaluated in the 40-yard dash, short shuttle, broad jump, and position-specific drills. Kickers will be evaluated at 11 a.m.

To pre-register, players may call the Wolves office at (603) 627-9653, or email Bjosselyn@manchesterwolves.com to receive a pre-registration form.

The Wolves open training camp on March 7,  and their first game will be played on March 27th against the Pioneers in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Manchester's first home game will be on April 18.

Tryouts for the Lady Wolf Pack, the team of professional dancers who perform at home games and make promotional appearances in the community, will be held on January 10-11 at the Workout Clubs in Manchester and Salem, NH. More details can be found at www.manchesterwolves.com.

Season tickets, partial season ticket packages, specially priced youth season tickets, individual game tickets, group sales packages, and fundraising events are on sale now and may be purchased at tickets@manchesterwolves.com or by calling (603) 627-9653 (WOLF).

By Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Nashua South running back/defensive back David Zocco collected the seventh annual WGAM Mr. Football Award Tuesday night during a banquet at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manchester.

Zocco, a senior, rushed for 1,648 yards and 27 touchdowns last season, when he led the Panthers to the Division I state championship. Zocco scored five touchdowns in Nashua South's 33-32 triumph over Pinkerton Academy in the Division I championship game.

Zocco caught 15 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns, and also completed a 60-yard pass (his only attempt) for a TD during the 2008 season. On defense, he made 138 tackles and intercepted four passes.

"I feel comfortable on the offensive side of the ball, but if colleges want me to play defense I'll play either side," Zocco said.

 This year's other finalists were Steven Jellison (Souhegan), Andy Vailas (Bishop Guertin), Derek Furey (Timberlane) and Bruce Vieira (Pelham)

The award is voted on by the WGAM (AM-900 and AM-1250) Friday Night Lights staff, as well as other selected media.

"We want to go with what the defense gives us, but at the end of the day he's our guy," Nashua South coach Scott Knight said. "When the game's on the line we want the ball in his hands."

Past winners of the award are Souhegan's Jeff Farrington (2002), Plymouth's Mike Boyle (2003), Manchester Central's Dave Philistin (2004), Pinkerton Academy's John Sughrue (2005), Bishop Guertin's Mark Spinney (2006) and Londonderry's Alex Theodhosi (2007).

Zocco, a four-year varsity player, was also named New Hampshire's Gatorade Player of the Year for the 2008 season.

The 2008 Dartmouth football team awards, as well as the 2009 captains, have been announced by head coach Buddy Teevens.

Junior wide receiver Tim McManus and senior defensive back Peter Pidermann were selected by their teammates to serve as captains next year.

A total of 16 players earned recognition from the coaching staff for what they brought to the team on and off the field during the 2008 season:

• Senior strong safety Ian Wilson garnered the Bob Blackman Trophy as the Big Green's most valuable player, given annually to the player who contributed the most to the success of the team. Wilson was a second-team All-Ivy selection and was second in the league in tackles per game at 9.3. He also picked off a pair of passes and had two tackles for a loss.
• Pidermann took home the Kenneth T. Young Award as the underclassman who made the most significant contribution to the team. Pidermann will be the team's leading returning tackler next season having made 56 stops in 2008 with an interception, three passes broken up and a forced fumble. In addition, he returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown in the final game of the season.
• McManus was given the Jake Crouthamel Award as the underclassman who contributed the most to the success of the team on offense. He became just the fifth player in Dartmouth history to catch 60 passes in a season, going for 637 yards, figures that ranked among the Ivy League's top receivers. His three touchdown receptions also led the squad. In just two seasons, he has already surpassed 1,000 receiving yards and ranks 16th on the Big Green charts with 1,022 yards.
• The Doten Award, given to the sophomore on defense who made significant contributions to the team, was given to Charles Bay. The defensive end recorded 30 tackles, two for a loss, recovered a fumble and blocked two kicks.
• Senior safety Kyle Cavanaugh took home the Manners Makyth Man Award. This distinction goes each year to the player who best conducted himself to the advantage of Dartmouth and displayed good manners in the sense of William Wykeham's phrase, "Manners Makyth Man." Cavanaugh had his season cut short by injury, but in his five games, he registered eight tackles.

DIVISION VI ALL-STATE OFFENSE

T.J. Dow (Franklin) tackle; Austyn Turner (Franklin) running back; Todd Richardson (Franklin) tackle; Derek Brewer (Fall Mountain) guard; Craig Milliken (Fall Mountain) wide receiver; Matt McHugh (Newfound) guard; Zach Blake (Gilford) fullback; Kiel Canada (Campbell) quarterback; Phil Housten (Campbell) tight end; John Coughlon (Campbell) center; Pat Sanborn (Winnisquam) running back; Ryan Beaulieu (Newport) quarterback; Nick Moote (Newport) tight end; David Spear (Newport) running back; Kevin Brady (Inter-Lakes) running back.

DIVISION VI HONORABLE MENTION OFFENSE

Junior Kingsley (Franklin) guard; Kevin Watson (Franklin) punter; Nick Gosselin (Franklin) quarterback; Cory Plummer (Fall Mountain) quarterback; Pat Murray (Fall Mountain) running back; Eli Schaffner (Newfound) tackle; Calvin Leach (Newfound) fullback; Brett Cole (Gilford) running back; Kevin Cushman (Campbell) running back; Zach Laganiere (Campbell) wide receiver; Matt Bungy (Winnisquam) guard; Todd Lucas (Newport) running back; Nathen Clive (Inter-Lakes) running back; Christopher Guilmette (Inter-Lakes) guard; Zach Duquette (Mascoma) running back.

DIVISION VI ALL-STATE DEFENSE

Matt Kaplan (Franklin) tackle; Jamie Gould (Franklin) tackle; Abe Muniz (Franklin) linebacker; Alex Thibodeau (Franklin) defensive back; Cody Lowry (Newfound) linebacker; Sam Chapin (Gilford) end; Mark McCartney (Campbell) linebacker; Ryan Christopher (Campbell) defensive back; Cody Smart (Winnisquam) linebacker; Brian White (Winnisquam) linebacker; Jared Degraffe (Newport) end; Jake Gingras (Newport) tackle; Mike Wade (Newport) defensive back; Shawn Vick (Mascoma) end; Kevin Doxey (Campbell) safety.

DIVISION VI HONORABLE MENTION DEFENSE

Mike Stone (Franklin) linebacker; Nick Santana (Franklin) linebacker; Eric Bentley (Fall Mountain) linebacker; Bobby Deragon (Newfound) linebacker; Drew Harmon (Newfound) linebacker; Tom Bobotas (Gilford) linebacker; Matt Kelly (Campbell) tackle; Steve Weber (Campbell) linebacker; Jordan Riberty (Winnisquam) tackle; C.J. Kevlin (Winnisquam) tackle; Austin Sclafani (Newport) linebacker; Joshua Fournier (Inter-Lakes) linebacker; Tommy Rees (Inter-Lakes) end.

Manchester's Carl "Bo" Cuchetti and Laconia's Robert Mercer were granted lifetime membership in the New Hampshire Football Officials Association -- the organization's top award -- during the NHFOA's annual business meeting and president's reception on Saturday at The Yard in Manchester.

Cuchetti and Mercer are both longtime New Hampshire officials.

In addition, the NHFOA presented is annual sportsmanship award banners to the following schools: Manchester West (Division I), Exeter (Division II), Milford (Division III), Hanover (Division IV), Kearsarge (Division V) and Gilford (Division VI).

Five head coaches -- Nashua South's Scott Knight, Souhegan's Mike Beliveau, Plymouth's Chuck Lenahan, Pelham's Tom Babaian and Franklin's Greg Husband -- were among the invited guests in attendance.

Other noteworthy items:

• Ougoing president John Reardon presented appreciation gifts to outgoing chairman of the board Joseph Rolka. Reardon also introduced president-elect Mike Murphy. Reardon will replace Rolka as chairman of the board. Dave Dickson, Tim Begley and Ernie Clark were elected to three-year terms on the board of directors.
• Service recognition awards were presented to officials Peter Gregorakis (30 years), Steve Esonis (20 years) and Bert Lawlor (20 years).
• The selection of on-field officials for the 2009 Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl were announced: Mark Fraser, Phil Williams and Kevin Smick will represent the NHFOA at the 2009 game.
• Apprentice chairman Glenn Colburn introduced newly certified officials. Among those approved for NHFOA membership were Joel Harrington, Drew Dickson and Mike Barberian.
• A moment of reflection was held to honor the memory of NHFOA veteran official Gerry Rochette, who passed away before the 2008 season. NHFOA representatives honored Rochette during the 2008 season by wearing commemorative pins on their striped jerseys for all games. 

College: Tough to take, again >> Manchester Union Leader

College: Panthers are propelled by big plays >> Des Moines Register

College: Season will look better with time >> Nashua Telegraph

College: Another tough one for UNH >> Laconia Citizen

New Hampshire Football Report will begin to count down the top 10 games from the 2008 high school football season next week.

The top 10 games will be selected by New Hampshire Football Report publisher Roger Brown. Top game No. 10 will be revealed next Monday. One game will be added to the list each day until 10 games have been chosen.

Last year's No. 1 contest was Exeter's 14-13 triumph over Bishop Guertin in the Division II championship game.

Editor's Note: Ben Stallman is a senior at Souhegan High School and a wide receiver/defensive back on the SHS football team that beat Portsmouth, 28-14, in this year's Division III championship game. He completed his career with 1,688 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns, and holds the school record for receptions in a season (35) yards receiving in a season (683) and receptions in a career (95). Ben was named to the Division III All-State First Team following the 2007 and 2008 seasons. This is his final Varsity Insider column, which appeared each week throughout the season.

When the 2008 high school football season ended, it was hard to gather everything to reflect upon it. There were too many memories made, too many big plays, and too many big games. However, there are a few of those memories that stand out more than the others do. Though they are the ones I will remember more vividly than others, they are just the tip of the iceberg in memories for this season for Souhegan football.

For starters, and perhaps the most obvious memory, was winning the Division III state championship. Having been able to come so close to winning it in previous years that I could almost taste it, getting over the hump this year and finally winning it was a thing never to forget. Few teams get to make it to their league's playoffs, and even fewer are lucky enough to play for a state title. To be able to play for one, especially when it is your last chance, is a memory to carry. I hope that all others who win a title or multiple titles feel the same way.

Secondly, and this may be the least obvious out of the highlighted memories, was an out-of-division win against Laconia. Proving we could stick with and beat a title contender from another division made a huge statement for ourselves as well as Division III. It was one of the hardest-fought games all year, because we were playing for the whole division's pride, and put the pressure on ourselves to win it that much more. Leaving the field that night, every player could barely stand, as they had poured everything they had into that game, and it showed through the tough play. Both teams knew exactly what the game meant, and that added to the tenacity of it. No player on Souhegan will ever forget that game.

Lastly, one of the best memories of the 2008 season was going out on top, and winning the annual Turkey Bowl game against Merrimack. After winning a state championship, it is hard for players to come back after a week off healing up, and it showed. However, once the game became close, every player on that field, freshman through senior, wanted to win that game, and finished what they started. Finish the season exactly the way it had began: undefeated. Walking off Merrimack's field, knowing we were the first Souhegan team to gather 12 wins in a season was a special feeling, one not likely to be matched soon, though players across the state feel the same thing. 

The 2008 football season was a season filled with dominating championships by dominating teams, but also by some unexpected performances. That is the thrill of football -- never knowing when greatness will strike.  Luckily, for the 2008 Souhegan Sabers, greatness struck this year's team, and I will never forget what it brought.

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

The fourth longest winning streak in high school football history came to an end in Tennessee on Saturday, when Hillsboro High School beat Maryville, 10-7, to win the Class 4A state championship.

Maryville entered the game with a 74-game winning streak - the longest active streak in the country - and was trying to win its fifth consecutive state title.

Jacob Noe's 20-yard field goal capped the scoring with 8:52 to play. It was Maryville's first loss since it lost to Morristown West in the 2003 state semifinals.

Maryville (14-1) held the country's longest winning streak for less than 24 hours. South Panola (Miss.) had its 89-game winning streak end when it lost to Meridan in Mississippi's Class 5A championship game Friday night.

Concord (Calif.) De La Salle holds the record for consecutive victories with 151 (1992-2004). Charlotte (N.C.) Independence won 109 consecutive games from 2000 to 2007. 

College: Panthers execute a great escape >> Des Moines Register

College: 'Cats declawed in Iowa >> Nashua Telegraph

College: Wildcats turn it over >> Manchester Union Leader

College: Familiar pain from unfamiliar mistakes >> Concord Monitor

College: UO's Kelly to get $7 million >> The Oregonian

College: UNH deserves praise for program's success >> Portsmouth Herald

College: Panthers add fun to UNH preparation >> The Gazette.com

College: Don't bet against these Wildcats >> Nashua Telegraph

College: UNH taking aim at semifinals >> Portsmouth Herald

College: Wildcats hoping for better finish >> Foster's Daily Democrat

College: UNH has been here before >> Manchester Union Leader

College: Ruffin headlines tough UNI defense >> Des Moines Register

College: Bishop kicks UNH to second round >> Ithaca Journal

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

David Zocco, who recently completed his senior season as a running back/defensive back at Nashua South High School, has been named New Hampshire's Gatorade Player of the Year for the 2008 season.

Zocco (pictured) rushed for more than 1,400 yards last season and scored all five touchdowns in his team's 33-32 overtime victory against Pinkerton Academy in the Division I championship game. Zocco was a Division I All-State selection and is one of five finalists for New Hampshire's Mr. Football Award, which will be presented Tuesday.

Zocco is also a finalist for the Gatorade National Football Player of the Year award. That award will be announced later this month.

Photo credit: Mark Camp 

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Greg Husband, who led Franklin High School to the Division VI state championship this season, will coach the New Hampshire team in next year's Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl.

The announcement was made Thursday at the Joe Yukica Huddle in Manchester.

Franklin finished 11-1 this season and beat Campbell, 8-0, in the Division VI championship game. The team's only loss came in a non-league game against Division V Bishop Brady.

Springfield's Mike Hatt will coach Vermont in next year's game, which will be played Aug. 1 at Windsor (Vt.) High School. Each team will report to Kimball Union Academy in Meriden for training camp on July 24.

Hatt directed Springfield to an 11-0 record and the Division III championship this season.

College: Chip Kelly's contract set >> The Register-Guard

College: 'Cats offense seeks redemption >> Nashua Telegraph

College: Wildcats remember last year >> Manchester Union Leader

College: UNI's Nelson started early >> Des Moines Register

College: McClurg, Droesch anchor UNH's offensive line >> Portsmouth Herald

College: Devine calls UNH home >> TheDay.com

College: Clements, defense tackle Northern Iowa >> Fosters Daily Democrat

High School: New Hampshire football keeps getting better >> Manchester Union Leader

Youth: Demons eye national championship >> Derry News

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

From the University of New Hampshire's perspective, perhaps the No. 1 question entering Saturday's FCS playoff game at Northern Iowa is this: Will the Wildcats be able to score enough points to win?

UNI ranks sixth among FCS teams in scoring defense (16.1 points per game) and has held its opponents to 55 points in the second half of its last 10 games.

"It's the best defense we've had here," UNI coach Mark Farley said. "They're making a difference in games for us, and you know you have a good defense when you can swing momentum and energize a crowd with defensive play. This team has done that."

UNI's defensive unit is led by junior defensive lineman James Ruffin, who was named the Missouri Valley Conference's Defensive Player of the Year. Ruffin (pictured) has recorded eight sacks and has 15 tackles behind the line of scrimmage this season.

"It starts on the defensive side of the football with their front eight guys in particular," UNH coach Sean McDonnell said. "We're still looking, trying to find some dents in the armor.

"The one thing that impresses me is how well they stop the run. In our offense we think we have enough things we can choose from. You're gonna have to run the football in order to be successful against them, (and then) play pass."

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Here are the unofficial non-league matchups between Division I and Division II high school teams for the 2009 season. Next year will be the second time games featuring Division I teams against Division II opponents will be scheduled based on regular-season order of finish.

Division I teams had an 8-5 record against Division II competition last season. 

• Pinkerton Academy vs. Bishop Guertin
• Nashua South vs. Timberlane
• Manchester Central vs. Exeter
• Londonderry vs. Keene
• Concord vs. Alvirne
• Salem vs. Dover
• Nashua North vs. Merrimack
• Manchester Memorial vs, Winnacunnet
• Manchester West vs. Spaulding

Note: Official schedules for 2009 have not been released. Non-league games will not be counted in the league standings and will be used for tiebreaking purposes only.

College: UNH/Northern Iowa media notes >> UNH athletics

College: Rookie QBs add spice to playoffs >> Des Moines Register

College: Defensive improvement key to UNH's success >> Portsmouth Herald

College: Around the FCS: Take two >> The Sports Network

DIVISION V ALL-STATE OFFENSE

Bruce Vieira (Pelham) RB; Josh Luciano (Pelham) RB; Joe DeAngelo (Pelham) RB; Wayne Parisi (Pelham) TE; Michael Carleton (Epping-Newmarket) WR; Saije Antonelli (Somersworth) RB; Dylan Moore (Somersworth) TE; Paul Brown (St. Thomas) TE; Jack MacNevin (St. Thomas) QB; Zach Merrigan (St. Thomas) RB; Dan Dicesare (St. Thomas) TE; Ryan Jenkins (Kearsarge) RB; Cody Anderson (Kearsarge) FB; Darcy Hayes (Kearsarge) OL; Billy Downs (Kearsarge) OL; Connor Lyons (Trinity) RB; Tyrell Skinner (Trinity) RB; Mike Roy (Trinity) OL; Rick Fosher (Trinity) TE; Mike Smirnioudis (Bishop Brady) RB; Eric Feehan (Bishop Brady) WR; Alex Ryan (Bishop Brady) OL; Matt Day (Stevens) FB. 

HONORABLE MENTION OFFENSE

Cameron Robidoux (Pelham) RB; Matt Roy (Epping-Newmarket) QB; Cody Breitmaier (Somersworth) FB; Ryan Theriault (Somersworth) RB; Zack Duffey (St. Thomas) FB; D.J. Hodgdon (Kearsarge) RB; Max Rahill (Trinity) OL; Brad Taillon (Trinity) RB; Tom IIaria (Bishop Brady) RB; Cody Gale (Stevens) RB; Jesse Hughes (Stevens) WR; Justin Hodgkins (Bow) RB; Atticus Swett (Bow) P.

DIVISION V ALL-STATE DEFENSE

Bill Helliwell (Pelham) DT; Andrew Keegan (Pelham) LB; Dave Wesson (Pelham) DT; Mike Lombard (Pelham) LB; Conor McColgan (Pelham) LB; Chad Hauser (Somersworth) DT; Matt Janetos (St. Thomas) LB; Pat Curry (St. Thomas) DE; William Reagan (St. Thomas) DT; Josh Hughes (Trinity) LB; Jared Butler (Trinity) LB; Jake Castricone (Trinity) DB; James Horn (Trinity) DB; John Preston (Bishop Brady) LB; Kyle Duca (Bishop Brady) DT; Tom Poistras (Bow); Ian Wedemeyer (Bow) DT.

HONORABLE MENTION DEFENSE

Marcus Boswell (Epping-Newmarket) DL; Todd Blanchard (Epping-Newmarket) LB; Sean Wynot (Somersworth) LB; Max Connolly (St. Thomas) DB; Jack Morgan (Kearsarge) DB; Pat McLaughlin (Trinity) DT; Dan Weidman (Bishop Brady) LB; Zach Roever (Bishop Brady) LB; Zach Chaisson (Bishop Brady) DB; Zach Knight (Stevens) LB; Mike Finnegan (Bow) DB.

Coach of the Year: Tom Babaian (Pelham). 

DIVISION II ALL-STATE OFFENSE

Chris Connolly (Alvirne) WR; Brennan Donnelly (Alvirne) OT; Andy Vailas (Bishop Guertin) QB; Andy Cunningham (Bishop Guertin) WR; Anthony Ferlan (Bishop Guertin) OT; Kyle Endyke (Bishop Guertin) OG; Preston Clark (Bishop Guertin) K; Tyler Long (Dover) RB; Andrew Page (Exeter) OT; Ray Boulay (Keene) TB; Colby Wilkinson (Keene) C; Taylor Canaday (Keene) TE; Kile Stetson (Merrimack) WR; Gary Jameson (Merrimack) OG; Derek Furey (Timberlane) RB; Matt Caiazzo (Timberlane) WR; Brian Nicoll (Timberlane) OT.

DIVISION II ALL-STATE DEFENSE

Matt Nowak (Alvirne) DT; Nick Salano (Bishop Guertin) DE; Walter Kell (Bishop Guertin) LB; Chip Ouellette (Dover) DL; Nick Lantz (Dover) DB; Andrew Kukesh (Exeter) DB; Eric Rajkowski (Exeter) LB; Nick Provost (Exeter) P; Dylan Ryan (Exeter) DL; Jermaine McDay (Keene) LB; Jeremy Hardy (Keene) LB; Mike Tateosian (Keene) DB; Logan Placey (Merrimack) DT; Steve Duval (Merrimack) DB; Jeremy Benoit (Spaulding) DB; Brett Sanchez (Winnacunnet) LB.

DIVISION II HONORABLE MENTION OFFENSE

Keith Rondeau (Alvirne) RB; Jim Reidy (Alvirne) TE; George Regan (Bishop Guertin) C; Mike Flynn (Bishop Guertin) RB; Mike Kelly (Bishop Guertin) RB; Noah Kabbara (Dover) WR; Matt Kimball (Dover) QB; Zach Kelleher (Exeter) RB; Alex Blomeke (Exeter) TE; Sean Southworth (Exeter) OG; Jeff Solomon (Exeter) C; Evan Ayres (Keene) RB; Mike Popowich (Keene) OT; Tanner Luopa (Keene) QB; Tyler King (Merrimack) QB; Matt Corey (Merrimack) RB; Ryan Smith (Spaulding) QB; Brandon Spiers (Spaulding) OT; Erik Hatton (Timberlane) QB; CJ Dupuis (Timberlane) TE; James Stevas (Winnacunnet), OT; Jesse Green (Winnacunnet) OT; James Eldrige (Winnacunnet) OG; Jack Danahy (Winnacunnet) TE.

DIVISION II HONORABLE MENTION DEFENSE

Derek Janko (Alvirne) LB; Nick Goldsack (Alvirne) LB; Codi Clark (Alvirne) DB; Anthony Koumarianos (Alvirne) DB; Nick Phillips (Bishop Guertin) LB; Matt Bayne (Bishop Guertin) DB; Pat Rhodes (Bishop Guertin) DL; Tom Bralle (Bishop Guertin) LB; Nick Carluccio (Bishop Guertin) LB; Josh Murphy (Dover) DL; Tyler Brnger (Keene) DT; Chris Pratt (Keene) DE; Sam Pritikin (Merrimack) NG; Cody Laforge (Merrimack) DE; Dalton Baita (Spaulding) DB; Matt Parker (Spaulding) LB; Ryan Lynch (Timberlane) DB; Max Fatello (Winnacunnet) DB.

College: Oregon tabs Kelly >> ESPN.com

College: Kelly picked for top spot at Oregon >> Manchester Union Leader

College: Kelly picked to replace Bellotti >> Portsmouth Herald

College: Kelly tabbed as Oregon's next coach >> Foster's Daily Democrat

College: Kelly to become head coach >> Oregon Daily Emerald

College: Oregon's next coach: Offense with personality >> Oregonlive.com

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Former University of New Hampshire offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will be named the University of Oregon's head coach when current head coach Mike Bellotti takes over as Oregon's athletic director, the school announced Tuesday.

Kelly, who was born in Dover and played football at Manchester Central High School, is currently an assistant coach on Bellotti's staff.

"I am grateful Mike and Chip will continue to serve the university, the athletics department and the football program," University of Oregon president Dave Frohnmayer said in a release. "While the exact timing of the changes is yet to be determined, I wanted to announce the intended changes to establish the future direction of the department."

Kelly (pictured) is in his second season as Oregon's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He spent eight seasons in the same role at UNH.

"This is an incredible opportunity for me and I am honored to be named the head coach designate for one of the elite programs in the nation," Kelly said. "I appreciate the confidence that president Frohnmayer, (athletic director) Pat Kilkenny and Mike Bellotti has bestowed in me.

"It means so much to me to be entrusted with carrying on the great tradition of Oregon football. To succeed someone as successful and accomplished as Mike Bellotti when he retires from coaching at Oregon is not only a great honor, but a tremendous challenge. It is a win-win situation. Until he retires and when I am the head coach, we will continue our pursuit of a Pac-10 and national championship, and continue to provide a student-athlete experience that is second to none. I am thrilled to be staying at Oregon and in a special place with special people."

Kelly also spent two seasons as UNH's offensive line coach (1997-98) and three seasons as the program's running backs coach (1994-96).

Bellotti, who was named Oregon's head coach following the program's 1995 Rose Bowl appearance, had guided the Ducks to seven seasons of nine-or-more victories.

"Chip Kelly has proven that he possesses all the qualities needed to be an outstanding head coach," Bellotti said. "He is a tremendous teacher of the game and of our student-athletes, and has brought incredible innovation to our offense and enhanced the excitement for our entire program. It is important to me when I decide to leave this program to leave it in the best hands possible, and that is what we've done."

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

The five finalists for the seventh annual WGAM Mr. Football Award were released Tuesday, and four of the state's six divisions are represented. The finalists are:

• David Zocco (Nashua South)
• Steven Jellison (Souhegan)
• Andy Vailas (Bishop Guertin)
• Derek Furey (Timberlane)
• Bruce Vieira (Pelham)

The winner of this year's award, which is modeled after the Heisman Trophy, will be announced on Dec. 9 during a banquet at the Hilton Garden Inn in Manchester. The award is voted on by the WGAM Friday Night Lights staff, as well as other selected media.

This year's finalists will be featured on "The Home Team," WGAM's local afternoon talk show. "The Home Team" will be broadcast live from the Hilton Garden Inn from 3 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 9.

Past winners of the award are Souhegan's Jeff Farrington (2002), Plymouth's Mike Boyle (2003), Manchester Central's Dave Philistin (2004), Pinkerton Academy's John Sughrue (2005), Bishop Guertin's Mark Spinney (2006) and Londonderry's Alex Theodhosi (2007).

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Plymouth State head coach Paul Castonia has been selected New England Coach of the Year for Divisions II and III, as voted on by the New England Football Writers' Association.

Castonia (pictured) is the first Plymouth State coach to win the award, which will be presented at the New England Football Writers' Awards and Captains Banquet on Dec. 11, at Casa di Fior in Wilmington, Mass.  Also being honored that evening will be PSU senior running back Jeff Mack (Milford), who was named to the New England Football Writers' All-New England Team for Divisions II and III last week for the second straight year.

Now in his sixth year at PSU, Castonia led the Panthers to the New England Football Conference Championship in 2008, and a berth in the NCAA Division III playoffs. It was PSU's first conference title since sharing the Freedom Football Conference championship in 2001, and it was Plymouth State's first visit to the NCAA Championships since 1995.

PSU, which is 19-3 the past two years under Castonia, finished first in the NEFC Boyd Division this season with a 7-0 record. The Panthers defeated Maine Maritime, 46-16, in the NEFC Championship game, before losing to Cortland State (N.Y.) in the NCAA playoffs, 31-14.

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Souhegan High School's Ben Stallman is one of 100 candidates eligible to win the 2008 Jerry Rice Wide Receiver of the Year Award.

Stallman, a senior, caught 35 passes for 683 yards and eight touchdowns last season, when he helped Souhegan post a 12-0 record and win the Division III state championship. Stallman holds the Souhegan record for receptions in a season (35), yards receiving in a season (683) and receptions in a career (95). He was selected to the Division III All-State team following his junior and senior seasons and completed his career with 1,688 yards receiving and 20 touchdowns.

The 100 candidates for the award include one representative from each state. There are also 50 at-large selections. Stallman is the only player representing New Hampshire.

The list will be trimmed to 32 finalists later this month.

Photo credit: David Reed

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

The Joe Yukica Chapter of the National Football Foudation will hold its annual Coaches Huddle on Thursday night in Manchester. The event will take place at Sweeney Post and is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.

The coaches for this year's six state championship teams -- Nashua South's Scott Knight (Division I), Bishop Guertin's Tony Johnson (Division II), Souhegan's Mike Beliveau (Division III), Plymouth's Chuck Lenahan (Division IV), Pelham's Tom Babaian (Division V) and Franklin's Greg Husband (Division VI) -- are among those who will be recognized.

One NHIAA official will be honored for exceptional work on the field as well. 

College: Familiar foes >> Laconia Citizen

College: New Hampshire a daunting opponent >> Des Moines Register

College: Familiar destination awaits UNH >> Portsmouth Herald

High School: Turkey Bowl leftovers, reflections >> Manchester Union Leader

DIVISION IV
First Team All-State Offense

Rich Manzi (Plymouth) QB; Nick Barnes (Plymouth) FB; Tim Farina (Plymouth) HB; Phil LaFlamme (Plymouth) T; Jordan Daigneault (Plymouth) G; Christian Birt (Laconia) RB; Matt King (Laconia) WR; Tyler L'Heureux (Laconia) P/PK; Nate Labelle (Laconia) G; Ian White (Kennett) TE; Alain Lanciaux (Laconia) FB; Ryan Hughes (Kennett) T; Christian Harris (Hanover) RB; Sam Carney (Hanover) QB; Mike McAlister (Merrimack Valley) G; Nate Gonya (Kingswood) RB; Kevin Wadlinger (Kingswood) OL; Cody Patch (Lebanon) RB; James Martineau (Monadnock Regional) OL.

Honorable Mention Offense

Jake Bissell (Plymouth) C; Casey Blanchard (Plymouth) TE; Kyle Underwood (Plymouth) K; Nick Converse (Laconia) QB; Josh Cherok (Laconia) DE; Jeff Harrison (Laconia) LB; Nick Holmes (Laconia) DB; Lucas Limmer (Kennett) G; Tim Flynn (Kennett) DE; Josh Potter (Kennett) LB; Kenneth Jones (Hanover) LB; Alek Ladd (Merrimack Valley) QB; Bryan Briggs (Merrimack Valley) LB.

First Team All-State Defense

Cord Barnes (Plymouth) OLB; Matt Varin (Plymouth) DT; Peter LaBreck (Plymouth) DT; Phil Slaughter (Plymouth) DB; Mike Bownes (Plymouth) LB; Kyle McAuliffe (Plymouth) OLB; Brian Bozek (Laconia) LB; Peter Evans (Laconia) DE; Zach Corbin (Laconia) DB; Matthew Schuster (Laconia) DT; Max Brennick (Kennett) LB; Tanner Baillargeon (Kennett) CB; Steve Dacey (Hanover) DT; Franklin Taylor (Hanover) DB; Alex Thurston (Merrimack Valley) LB; Branden Gallagher (Merrimack Valley) S; Aaron Weinstein (Merrimack Valley) DE; Andrew Morse (Lebanon) LB; Dan McMahan (Monadnock) NT; Joe Murphy (Sanborn) S.

Honorable Mention Defense

Jeff Batchelder (Kingswood) DE; Nick McHugh (Kingswood) LB; Aaron Vaillancourt (Kingswood) DB; Sam Walsh (Kingswood) DE; Jeremy Prasch (Lebanon) WR; Max Finnegan (Lebanon) G; Garrett Finn (Lebanon) DB; Blake Bolewski (Monadnock Regional) RB; Tyson Cole (Monadnock Regional) WR; Ryan Cormier (Monadnock Regional) DB; Dan Richard (Sanborn) G; Tyler Lawrence (Sanborn) OLB; Kyle Nadeau (Sanborn) LB; Justin Storace (Sanborn) DT.

Coach of the Year: Chuck Lenahan (Plymouth Regional).

Saturday's NCAA playoff game between the University of New Hampshire and Northern Iowa will be shown live on Comcast SportsNet New England. The opening kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. (ET) at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

The game will also be produced by ESPN Syndication and will be carried on ESPN Gameplan and ESPN360.com.

The 10th-ranked Wildcats (10-2) earned a spot in the quarterfinals following their 29-20 first-round victory at eighth-ranked Southern Illinois last Saturday. Fourth-ranked Northern Iowa (11-2) defeated Maine 40-15 last Saturday to make the quarterfinals.

This marks the fourth time in the past five years that UNH has advanced to the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.

The Panthers lead the all-time series against the Wildcats (2-0) after winning in 2005 at Cowell Stadium (24-21) and finishing on top last year in Cedar Falls (38-35). This marks the third time in four years that these two teams have met in the NCAA FCS playoffs.    

DIVISION III
First Team All-State Offense

Steven Jellison (Souhegan) TB; D.J. Petropulos (Souhegan) QB; Colin Cray (Souhegan) G; Jameson Luks (Souhegan), C; Ben Stallman (Souhegan) SE; Gallagher Hogan (Portsmouth) RB; Mike Montville (Portsmouth), SE; Mike Fransoso (Portsmouth) QB; Joe Tammick (Portsmouth) T; Nate Jones (Portsmouth) SE; Joe King (Milford) HB; Jeff Agnew (Milford) QB; Eric McDuff (Milford) OL; Tom Foote (Goffstown) G; Allen Finn (Goffstown) T; Jake Staffiere (Goffstown) HB; Justin Morgan (Con-Val) RB; John Hyder (Hollis-Brookline) OL; Bryan Morrisette (Pembroke Academy); Chris Allen (Pembroke Academy) RB; David Wilson (John Stark), RB.

Honorable Mention Offense

Tyler Wing (Souhegan) WR; Nick Hession (Souhegan) SE; Kyle Wons (Souhegan) G; Jason Bohan (Goffstown) WR; Jackson Crosby (Goffstown) P; Nate Reth (Con-Val) SE; Sean Crowley (Con-Val) P/K; Ryan Quigley (Hollis-Brookline) WR; Brett Farrell (Hollis-Brookline) OL; Kurt Farrell (Hollis-Brookline) OL; John Natalizio (Pembroke Academy) QB; Vincent Verrecchia (Pembroke Academy) TE; Daniel Kroll (Pembroke Academy) FB; Tyler Webber (Bedford) TE; Nick Heafield (John Stark) C.

First Team All-State Defense

Ian Ginnard (Souhegan) LB; Sean Cultrera (Souhegan) DE; Nick Chacos (Souhegan) CB; Stephen Daigneau (Souhegan) SS; Kyle Jones (Portsmouth) LB; Adam Studer (Portsmouth) LB; Chris Larro (Milford) LB; Justin Buskey (Milford) NG; Nick Spinosa (Milford) DL; Jamie McGarry (Goffstown) S; Jim Walker (Goffstown) LB; Barry Powers (Con-Val) NG; Josh Sirois (Con-Val) LB; Dustin Bealby (Con-Val) LB; Justin Shutt (Hollis-Brookline) LB.

Honorable Mention Defense

Matt Comstock (Souhegan) OLB; Matt Eusebio (Souhegan) CB; Max Goudreau (Milford) LB; Josh Ibarra (Milford) DB; Dan Seasholtz (Goffstown) DE; Josh Devriendt (Goffstown) LB; Anthony Faccidomo (Con-Val) DE; Tim Peck (Hollis-Brookline) DL; Brian Liamos (Hollis-Brookline) S; Jeff Wuebboct (John Stark) DE; Blaine Bishop (John Stark) S.

Coach of the Year: Mike Beliveau (Souhegan).

College: UNI will host familiar foe >> WCF Courier

College: Wildcats able to overcome turnovers >> Nashua Telegraph

College: Playoff victory was special for UNH >> Portsmouth Herald

College: 'Cats headed back to the Midwest >> Manchester Union Leader

College: Wildcats moving on >> Laconia Citizen

College: Panthers prep for familiar opponent >> Des Moines Register

College: Lewis sets UNI rushing mark >> Grand Island Independent

College: Panthers dominate postseason opener >> WCF Courier