New Hampshire Football Report is currently seeking sponsors for the 2009 season. The site offers four sponsorship options that can be obtained via email upon request.

All sponsorships include a logo that would link to a company's or organization's web site. A special rate is available for booster clubs and other team organizations that would like to promote their team on New Hampshire Football Report. Team logos can be created if necessary.

If you would like to promote football in New Hampshire by becoming a sponsor, or if you know of a business that might be interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact New Hampshire Football Report publisher Roger Brown at rbrown@nhfootballreport.com. These sponsorships help cover the costs of maintaining a free site.

                                   -- St. Anselm coach Patrick Murphy

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Patrick Murphy said one of his goals as St. Anselm College's head coach is to have depth at every position. It appears he's reached that goal in at least one area: quarterback.

The Hawks have talented QBs like Hampton Beach has sand. The depth chart at quarterback includes three new faces: University of New Hampshire transfer Mike Pierce; Matt Grimard, who led Dracut High School to the Division IA Super Bowl title last season; and Pat Orlando, a record-setting QB from Manchester Essex Regional High School in Manchester, Mass.

There's also holdover Marc Wilson (pictured), who was named the ECAC Division II Rookie of the Year last season, when he set St. Anselm single-game records for rushing attempts (36) and rushing yards (285) as well as the program's single-season rushing record (1,214 yards) in Murphy's first year as St. Anselm's head coach.

"We inherited a program that hasn't had a lot of depth," Murphy said. "I think we'll be pretty solid there (at QB) for the next four, possibly five years. We are going to recruit athletic quarterbacks."

High School: Winnacunnet's Sanchez will play at Marist >> Portsmouth Herald

High School: NFHS sacks A-11 >> USA Today

Quarterback James Yaitanes and defensive lineman Shane Rogers have each earned an invitation to the Manchester Wolves training camp in two weeks to compete for a spot on the final roster of the arenafootball2 league team.

Yaitanes and Rogers were among those who participated in the team's open tryouts last Saturday.

Rogers, who played his collegiate football at Husson College in Bangor, Maine, had worked out previously for National Football League and Canadian Football League scouts but had never participated in a tryout.

"I am definitely looking forward to this opportunity," Rogers said. "Who wouldn't want to live their dream? I can't pass this up."

Yaitanes impressed in the first tryout in January and was asked to come back for the second. Manchester coach Danton Barto liked enough of what he saw to bring Yaitanes into camp to compete against returning starter James Pinkney and the other quarterbacks. Training camp opens March 7.

"I tried out for the Wolves back in 2004 and made it to the last cut," said Yaitanes, who played at Bridgewater State College. "But I was only 18 and the coaches then told me to get older and more experienced. Now I'm here and I can't wait to come back in two weeks. I'm loving this and am pretty excited."

Barto said he was pleased with the tryouts.

"There were a lot of good football players who participated in the tryouts," he said. "Saturday's tryout was one of the best we've had since I've been here. The talent level was higher than it has been. I always like to have talent at every position coming into camp and competing. There is a lot of reason for optimism going into training camp."

The Wolves open the af2 season on March 27 on the road against division rival Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton.

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

The University of Rhode Island announced Saturday that football coach Darren Rizzi has resigned to become an assistant coach with the Miami Dolphins.

Rizzi had been an assistant for Rutgers for six years before taking the head coaching job at Rhode Island last season. He finished 3-9 overall with a 1-7 mark in the Colonial Athletic Association.

Earlier this month Nashua South running back/defensive back David Zocco accepted a scholarship to play for Rizzi at Rhode Island. Zocco must now decide if he will honor that commitment following the coaching change. 

Zocco was named New Hampshire's Mr. Football as well as the state's Gatorade Player of the Year following his senior season.

Zocco rushed for 1,648 yards and 27 touchdowns last season, when he helped Nashua South win the Division I championship. He scored five touchdowns in the Division I championship game, a 33-32 triumph over Pinkerton Academy.

He also made 15 receptions for 158 yards as a senior. Defensively, he made 138 tackles and intercepted four passes. He was projected as an outside linebacker in college.

Rizzi will reunite with Miami head coach Tony Sparano, as the pair coached together at the University of New Haven. Sparano was head coach there from 1994-96, while Rizzi joined the staff in 1994 as special teams coordinator/defensive line coach.

"This was a very difficult decision to make because of my strong emotional ties to the school," Rizzi said. "However, the chance to coach with Tony Sparano again and to work with the Miami Dolphins organization is an opportunity that is best for my family and I."

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Where's the best place to watch high school football in New Hampshire?

Some would say it's roomy Eustis Field in Exeter or Nashua's Stellos Stadium, both of which resemble small college facilities. Others might prefer the atmosphere of game night at a place like Laconia High School, where the locals still pack the place on a Friday night.

If Saturday afternoon football is your preference, then Pinkerton Academy might rank as your top choice.

Parking, concessions, available seating and quality of football are all factors to consider. The choice is a matter of opinion, but here are ESPN's selections for the top venues to watch high school football across the nation:

http://sports.espn.go.com/highschool/rise/football/news/story?id=3653316

The following is a list of players who have committed to play at St. Anselm College beginning in the fall of 2009.

• Matt Grimard: Quarterback
  Hometown: Dracut, Mass.
  High School: Dracut
  Height/Weight: 6-4/240

Grimard was the 2008 Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year, the Division 1A Player of the Year and a Boston Globe and Boston Herald All-Scholastic selection. While leading Dracut to the Division 1A state title, Grimard ran for 1,412 yards on 204 carries with 31 rushing touchdowns. In the air, Grimard completed 147-of-241 passes for 2,239 yards and 20 passing touchdowns. He was intercepted three times.

• Chris Bent: Linebacker
  Hometown: Dracut, Mass.
  High School: Dracut
  Height/Weight: 6-0/210

Bent was a First Team All-Scholastic selection at linebacker and was the defensive leader of the team that won the Division 1A state championship. Bent was also a First Team All-Merrimack Valley Conference (MVC) performer for the last two seasons.

• Pat Orlando: Quarterback
  Hometown: Manchester, Mass.
  High School: Manchester Essex
  Height/Weight: 6-0/180

Orlando threw for a school-record 54 touchdowns during his career, including a senior season that saw him pass for 1,600 yards with 25 touchdowns as his team finished a perfect 13-0 and captured the Division 4 Super Bowl. In that game, he threw for 172 yards and three touchdowns. Orlando was named the Division 4 All-Scholastic Player of the Year.

• Billy Gorman: Offensive Guard
  Hometown: Scarborough, Maine
  High School: Scarborough
  Height/Weight: 6-6, 330

Gorman was a First Team All-League selection and was selected to play in the Maine Lobster Bowl. A punishing blocker, Gorman can bench press 225 pounds 27 times.

• Mike Pierce: Quarterback
  Hometown: Andover, Mass.
  High School: Andover
  Previous School: University of New Hampshire

Pierce comes to Saint Anselm from the University of New Hampshire and will have four years of eligibility for the Hawks. A former All-Scholastic quarterback, Pierce was a First Team All-MVC performer.

The Manchester Wolves, who compete in arenafootballleague2, will hold their final open tryout for players this season Saturday.

Manchester head coach Danton Barto and his staff will evaluate players 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.

All players are required to be at least 18 and must bring identification, along with t-shirt, shorts, and athletic shoes (cleats are suggested). Registration is at 8 a.m. and the tryouts begin at 9 a.m., when players will be evaluated in the 40-yard dash, short shuttle, broad jump, and position-specific drills. A session for kickers will begin at 11 a.m.

To pre-register, players may call the Wolves main office (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 of the regular season will be played on March 27 at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Concord High School's Kyle Starr is headed to Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, to play both football and lacrosse, according to a story in Thursday's Concord Monitor.

Starr scored 12 touchdowns for the Crimson Tide last fall -- six rushing and six receiving -- and was a Division I Second Team All-State selection as a wide receiver.

Starr plays midfield in lacrosse, and received First Team All-State honors following his junior season

He'll be joining a Bates football team that has five other New Hampshire residents on its roster: Brett McAllister (Exeter), Kyle McAllister (Exeter), Ted Durkin (Rye Beach), Tyler Kuehl (Plymouth) and Zach Lynch (Plymouth).

How the New Hampshire roster for this year's Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl breaks down by division:

• DIVISION I (8): Colin Brown (Concord), Alex Deyeso (Londonderry), Chris George (Pinkerton), Dan Herrick (Concord), Joshua Nitso (Londonderry), Seamus O'Neill (Manchester Central), Ryan Raymond (Pinkerton), Jacob Tremblay (Manchester Central).
• DIVISION II (9): Ray Boulay (Keene), Kyle Endyke (Bishop Guertin), Andrew Kukesh (Exeter), Tyler Long (Dover), Jermaine McDay (Keene), Brian Nicoll (Timberlane), Eric Rajkowski (Exeter), Kile Stetson (Merrimack), Andy Vailas (Bishop Guertin).
• DIVISION III (5): Jeff Agnew (Milford), Thomas Foote (Goffstown), Ian Ginnard (Souhegan), Gallagher Hogan (Portsmouth), Jameson Luks (Souhegan).
• DIVISION IV (5): Christian Birt (Laconia), Peter Evans (Laconia), Peter LeBreck (Plymouth), Phil Laflamme (Plymouth), Alex Thurston (Merrimack Valley).
• DIVISION V (5): Cody Anderson (Kearsarge), Rick Fosher (Trinity), Bill Helliwell (Pelham), Matthew Janetos (St. Thomas), Bruce Vieira (Pelham).
• DIVISION VI (4): Jake Gingras (Newport), Mark McCartney (Campbell), Abe Muniz (Franklin), Austyn Turner (Franklin).

New Hampshire Football Report is currently seeking sponsors for the 2009 season. The site offers four sponsorship options that can be obtained via email upon request.

All sponsorships include a logo that would link to a company's or organization's web site. These sponsorships run from Aug. 1, 2009 until July 31, 2010. Any business that completes a sponsorship deal before the end of March will also have its logo placed on the site until Aug. 1 at no charge.

A special rate is available to booster clubs and other team organizations that would like to promote their team on New Hampshire Football Report. Team logos can be created if necessary.

If you would like to promote football in New Hampshire by becoming a sponsor, or if you know of a business that might be interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact New Hampshire Football Report publisher Roger Brown at rbrown@nhfootballreport.com. These sponsorships help cover the costs of maintaining a free site.

The next scheduled fundraiser for the Harris Jones Fund is Saturday at Milford High School, where a spaghetti dinner will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. inside the high school cafeteria. 

The event, which will also include a raffle, is being organized by the Milford football booster club.

This is the third fundraiser to help Milford coach Keith Jones and his family. Harris Jones, Keith's 2-year-old son, is still undergoing treatment at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon after being hit by a snowmobile in January. 

Proctor Academy, an independent boarding school of 350 students (grades 9 to PG) located in Andover, has an opening for a varsity head football coach.

Required qualifications include a bachelor's degree, football expertise and coaching experience at the high school and/or college level.

The head coach will oversee all aspects of the football program, including recruiting appropriate applicants and assisting with college placements. Preference will be given to applicants who can teach and are willing to be involved in all aspects of a boarding school community.

Those interested can send a resume, cover letter and list of references to Proctor Academy athletic director Kathy Noble at nobleka@proctornet.com, or to the following address:

Kathy Noble
Director of Athletics

Proctor Academy

PO Box 500

Andover, N.H.

03216

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Concord High School football will have a different look in 2009.

Former defensive coordinator Eric Brown has replaced Bob Camirand as the program's head coach, but the changes don't end there. Perhaps the most visible change will be seen when Concord has the ball next season. Brown said he plans to run the spread offense.

"As a defensive coordinator for the last 15 years, watching Nashua South run (the spread), Memorial run it, and North run it -- it gives us fits trying to defend it," Brown said. "It changes what you do. Plus I don't know if we have the linemen to overpower people, but we have decent athletes at the skill positions.

"When you're playing against the Straight-T you have to go into a goal-line defense. Against the spread you can't have just three defensive backs on the field. You have to have more athletes."

Brown, 52, was the choice to replace Bob Camirand, who resigned after the 2008 season. Concord had an 86-68 record in Camirand's tenure. Camirand guided the Crimson Tide to the Division I state championship in 2000.

Brown, a Concord resident, played at Manchester Central and was a member of New Hampshire's Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl team in 1975. His son, Colin, will represent New Hampshire in this year's Shrine Game.

Brown said most of last year's coaching staff will return. That group includes Kevin Nyhan (offensive line), Mike Pelletier (defensive coordinator), Hamilton Munnell (defensive ends/offensive line) and Dave Malay (split ends/defensive tackles).

"We've got a great group of guys who are loyal and committed to the program," Brown said.

Another thing Brown would like to change is the number of players in the Concord program. That number dropped to 37 (in grades 10 to 12) last season.

"One of the goals is to reach out to the youth programs and try to get the numbers back up," Brown said. "We'll also have to scour the hallways."

Brown was an assistant coach at Trinity from 1979 to 1984, and began coaching at Concord as an assistant to Jack Gati in 1990. He said he's entertained the idea of becoming a head coach for the last five years.

"There were a lot of other openings during that time, but time and place had to be right," Brown said.

Quarterback James Pinkney, who came off the bench in 2008 and guided the Manchester Wolves into the arenafootball2 playoffs, will return to the team this season, the Wolves announced Sunday.
 
"Getting James back for this organization is huge," Wolves coach Danton Barto said. "He is a player who led us into the playoffs last year as a rookie. I expect him to have a huge year for us."

Pinkney took over after an injury to Brian Jones in the fifth week of the season, and completed 220-of-342 passes for 2,877 yards and 59 touchdowns. He was intercepted 12 times. Pinkney completed 24-of-39 passes and tossed four touchdown passes in a first-round playoff victory against South Georgia.

Pinkney is one of several veterans returning to the Wolves. That group includes wide receiver Steven Savoy, defensive back Carlton Brown, defensive back Al Phillips and linebacker Dwan Wilson.
 
"Carlton led us in interceptions (five) last year," Barto said. "He is still learning the game and I expect him to make huge strides this year. Al is a player who joined us late in the season and was a big part of our success. I believe that Al is going to have a monster year for us. Dwan was having a monster year for us before a foot injury slowed him down. I believe that Dwan will be a 10-plus sack guy from the linebacker position, which is huge."

On offense, Savoy will be joined in the receiving corps by rookie Deyon Williams, who was a playmaker in the Atlantic Coast Conference (University of Virginia) during his collegiate career.

"Steve had a great year for us but was not 100 percent during the playoff run," Barto said. "If you look at his stats, he would have had 1,500 yards receiving if he hadn't missed any games but for a freak injury at Green Bay (in the second week of the regular season that sidelined him for four games). Deyon is a guy who made a lot of plays for Virginia and has performed at a high level in college."

Other rookies who could make significant contributions in 2009 include offensive lineman Charles Manu, and defensive backs Antwan Stewart and Martel Vanzant. Other returning veterans are defensive lineman Larry McSwain, fullback/linebacker Chad Wengert, offensive/defensive lineman Marvin Wright, and defensive specialist Rob Green, who played for the Wolves several seasons ago and is returning to the field after a stint in the af2 coaching ranks.

The Wolves reached the American Conference title game last season, which marked the most successful season in the franchise's history. The Wolves will begin training camp on March 7 at the Hampshire Dome in Milford and will open the regular season March 27 with a road game against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
 
"I am very excited about all of the guys we have signed for this upcoming year," Barto said. "This is one of the best years I have had recruiting players and we have a great group of veterans returning."

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Inter-Lakes High School has openings for a varsity coach and a junior varsity coach for the 2009 season.

The Lakers competed at the varsity level for the first time in 2008. Inter-Lakes posted a 4-5 record in Division VI, and recorded victories over Mascoma (40-14), Fall Mountain (26-15), Newfound (25-0) and Farmington (47-30).

Anyone interested in either position can contact Inter-Lakes athletic director Anne Galligan at 279-6162 or agalligan@interlakes.org.

A second fundraiser for Milford High School football coach Keith Jones and his family will be held Sunday at the Milford Fire Department (39 School Street).

This event is a waffle breakfast from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Donations will be accepted at the door, and all proceeds will go to the Jones family.

Harris Jones, Keith's 2-year-old son, was seriously injured in a snowmobile accident last month and is currently being treated at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon.

Hanover High School coach Mike Ivanoski organized a breakfast fundraiser that raised nearly $10,000 for the Jones family last Sunday.

New Hampshire Football Report is currently seeking sponsors for the 2009 season. The site offers four sponsorship options that can be obtained via email upon request.

All sponsorships include a logo that would link to a company's or organization's web site. These sponsorships run from Aug. 1, 2009 until July 31, 2010. Any business that completes a sponsorship deal before the end of March will also have its logo placed on the site until Aug. 1 at no charge.

A special rate is available to booster clubs and other team organizations that would like to promote their team on New Hampshire Football Report. Team logos can be created if necessary.

If you would like to promote football in New Hampshire by becoming a sponsor, or if you know of a business that might be interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact New Hampshire Football Report publisher Roger Brown at rbrown@nhfootballreport.com. These sponsorships help cover the costs of maintaining a free site.

NORTHEAST CLINICS will be offering its 27th Annual Quarterback/Receiver Camp and its 14th Annual Lineman/Linebacker Camp this 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

Merrimack High School coach Joe Battista said it had been so long since the Merrimack program had anyone selected to play in the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl that many of his players weren't aware of the annual all-star game between Vermont and New Hampshire.

That drought ended earlier this month, when Merrimack wide receiver Kile Stetson was one of 36 players named to the New Hampshire roster. New Hampshire will face Vermont on Aug. 1 at Windsor (Vt.) High School.

"We were both pretty pumped up when we found out he made it," said Battista, who will be entering his second season as Merrimack's head coach."He's just an outstanding young man who's going to go places."

Stetson will be the first player to represent Merrimack in the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl since 1996, when two Merrimack players -- Steve Goodrich and Carl Hatfield -- were on the New Hampshire roster.

Stetson is a big target (6-foot-3, 190 pounds) who caught 33 passes for 468 yards and four touchdowns for Merrimack last season. He also played free safety, and led the Tomahawks in tackles (69) and interceptions (six).

Stetson may even be able to help New Hampshire in the kicking game. He averaged more than 31 yards per punt last season, but was even more effective as a place-kicker. He made 12 of 17 point-after attempts, and connected on each of his four field goal attempts (including one from 43 yards). He made the game-winning kick in a victory over Manchester Memorial.

"He placed it inside the 10 consistently on kickoffs," Battista said. "I'd say 50 percent of his kicks reached in end zone. He can put it deep, and that's a big advantage."

Both Shrine teams will begin practicing July 22 at Kimball Union Academy in Meriden. New Hampshire won last year's game 42-0 and has a 40-13-2 edge in the all-time series.

Battista said Stetson still hasn't made a college commitment.

"He's still looking," Battista said. "It has to be the right school academically for him. He's going academics first. If there's football in his future, fine."

Stetson has at least one more game in his future for sure.

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Keene High School's Tyler Brnger said he was shopping for a good business school and the chance to play college football as well. He found both at the University of New Hampshire.

Brnger, a 6-foot-3, 250-pound offensive/defensive lineman, will extend his playing career with the Wildcats next season. He was recruited as a non-scholarship player.

"It worked out how I wanted it to," Brnger said. "Just an opportunity -- that's all I wanted. The coaches told me I'd be a walk-on and the more playing time I get the better chance I'll have to earn money in the form of a scholarship." 

Brnger said he was also looking at Bryant, St. Anselm, Stonehill, Assumption and Merrimack, but always had his heart set on UNH. He played two years of varsity football at Keene and helped the Blackbirds earn the program's first playoff berth since 2004 last season.

Brnger was an Honorable Mention selection on the Division II All-State team following his senior season.

"I really liked UNH," Brnger said. "Part of it was the campus and that I want to be a business major. I probably would have gone there even if I didn't have the opportunity to play football. Football was icing on the cake.

"It's just a great opportunity for me."

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Peter Evans, a captain on the 2008 Laconia High School football team, has signed a national letter of intent to attend Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

Marist, a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) program, will enter the Pioneer Valley Conference this fall. That league includes nine other Division I schools: San Diego, Davidson, Dayton, Valparaiso, Morehead State, Butler, Campbett, Drake and Jacksonville.

Marist coach Jim Parady was born and raised in Laconia, where his father Ken served as the varsity head coach. Ken Parady later won three state championships while he was the head coach at Nashua High School.

Laconia coach Craig Kozens said the University of New Hampshire, the University of Massachusetts and several Division III schools recruited Evans. Evans made his choice Tuesday, when he phoned Parady and made his verbal commitment.

Evans, a 6-foot-4, 255-pound defensive end/defensive tackle, recorded 85 tackles (13 for loss) during his senior season. He completed his high school career with 202 tackles, five sacks and 23 tackles for loss.

He was a Division IV First Team All-State selection as a tight end following his junior season, and was a First Team All-State selection as a defensive end following the 2008 season. He also received the team's Most Outstanding Lineman Award following his senior season, and will represent New Hampshire in this year's Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl.

Evans has also been the starting center on Laconia's basketball team for each of the last four seasons. 

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

University of Maryland linebacker Dave Philistin was not invited to this year's NFL Combine.

Philistin, a 6-foot-2, 231-pound Manchester resident who played high school footblal at Manchester Central, was projected to be a late-round selection in this year's NFL draft by several draft services. Philistin (pictured) played both weakside linebacker and middle linebacker at Maryland, where he finished his career with 247 tackles and one interception.

Central was 47-3 and won four Division I championships during Philistin's high school career.

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

University of Maryland linebacker Dave Philistin was not invited to this year's NFL Combine.

Philistin, a 6-foot-2, 231-pound Manchester resident who played high school footblal at Manchester Central, was projected to be a late-round selection in this year's NFL draft by several draft services. Philistin played both weakside linebacker and middle linebacker at Maryland, where he finished his career with 247 tackles and one interception.

Central was 47-3 and won four Division I championships during Philistin's high school career.

The Eighth Annual Richard Alercio Offensive Line Clinic will be held March 29 at Castleton State College in Castleton, Vt. Alercio is the head coach at Division III Castleton State, which will play the program's first game this September.

The clinic is open to high school and middle school linemen and tight ends, and will emphasize run blocking, pass blocking and other skills like shotgun and long snapping. The clinic will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The cost is $40 for those who pre-register, and $50 for those who pay on the day of the clinic. Schools that send five or more players to the clinic will receive a $5 discount off each fee. This applies only to those who pre-register.

For more information contact Alercio at (802) 468-6440 or richard.alercio@castleton.edu.

College: CAA Recruiting Rankings >> caainsider.com

College: UNH's Devine headed to BC >> Manchester Union Leader

A second fundraiser for Milford High School football coach Keith Jones and his family will be held Sunday at the Milford Fire Department (39 School Street).

This event, which is being put on by the Milford football boosters club, is a waffle breakfast from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Donations will be accepted at the door, and all proceeds will go to the Jones family.

Harris Jones, Keith's 2-year-old son, was seriously injured in a snowmobile accident last month and is currently being treated at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon.

Hanover High School coach Mike Ivanoski organized a breakfast fundraiser that raised nearly $10,000 for the Jones family last Sunday.

Former University of New Hampshire assistant coach Sean Devine has accepted a job on Frank Spaziani's staff at Boston College.

Spaziani announced Monday that Devine (pictured) has joined his staff as the offensive line coach, and Dave Brock has been named tight ends coach.

Devine spent 13 seasons at UNH and was the offensive coordinator for the last two. In his first seven seasons with the Wildcats, he served as the defensive line coach. Before being promoted to offensive coordinator, Devine was the offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator for four seasons. In his two seasons as offensive coordinator, he led one of the best offenses in the Football Championship Subdivision. Last year, UNH ranked eighth nationally in scoring offense (35.62) and passing efficiency (154.81), 19th in total offense (404.23), and 25th in passing offense (243.23).

Devine also coached two years at him alma mater, Colby College, in 1994-95. He was a four-year starter at outside linebacker for Colby and was an all-conference and All-ECAC performer. He graduated in 1994 with a degree in physics.

Brock, who comes to BC after serving two years at Kansas State, has 20 years of coaching experience including six as an offensive coordinator. He spent the 2008 season as the Wildcats' offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach after coaching the wide-outs in 2007. Kansas State ranked 18th nationally in passing (269.6) and 19th in scoring offense (34.9) under Brock's leadership last season.

Prior to his stint with the Wildcats, Brock spent two seasons as the assistant head coach/recruiting coordinator and wide receivers coach at North Carolina. He also controlled the offenses for Temple (2002-04) and at Hofstra (2000-02) where he coached for seven seasons. Brock played linebacker at Ferrum (Va.) College before earning his degree in political science from Salisbury (Md.) State in 1994.

The University of New Hampshire has finalized its football schedule for the 2009 season.

The regular season begins Sept. 5, when the Wildcats entertain St. Francis University out of Loretto, Pa. for the home-opener at Cowell Stadium. This will mark the first meeting between these programs.

The Wildcats will play at Ball State on Sept. 12. Ball State played in the GMAC Bowl last season and posted a 12-2 record. The Cardinals were ranked as high as No. 12 in the national polls during the 2008 season. The Wildcats will be looking for their fifth straight victory over an FBS opponent.

UNH will play Dartmouth at home Sept. 26. The Wildcats defeated the Big Green in Hanover last season, 42-6.

UNH will begins its Colonial Athletic Association schedule Oct. 3, when it will play at Towson. UNH defeated the Tigers 42-14 in Durham last season.

Villanova will play at UNH on Oct. 10. Villanova handed UNH a 24-13 loss last season in Villanova, Pa.

The Wildcats will then play at the University of Massachusetts on Oct. 17. The Wildcats defeated the Minutemen in Durham last season, 52-21.

Following the UMass contest, UNH will travel to Hempstead, N.Y. for a matchup with Hofstra. The Wildcats defeated the Pride last season in Durham, 45-25.

Northeastern will play at UNH on Oct. 31. The Wildcats came from behind in the second half last season to win at NU, 33-21.

UNH will face Rhode Island in Durham on Nov. 7. UNH defeated the Rams in Kingston last season, 51-43.

UNH's final two regular-season games will be at William & Mary on Nov. 14, and vs. Maine at Cowell Stadium on Nov. 21.

2009 UNH Football Schedule

Sept. 5         ST. FRANCIS
Sept. 12        at Ball State
Sept. 26        DARTMOUTH
Oct. 3          at Towson
Oct. 10         VILLANOVA
Oct. 17         at Massachusetts
Oct. 24         at Hofstra
Oct. 31         NORTHEASTERN
Nov. 7          RHODE ISLAND
Nov. 14         at William & Mary
Nov. 21         MAINE

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

The New Hampshire roster for the 2009 Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl does not include Nashua South's David Zocco or Kennett's Ian White -- two players who will be playing Division I football in the fall -- but New Hampshire coach Greg Husband said his team has plenty of talent and isn't lacking depth.

Zocco, a running back/defensive back was selected as New Hampshire's Mr. Football and was also the state's Gatorade Player of the Year. He's expected to play outside linebacker at the University of Rhode Island. White will play offensive line at Boston College.

"Right across the board this is a good group of kids, " Husband said. "There are always some bumps in the road during the selection process. White is going to be playing Division I football and Zocco will be playing Division I-AA. In one case the decision not to play was his choice, in the other the player felt a commitment to the school in terms of what they wanted him to do over the summer.

"Our mindset was to select the linemen first. If you look we're pretty deep in the line. I'm pretty pleased with the depth and the talent."

The 36-player roster features eight players from Division I, nine from Division II, five from Division III, five from Division IV, five from Division V and four from Division VI. Twenty-four schools are represented.

The following schools have two representatives: Laconia, Keene, Concord, Londonderry, Bishop Guertin, Pinkerton Academy, Souhegan, Pelham, Exeter, Plymouth, Franklin and Manchester Central. There are no players from Nashua South, which won last year's Division I championship.

"We had a lot of kids on the bubble who we really wanted to take," Husband said. "I'm looking forward to meeting all the players. I've already written each of them a letter with our expectations."

The 56th Annual Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl will be played Aug. 1 at Windsor (Vt.) High School. New Hampshire and Vermont will both practice at Kimball Union Academy in Meriden. Practices begin July 22.

Both teams will attend a luncheon in Lebanon on March 1.

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.

Husband guided Franklin to the Division VI championship last season. Springfield's Mike Hatt will serve as Vermont's coach. Springfield completed an 11-0 season by winning the Division III championship last season.

Husband said the New Hampshire offense will be a mixture of I and spread formations. He said a 4-3 alignment will likely be the team's base defense.

"Our staff has had offensive and defensive meetings all winter," Husband said. "We're really excited to participate in this and working with the kids. It's gonna be fun." 

***

The New Hampshire coaching staff includes Kerry Glew (defensive coordinator/Franklin High School), Mike Stone (offensive coordinator/Franklin High School), Jeff Davis (special teams/Franklin High School), and Jeff Kaplan (offensive and defensive line coach/Gilford High School). Franklin High School's Mark D'amour will be the team manager.

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Jameson Luks, a 6-foot-2, 270-pound center from Souhegan High School, signed a national letter of intent Thursday and will play Division II football at Stonehill College, according to Souhegan coach Mike Beliveau.

Luks helped Souhegan win the 2008 Division III championship. The Sabers defeated Portsmouth in the Division III championship game, and then capped an undefeated season by beating Merrimack on Thanksgiving. Luks was also selected to play in this year's Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl. That team was announced Thursday.

Beliveau said St. Anselm, Bentley, Trinity, WPI and Sacred Heart were among the schools recruiting Luks.

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

The New Hampshire team for this year's Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl was released Thursday. New Hampshire Football Report will have a story on the team Thursday night. Here is New Hampshire's 36-player roster:

• Jeff Agnew (Milford)
• Cody Anderson (Kearsarge)
• Christian Birt (Laconia)
• Ray Boulay (Keene)
• Colin Brown (Concord)
• Alex Deyeso (Londonderry)
• Kyle Endyke (Bishop Guertin)
• Peter Evans (Laconia)
• Thomas Foote (Goffstown)
• Rick Fosher (Trinity)
• Chris George (Pinkerton)
• Jake Gingras (Newport)
• Ian Ginnard (Souhegan)
• Bill Helliwell (Pelham)
• Dan Herrick (Concord)
• Gallagher Hogan (Portsmouth)
• Matthew Janetos (St. Thomas)
• Andrew Kukesh (Exeter)
• Peter LaBreck (Plymouth)
• Phil Laflamme (Plymouth)
• Tyler Long (Dover)
• Jameson Luks (Souhegan)
• Mark McCartney (Campbell)
• Jermaine McDay (Keene)
• Abe Muniz (Franklin)
• Brian Nicoll (Timberlane)
• Joshua Nitso (Londonderry)
• Seamus O'Neill (Manchester Central)
• Eric Rajkowski (Exeter)
• Ryan Raymond (Pinkerton)
• Kile Stetson (Merrimack)
• Alex Thurston (Merrimack Valley)
• Jacob Tremblay (Manchester Central)
• Austyn Turner (Franklin)
• Andy Vailas (Bishop Guertin)
• Bruce Vieira (Pelham)

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Pat Orlando, a record-setting quarterback from Manchester Essex Regional High School in Manchester, Mass., is among the players in the 2009 recruiting class at St. Anselm College.

Orlando set a school record by throwing 54 touchdown passes during his high school career. He threw for more than 1,600 yards and 25 TDs last season, when he led Manchester Essex to a 13-0 record. Manchester Essex capped its season by beating Tri-County in the Division 4 Super Bowl.

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

The list of New Hampshire players who signed a national letter of intent with a Division I school Wednesday included Tilton School defensive back Chris Lopes (Connecticut), Laconia High School defensive back Christian Birt (Massachusetts), Kennett High School offensive lineman Ian White (Boston College), Kimball Union Academy defensive end Kasim Edebali (Boston College), Nashua South outside linebacker David Zocco (Rhode Island), Manchester Central offensive lineman Seamus O'Neill (New Hampshire), Kimball Union Academy tight end/linebacker Kevin Gangelhoff (New Hampshire) and Lawrence Academy quarterback Charley Loeb (Syracuse). Loeb is a Hollis resident.

High School: Birt becomes a Minuteman >> Laconia Citizen

College: 'Cats add more bulk on lines >> Concord Monitor

High School: Central's O'Neill heading to UNH >> Manchester Union Leader

College: Wildcats enthused about recruits >> Laconia Citizen

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Ten players signed a national letter of intent to attend and play football at the University of New Hampshire on Wednesday.

The list includes one player from New Hampshire, Seamus O'Neill, an offensive/defensive lineman who played at Manchester Central.

"I'm very excited about the overall athleticism of this recruiting class," UNH coach Sean McDonnell said. "The players that our coaches identified will add depth and versatility to many areas of our football program."

Here are the 10 incoming recruits:

• Manny Asam
  Bloomfield, N.J./Worcester Academy
  6-0, 175 (WR/DB)
  
• Rick Archer
  St. Cloud, Fla./Kissimmee-Osceola
  6-2, 270 (OL/DL)
  
• Chris Beranger
  Winthrop, Mass./Winthrop
  6-0, 180 (RB/DB)
  
• Jay Colbert
  Langhorne, Pa./Neshaminy
  6-1, 230 (TE/DE)
  
• Kevin Gangelhoff
  Odense, Denmark/Kimball Union Academy
  6-3, 230 (TE/LB)
  
• Chris Houston
  Harrisburg, Pa./Bishop McDevitt
  5-8, 160 (WR/DB)
  
• Jack Jamerson
  Washington, Pa./Trinity
  6-4, 245 (DL/OL)
  
• Cody Muller
  Souderton, Pa./Souderton
  6-3, 230 (OL/DE)
  
• Seamus O'Neill
  Manchester/Manchester Central
  6-3, 270 (OL/DL)
  
• Nick Schmalhofer
  Lancaster, Pa./Lancaster Catholic
  6-4, 240 (OL/DL)
  
  UNH has issued a release on this year's recruiting class.

College: Beranger set to commit to New Hampshire: Lynn Daily Item

College: Jamerson latest recruit from Trinity >> Washington Observer-Reporter

College: Decision Day >> ESPN.com

The following high school players have given a verbal commitment to the University of New Hampshire and are expected to sign a National Letter of Intent on Wednesday:

• Chris Beranger
  Winthrop High School/Winthrop, Mass.
  6-0, 180 (running back)
  
• Seamus O'Neill
  Manchester Central/Manchester
  6-4, 345 (guard)
  
• Cody Muller
  Souderton Area/Souderton, Pa.
  6-3, 230 (defensive end)
  
• Nick Schmalhofer
  Lancaster Catholic/Lancaster, Pa.
  6-4, 229 (defensive end)
  
• Jack Jamerson
  Trinity/Washington, Pa.
  6-3, 236 (defensive end)
  
• Jay Colbert
  Neshaminy/Langhorne, Pa.
  6-1, 223 (defensive end)
  
• Kevin Gangelhoff
  Kimball Union Academy/Meriden
  6-0, 220 (defensive end)

Eric Brown has been selected to replace Bob Camirand as the head football coach at Concord High School.

Brown, who teaches physical education at Concord High, will become the 24th coach in the program's 111-year history. Camirand retired following the 2008 season. Concord had an 86-68 record in his 15 years as the program's head coach.

Brown was an assistant coach at Trinity under Jack Gati, but moved to Concord when Gati became the head coach there. Brown remained at Concord when Camirand replaced Gati  in 1993 and served as the defensive coordinator on Camirand's staff.

Camirand guided the Crimson Tide to three state championship games and the Division I title in 2000. Concord finished above the .500-mark in 10 of his 15 seasons.

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Sean Ryan, a 6-foot-2, 280-pound offensive lineman from Londonderry High School, has committed to the University of New Hampshire.

Ryan, who helped Londonderry reach the Division I semifinals each of the past two seasons, is the second New Hampshire player who has committed to UNH, joining Manchester Central offensive lineman Seamus O'Neill. Ryan was recruited as a non-scholarship player.

"Right now it's a walk-on situation," Ryan said. "(UNH coach) Sean McDonnell told me I have the potential to earn a scholarship. They told me if I wanted to come, they had a spot for me."

Ryan, who visited UNH last weekend, played offensive tackle in Londonderry's single-wing offense, but said he will likely shift to either center or guard in college. Ryan said Sacred Heart, Wagner and Albany were among the other schools he was considering.

"UNH was my first pick because it's my home state and the caliber of football," Ryan said.

Ryan, who played two years of varsity football for the Lancers, was a second team Division I All-State selection last season.

With National Signing Day quickly approaching (Wednesday), here's a list of New Hampshire players who have committed to Division I schools:

• Ian White (Kennett): Boston College, OT
• Kasim Edebali (Kimball Union Academy): Boston College, DE
• Chris Lopes (Tilton School): Connecticut, DB
• David Zocco (Nashua South): Rhode Island, LB
• Christian Birt (Laconia): Massachusetts, RB
• Seamus O'Neill (Manchester Central): New Hampshire, OL
• Sean Ryan (Londonderry): New Hampshire, OL

The Maine Football Coaches' Association sponsored clinic will be held March 13-14 at the Hilton Garden Hotel in Auburn, Maine. All Maine colleges, including the entire University of Maine staff, will be making presentations during the two-day period.

For more information, contact Bates College assistant coach Skip Capone at ecapone@bates.edu or (207) 786-6364.

The New England Football League's Southern New Hampshire Beavers will be holding a registration meeting Feb. 7 from 2-4 p.m.,  and on Feb. 24 from 7-9 p.m. Both meetings will take place at the Hampshire Dome in Milford.

A third registration meeting will be held in March, but that date has not been finalized.

NFL: UNH's McDonnell saw it coming >> Manchester Union Leader

Arenafootball2: Following Warner's lead >> Manchester Union Leader