arenafootball2
Manchester vs. W-B/Scranton

• When and where: Friday (7:30 p.m.) at Wachovia Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
• Team records: Manchester is 3-1. overall, 1-1 in the American Conference's East Division. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is 4-1 overall, 4-0 in the American Conference's East Division.
• Series history: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton leads 13-10.
• Noteworthy: Friday's game will be the second meeting between the teams this season. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton beat Manchester 59-28 in the opening game for each team. That game was also played in Wilkes-Barre. ... Manchester has allowed 11 sacks this season and six of them came in that Week 1 loss. The Pioneers have a league-high 18 sacks. ... Wilkes-Barre/Scranton has won its last 20 games at home. The team's only loss this season came against Kentucky, which was led by former New York Giants quarterback Jared Lorenzen. The Pioneers allowed six sacks and committed four turnovers in that 63-56 loss. ... The Wolves will enter this game on a three-game winning streak. ... Manchester will have its hands full with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton quarterback Ryan Vena (Colgate), who directs on offense that's averaging a league-high 67.0 points per game. Vena's favorite target is rookie Irving Campbell, who has 37 receptions for 481 yards and nine TDs. The Pioneers also lead the league in points allowed per game (37.6). ... Manchester fullback Paul Jefferson grew up in Wilkes-Barre. Jefferson, who played for Penn State, suited up for the Pioneers in 2006. ... Manchester offensive lineman Carlos Joseph and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton wide receiver Rich Musinski were each drafted by the San Diego Chargers. ... Wilkes-Barre/Scranton defensive lineman Royce Morgan leads the league in sacks (six), and teammate Micheaux Robinson, a defensive back, leads af2 in interceptions (five) and pass breakups (14). 

The St. Anselm College football staff will be offering a coaches clinic on May 15 at 6 p.m.

There is no cost for the clinic, which is open to all high school and youth coaches and will be held on the St. Anselm campus in the Institution of Politics Building located on Saint Anselm Drive.

Anyone with questions can contact St. Anselm defensive coordinator Rob Eggerling at (603) 656-6012 or reggerling@anselm.edu. Those who plan to attend are asked to RSVP by May 12.

The clinic will feature the following speakers and topics:

6 p.m. Ted Florio (St. Anselm College OLB coach)
Cover and Run Support

6 p.m. Drew Owens (St. Anselm College offensive line coach)
Auxiliary Run Game

7 p.m. Ron Crook (Harvard offensive line coach)
Offensive Line Fundamentals

7 p.m. Kevin Doherty (Former defensive coordinator at Harvard/DB UConn)
Cover 3

8 p.m. Pat Murphy (St. Anselm head coach)
Spread Offense Zone Read

8 p.m. Rob Eggerling (St. Anselm defensive coordinator)
Stack Defense Pressure

9 p.m. Kevin Farr (St. Lawrence defensive coordinator)
Linebacker Play in Coverage

9 p.m. Sean Devine (Boston College offensive line coach)
Pass Protection

The second St. Anselm College 7-on-7 tournament will be held June 13 at St. Anselm College.

The tournament will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until a champion is determined. High school teams from New England and surrounding states are eligible. Each team has a 12-player limit.

T-shirts will be given to each team, and a trophy will be awarded to the tournament champion. The concession stand will be open throughout the tournament.

The cost is $200 per team. Team information, the registration form and enrollment checks can be sent to the following address:

Football offices
100 St. Anselm Drive
Manchester, N.H.
03102

With spring practice well underway for the Big Green, fifth-year senior strong safety Kyle Cavanaugh is glad to be back on the field after missing last season and is ready to compete for Dartmouth this upcoming fall.   

Cavanaugh started his collegiate career with back-to-back starts before being forced to the sideline with an injury and missing the final eight games of the season. He showed his talent in that first game against Colgate with six tackles and an interception and followed that with nine stops against the University of New Hampshire a week later. Once again in 2006, he appeared in the first two games before suffering a leg injury that put him out the rest of the season.    

This season Cavanaugh is grateful to be able to continue to play the game he loves.
   
"It's been a real blessing to be out there on the field this spring and to be healthy," said Cavanaugh. "I really haven't been healthy my entire time at Dartmouth. Coming in as a freshman I had a knee injury I was playing through and it's been one thing after another since that. It was frustrating and really broke me down, but I'm so thankful for it all because God used those injuries to draw me to Him and make Him my number one priority in life."
   
Dartmouth secondary coach Sammy McCorkle has praised Kyle for his mental toughness and his ability to move forward after missing all of last season due to unfortunate injury.

College: Future of UNH/Dartmouth series up in air >> Big Green Alert

"It's a great cause and a great opportunity," said McDonnell. "It's an easy way to give back."

The test is simple and only requires donors to provide a sample of a cheek swab. Including registration time, the process takes less than 20 minutes for each individual to complete.

"It's not hard," said McDonnell. "Everyone should be thinking of that because it is an opportunity to save someone's life."

Now in its second consecutive year hosting the event, UNH kicks off the campaign joining more than 27 other college football programs throughout the country in a quest to identify potential donors for the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) Registry. 

Running back Derek Coppola, who is currently attending The Gunnery prep school in Connecticut, has committed to the University of New Hampshire.

Coppola played for St. John's Prep in Danvers, Mass. He led the Eagles in rushing during his junior and senior seasons, and finished his high school career with 2,442 yards and 20 touchdowns. He selected UNH over the University of Massachusetts.

Some have projected Coppola as a wide receiver or split end at the college level.

Frank Coppola
fcoppola@nhfootballreport.com

Few schools can match Stanford University's one-two punch of academics and athletics. So it seems fitting that one of New Hampshire's finest scholar athletes will be playing his college football at the Palo Alto, Calif., institution.

Harris Williams, a junior two-way lineman at Andover's Proctor Academy, recently gave a verbal commitment to play for Stanford. The 6-foot-4, 291-pound Williams will receive a full scholarship.

"Stanford has always been his dream school," said Chuck Reid, who coached Williams for four years at Proctor. "He had multiple offers, the Ivy League schools were all in on him too. But Stanford is like an Ivy League school during the week, then on Saturday you play football at the level of Alabama or USC. That's a rare combination and made it a great fit."

Reid, who resigned from Proctor after last season to take the same job at The Loomis Chaffee School in Connecticut, said Williams had also fielded formal offers from Louisville and the University of Connecticut.

"There are only two places to find the kid," said Reid. "Working out in the weight room or at the library. He is an absolute gentleman and a tireless worker."

Manchester Wolves defensive specialist Rob Green has been named the arenafootball2 league Defensive Player of the Week.

Green, now in his fifth af2 campaign, recorded 3.5 tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble, one pass breakup and a half a tackle for loss in Manchester's 69-33 triumph over the Tri-Cities Fever on Friday. Both of Green's interceptions came in the first half to help the Wolves build a 42-6 halftime advantage. He returned his second interception for an 8-yard touchdown with seven seconds to play in the second quarter.
 
This is the first af2 weekly award of Green's career. His four interceptions this season lead the Wolves (3-1) and rank second in the league. 

Green, who played for the University of Massachusetts, spent all of last season rehabilitating from a torn triceps muscle and served as the defensive backfield coach for the af2 Arkansas Twisters.

Manchester will attempt to stretch its winning streak to four games when it plays at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Friday night (7:30).

Keith Clark, who spent the last 12 seasons as an assistant coach at Yale, has been added to the Dartmouth College coaching staff.

Clark joined the Yale staff as the offensive line coach before being elevated to associate head coach in 2003. He also spent time as the Bulldogs' offensive coordinator. Yale had a 70-49 record and won two Ivy League championships (1999 and 2006) while Clark was with the program.

Clark got his start in the Ivy League at Columbia, where he spent five years as the team's offensive line coach and run game coordinator.

"Keith is a great addition to our staff," Dartmouth coach Buddy Teevens said. "He is a veteran of the Ivy League and has a deep understanding of what it takes to be successful on the field and on the recruiting trail in this conference. You cannot underestimate the experience he brings to the table and his ability to translate that experience into helping us become a better team."

Prior to his Ivy League service, Clark spent three seasons at Wagner College, serving as the offensive line coach, recruiting coordinator, special teams coordinator and strength coach. The Seahawks posted a 16-13 record with Clark on the staff.

Clark was a graduate assistant at Rutgers in 1988. He also spent one season as an assistant coach at Maine and one season at Lafayette. He served as the head coach of the Bolzano Jets in Italy for two seasons.

Clark has been a member of the American Football Coaches Assocation (AFCA) since 1987 and is chairman of the FCS Assistant Coach's Committee. He also has been a member of the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame since 1997.

"I am excited to be a part of a program that has such a great tradition," Clark said. "One thing that attracted me to Dartmouth was the college's commitment to football and athletics in general as evidenced by all the recent upgrades to the facilities. Another draw is Coach Teevens' vision for the program to restore the excellence for which the program is known."

Clark graduated from Lafayette in 1985. He was a three-year starter at offensive tackle for the Leopards.

University of Maryland linebacker Dave Philistin was one of six free agents signed by the Seattle Seahawks on Monday.

Philistin, who played at Manchester Central, was not selected in last weekend's NFL draft. Central had a 47-3 record and won four Division I state championships during Philistin's high school career.

Philistin (pictured) played both weakside linebacker and middle linebacker at Maryland, and finished his college career with 247 tackles and one intercetpion. He was not invited to this year's NFL combine

College: From Trinity QB to MSU >> Nashua Telegraph

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

If Jason Messing felt uncomfortable in the Manchester Wolves' offense Friday night, his performance didn't show it.

Messing, a wide receiver who joined the Wolves earlier this week, caught a game-high seven passes for 97 yards and three touchdowns as Manchester extended its winning streak to three games with a 69-33 victory over the Tri-Cities Fever at the Verizon Wireless Arena.

"I pretty much learned the whole offense," Messing said. "I was a little jumbled at the beginning of the week because we had some injuries and I wasn't sure what position I'd be playing. Another week and I should be fine."

"Messing showed he can catch the ball," added Manchester coach Danton Barto. "He's a good player. He'll help us."

Messing began the season with defending ArenaCup champion Tennesse Valley, but was reassigned after he grew frustrated with his role on that team. He began his college career at the University of Tennessee, but transferred to Division II North Alabama in 2004.

"Coach Barto called me and told me they needed an explosive guy," Messing said. "That's what we're missing on offense."

Manchester quarterback James Pinkney completed 20-of-27 pass attempts for 265 yards and eight touchdowns in the victory. He was intercepted once.

The Wolves, who improved their record to 3-1, led 21-0 after one quarter and 42-6 at halftime.

"It was a good win for us," Barto said. "We were kind of beat up coming up to this game. You get a little worried as a coach."

Tri-Cities, which flew in from Washington state on Thursday, dropped to 0-5. The Fever has been outscored 310-152 this season.

Tri-Cities quarterback Jimmy Collins was intercepted  three times in his first professional start. Collins completed 19-of-36 passes for 238 yards. He threw for two touchdowns and ran for another.

Tri-Cities didn't have a first down in the first quarter, despite having the ball for 9:26 of the opening 15 minutes.

The Wolves received three touchdown catches from Steven Savoy, and two TD catches from Emery Sammons. Sammons had a game-high 102 yards receiving.

Manchester will play at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Friday. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton beat Manchester 59-28 in the opening game for each team.

"Wilkes-Barre is the barometer," Barto said. "It's always a good measuring stick up there.

"I'm happy. We're playing decent football."

af2: Temperature rising for Wolves >> Manchester Union Leader

The University of New Hampshire football team will hold its annual Blue/White spring scrimmage on May 9 at Cowell Stadium. The scrimmage is scheduled to start at 12:30 p.m and admission is free.

The UNH offense has several key skill players returning in starting positions. Among the returness is junior quarterback R.J. Toman, who has a full year as a starter under his belt. Also returning is senior running back Chad Kackert, who was one of UNH's top ball-carriers last season, and senior All-American tight end Scott Sicko.

One question mark for the Wildcats as they enter the 2009 season will be how the team's young offensive line develops. The Wildcats will build around senior center Tom Neill and senior Dan Larkin.

UNH fans may be treated to one of the best defensive teams the program has had in recent years. The front line, which has size and experience, will be led by senior Jordan Long, senior Steve Young, senior Kevin Peters, and sophomore Brian McNally. All four are returning starters.

Senior linebacker Sean Ware and junior linebacker Devon Jackson will be expected to provide leadership. Both return as starters. The Wildcats also return starters at the cornerback positions with junior Dino Vasso and senior Ryan Hinds.

The Wildcats will open the 2009 season on Sept. 5, when they meet St. Francis at Cowell Stadium.

TRI-CITIES VS. MANCHESTER

• When and where: Friday night (7:30) at the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester.
• Team records: Manchester is 2-1 overall, 1-1 in the East Division. Tri-Cities is 0-4 overall, 0-3 in the West Division.
• Series history: This is the first meeting between the teams.
• Noteworthy: The Wolves have posted back-to-back victories since opening the season with a 59-28 loss to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Last weekend a strong second half carried Manchester to a 74-53 triumph over the Albany Firebirds. The Wolves trailed 21-20 after one quarter and 30-26 at halftime, but scored 24 points in both the third and fourth quarters. ... Manchester quarterback James Pinkney (East Carolina) tossed seven touchdown passes in the victory. Wide receiver Steve Savoy (Utah) made a team-high eight receptions. Savoy hauled in four touchdown passes. Manchester's Emery Sammons (Norfolk State) made six catches for 112 yards. ... Tri-Cities, which is based in Kennewick, Wa., is coming off an 84-34 loss to South Georgia. The team's other losses came against Central Valley (47-38), Boise (48-15) and Spokane (62-32). ... Tri-Cities is 0-2 in road games this season. ...Tri-Cities quarterback Jimmy Collins (Portland State) is expected to get his first professional start Friday. Collins completed 14-of-26 passes for 153 yards and three touchdowns in relief of Joe Ayoob last weekend. ... Tremayne Kirkland (UNLV/Portland State) leads Tri-Cities in receiving with 28 receptions for 270 yards. ... Tre-Cities place-kicker Michael Braunstein (Ohio University) has made six field goals in four games. ... Manchester added two players to its roster this week: offensive lineman Carlos Joseph and wide receiver Jason Messing. Joseph played at the University of Miami, and Messing played at Division II powerhouse North Alabama after transferring from the University of Tennessee. ...Tri-Cities coach Richard Davis has coached three other af2 teams: Richmond (2000-2003), Albany (2004) and Stockton (2005). He has an overall record of 46-38. Manchester coach Danton Barto is 62-46 in his af2 coaching career. ... Manchester will play at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton next weekend.

The Bobcat Big Man's Camp will be held at Bates College on June 21 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This camp, which is open to players in grades 8 through 12, is designed specifically for offensive and defensive linemen, tight ends and linebackers. Coaches from Bates, Colby, Husson and the University of Maine will comprise the camp staff.

Cost of the camp is $50, which includes a t-shirt and lunch. For further information contact Bates assistant coach Skip Capone at ecapone@bates.edu.

af2: Barto's guys starting to win >> Manchester Union Leader

The St. Anselm College football staff will be offering a coaches clinic on May 15 at 6 p.m.

There is no cost for the clinic, which is open to all high school and youth coaches and will be held on the St. Anselm campus in the Institution of Politics Building located on Saint Anselm Drive.

Anyone with questions can contact St. Anselm defensive coordinator Rob Eggerling at (603) 656-6012 or reggerling@anselm.edu. Those who plan to attend are asked to RSVP by May 12.

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Boston College will hold its 2009 spring game Saturday at 1 p.m. Admission is free.

There are two players on the BC roster who played high school football in New Hampshire: offensive tackle Rich Lapham (Souhegan High School) and center Mark Spinney (Bishop Guertin). Lapham (pictured) started for the Eagles last fall.

In addition, two New Hampshire players are part of BC's incoming recruiting class: Kennett High School offensive lineman Ian White, and Kimball Union Academy defensive end Kasim Edebali.

The Joe Yukica New Hampshire Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame will hold its 13th Annual Spring Football Clinic on Sunday at the University of New Hampshire.

College: UNH defense has great expectations >> Portsmouth Herald

College: Big Green football looks to start anew >> Dartmouth.com

af2: Wolves know how to finish >> Manchester Union Leader

 

University of New Hampshire running back Chad Kackert (pictured) is the latest contributor to the Colonial Athletic Association's spring football blog. Kackert's entry appears below:

After four years of experiencing the brutal anticipation for the snow to stop falling, the sun to start shining, or anything that resembled warmth at all, I have recognized a positive. Besides the curtailed school days due to snow and ice, while most teams across the country are padding it up and knocking heads, we have the opportunity to train, prepare, and unite even further. As these days indoors extend all the way into early April, the Wildcats are improving with speed and agility skills, challenging each other in the weight room, and competing in all types of strength and speed contests. The true character of the Blue and White shows in the dead of winter. It's the New Hampshire way.

Now, looking back after the strain through winter and the first week of Spring Practice, we can see that the hard work is paying off. The competition continues into the Spring as Coach McDonnell implements scoring into each thud, pass game, or one-on-one drill. The boys really buy into the competition. It is a chance for young guys to show what they've got and for the older 'Cats to maintain their position.

Personally, I have been impressed with the way the defense has been flying around. They are making plays on the ball with more speed than I have seen in my four years. The defensive front is showing tenacity in each snap, giving our young offensive line a good chance to get some real experience.

Offensively, we are taking advantage of our time in the meeting rooms and putting it into action on the practice field. The experienced 'Cats are really giving the younger guys a foot forward with their guidance and leadership. The skill positions are running and catching well and the young line is making progress that is very evident.

Each day is a new day and we are doing our best to leave it all on the field, one stride ahead of where we left it the previous day. The sun is out, the snow is gone, and the 'Cats are flying around. Just as it was today, yesterday, and the day to come, IT'S A GREAT TO BE ALIVE AND BE A WILDCAT!

Chad Kackert
UNH Football #27

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Manchester Wolves head coach Danton Barto said he sent the message repeatedly in the days leading up to his team's game against Albany, but apparently that message wasn't received until halftime of Saturday's contest.

Although Barto warned his team that it would be in for a fight if it wasn't sharp from the opening kickoff against a winless Albany team, the Firebirds scored on their first play from scrimmage and had a four-point lead at halftime. The Wolves looked like a different team in the final two quarters, however, and rallied for a 74-53 victory in their home opener at the Verizon Wireless Arena.

"It was ugly, but we'll take a win," Barto said. "We played well in the second half. We have to find a way to get out of the gate better."

Albany led 30-26 at halftime, but the Wolves scored 24 points in each of the final two quarters. Manchester quarterback James Pinkney (East Carolina) completed 18-of-30 pass attempts for 252 yards and seven touchdowns.

"We came out focused and ready to play (in the second half)," Pinkney said. "In the first half we took them for granted. It was all mental."

The victory improved Manchester's record to 2-1 overall, and 1-1 in the American Conference's East Division. Albany dropped to 0-4 overall, and 0-3 in the East Division.

The Firebirds have held the lead in each of their four losses, but have faltered in the second half of each game. Albany was held to seven points in the third quarter and didn't score again until 56 seconds remained in the game.

Manchester wide receiver Steven Savoy (Utah) caught eight passes for 86 yards and four touchdowns. The Wolves also received a strong performance from wide receiver Emery Sammons (Norfolk State), who caught six passes for 112 yards and three TDs.

Wide receiver Christian Wise provided most of the offensive highlights for Albany. Wise caught a team-high eight passes for 139 yards and three touchdowns.

Manchester will be at home against Tri-Cities on Friday night.

"To be a championship team you have to be prepared for everybody," Pinkney said. "You have to be focused. You can't take anybody for granted." 

afl2: Wolves taking nothing for granted >> Manchester Union Leader

The Manchester Wolves, who are coming off last weekend's 53-28 victory over the Green Bay Blizzard, will play their first home game of the 2009 season when they meet the Albany Firebirds in an arenafootball2 league East Division matchup Saturday night at the Verizon Wireless Arena.

The victory over Green Bay improved Manchester's record to 1-1. The Firebirds are 0-3, but Manchester coach Danton Barto called  that record deceiving.

"Albany has been getting better and better every game," Barto said. "They have been in every game they have played this year."

While the Wolves have a host of veterans who returned from last year's team that advanced to the American Conference title game, the Firebirds may be unrecognizable to af2 fans in the stands on Saturday night. Known as the Albany Conquest for the past seven years, the organization changed the team nickname and uniform colors, hired a first-year head coach in Tony Bowick, and cleaned house on both sides of the line. The Firebirds have very few holdovers from last season.

One of the newcomers is quarterback Adam Bednarik, a rookie who inherited the starting job midway through the first game of the season. 

Kickoff for Saturday's game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. 

High School: A Queen City sports legend is gone >> Manchester Union Leader

afl2: Wolves' Williams won't give up >> Manchester Union Leader

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Registrations are currently being accepted for the 2009 University of New Hampshire Football Camp, which will be held July 12-16 on the UNH campus.

This is a full-contact camp open to players who will be entering grades 6 through 12 in the fall.

Those interested can go to www.unhwildcats.com and click on summer camps for more information. Anyone with questions can contact Bob Callahan at 862-5098. 

College: Getting defensive on the gridiron >> Manchester Union Leader

The Manchester Wolves overcame a two-point halftime deficit and picked up their first win of the season by beating the Green Bay Blizzard, 53-28, Friday night in Green Bay, Wis.

Despite trailing 20-18 at halftime, the Wolves (1-1) held the Blizzard (1-1) scoreless in the third quarter with the help of back-to-back interceptions by Rob Green on Green Bay's first two drives. The Wolves offense, led by quarterback James Pinkney (25-of-32 for 306 yards, four touchdowns), scored 21 points in the third quarter and then outscored the Blizzard 14-8 in the fourth quarter.

Green Bay starting quarterback Gino Guidugli (17-of-36 for 166 yards), was intercepted three times and replaced by Mark Nicolet late in the fourth quarter. Nicolet got Green Bay into the end zone and then connected on a two-point conversion to make the score 46-28 with 2:34 to play, but the Wolves recovered the onside kick and added another touchdown.

Mainchester will play its first home game of the 2009 season Saturday night, when it faces Albany at the Verizon Wireless Arena.

MANCHESTER WOLVES   15       3        21      14   --     53
GREEN BAY BLIZZARD       7       13       0        8    --     28 

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Sean McCann, a 6-foot-4, 242-pound defensive lineman from Avon Lake High School in Avon Lake, Ohio, will play college football at the University of New Hampshire.

McCann, who is currently a senior, reportedly signed his National Letter of Intent on Wednesday.

"It was a last-minute thing," McCann told Cleveland.com. "I was all ready to sign with Slippery Rock State when New Hampshire called. They asked me to wait and that they could offer me something. When they made the offer, I changed my mind."

College: UNH backup QB transfers >> Foster's Daily Democrat

College: UNH needs backup plan >> Portsmouth Herald

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced Thursday that they have signed former University of New Hampshire wide receiver David Ball.

Ball (pictured), who was born in Berlin, Vt., completed his collegiate career with 304 receptions, 4,655 receiving yards and 58 touchdowns. He set the NCAA Division I-AA (FCS) record for career touchdown catches, which was previously held by Jerry Rice.

Ball spent time with the NFL's Chicago Bears and New York Jets before joining the CFL's Montreal Alouettes in September of 2008. He signed with Hamilton as a free agent.

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

St. Anselm coach Pat Murphy said he discovered something during spring practice. What he found resembles a passing game.

St. Anselm led the Northeast-10 in rushing last season, when it averaged 221.2 yards per game on the ground. That gaudy rushing statistic was partly a result of the team's one-dimensional offense. The Hawks rarely threatened anyone through the air.

"We've improved in throwing the ball, which we need to do," Murphy said Tuesday, one day after St. Anselm concluded spring practice.

Murphy (pictured) was able to get his first look at quarterback Mike Pierce this spring. Pierce began his college career at the University of New Hampshire, but transferred to St. Anselm before the current semester began.

The Hawks are also bringing in two highly-touted quarterbacks from Massachusetts: Matt Grimard (Dracut High School) and Pat Orlando (Manchester Essex Regional High School).

Marc Wilson, last year's starting quarterback, is a superior run threat, but is a versatile player who may also be able to help the team in other areas. Wilson set the program's single-season rushing record last season (1,214 yards).

"Pierce will bring a different dimension to our offense," Murphy said. "Whether it's Pierce, Orlando or Grimard, we'll be able to throw the ball dramatically better than we did last year. 

St. Anselm, which finished 2-8 overall and 1-6 in the Northeast-10 in 2008 -- Murphy's first season as the program's head coach -- was allowed to practice 15 times during a 30-day period. He said the Hawks came out of spring practice with no significant injuries.

"It was very productive," Murphy said. "We had some players transfer in and we have three new coaches, so there was a lot of teaching. It's not a ton of new things. Part of spring is figuring out things that will improve what you do. We're getting better at what we do."

2009 St. Anselm Schedule 

Aug. 29: Kutztown (TBA) Sept. 5: Plymouth State (TBA) Sept. 12: at Bentley (TBA) Sept. 19: at Pace (noon) Sept. 26: Merrimack (TBA) Oct. 3: at American International (TBA) Oct. 17: Assumption (TBA) Oct. 24: at Stonehill (TBA) Oct. 31: New Haven (TBA) Nov. 7: Southern Connecticut State (TBA)

 

 

 The Joe Yukica New Hampshire Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame will hold its 13th Annual Spring Football Clinic on April 26 at the University of New Hampshire.

There will be clinic presentations during the morning sessions, and coaches will have the opportunity to observe UNH practice during the afternoon session. Strength-and-conditioning workouts will be open to coaches during the day. Paul Chapman, UNH's strength-and-conditioning coach, will be available to answer questions. Donuts and coffee will be served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The cost is $30 for those who pre-register (registration must be received no later than April 19) and $35 at the door. Any profits will be donated to the Joe Yukica New Hampshire Chapter for scholarship assistance. For more information or to request a registration form, contact Exeter High School football coach Bill Ball at bball@sau16.org or 775-8530.

CLINIC SCHEDULE
(10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.)

• 10:30-10:50: Introduction (UNH coach Sean McDonnell)
  Practice Organization and Philosophy
  
• 10:50-11:10: State rule review (Steve Hall, NHFOA)
  2009 rule changes and points of emphasis
  
• 11:15-12:15: (UNH defensive coordinator Sean McGowan)
  Defensive practice organization/tackling and team-pursuit drills
  
• 11:15-12:15: (UNH offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey)
  UNH inside zone and quarterback read from the shotgun
  
• 12:20-1:20 (Plymouth State coach Paul Castonia)
  How Plymouth State teaches punt protection and coverage, kickoff coverage and special situations
  
• 12:20-1:20 (St. Anselm defensive coordinator Rob Eggerling)
  St. Anselm's stack defense installation and teaching progression
  
• 1:30-2:30: Individual offensive period on field
  
• 2:30-3:30: Individual defensive period on field
  
• 3:40-6: UNH practice 
  

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

It's unlikely Inter-lakes High School could have found a more experienced candidate for its varsity football coaching job than Paul Lavigne.

Lavigne (pictured) has spent 22 years as a high school head coach in New Hampshire, and another 13 as an assistant coach at the college level in the Granite State. Next season he'll guide an Inter-Lakes program that competes in Division VI and finished 4-5 in 2008 -- its first year of varsity competition.

Lavigne said he learned last week that he had been approved to become the next head coach at Inter-Lakes.

"High school football has been a part of my life for 22 years," Lavigne said. "What intrigues me about high school (football) is you coach what you have. You're not out there recruiting. I always thought it was a great challenge."

Lavigne served as the head coach at Stevens for six seasons, Milford for six seasons, Manchester Memorial for three seasons and Manchester West for seven seasons. He coached New Hampshire in the 1992 Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl -- New Hampshire beat Vermont 38-20 that summer -- but is probably best known for guiding Milford to four consecutive Division II state championships from 1976 to 1979.

He was a Plymouth State assistant for four seasons before spending eight years as an assistant coach at St. Anselm College. He served as Plymouth State's defensive line coach last season.

"When I retired my wife and I moved to Meredith," Lavigne said. "That's when I decided to go back to Plymouth State. Now I have  a team that's mixed in with a few other new programs in Division VI."

Lavigne said he has openings for two assistant coaches. Those interested can contact him at 707-4761.

The University of New Hampshire football team will begin 2009 Spring Practice on Thursday from 7 to 9 a.m. at Bremner Field. It will be the first of 15 scheduled practices. The annual Blue/White scrimmage will be played May 9 at Cowell Stadium (noon).

UNH Spring Practice Schedule

No. 1: Thu., April 9, 7-9:30 a.m.
No. 2: Fri, April 10, 3:30-6 p.m.
No. 3:  Sat., April 11, 9-12 a.m.
No. 4: Wed., April 15, 3:30-6 p.m.
No. 5: Fri., April 17, 3:30- 6 p.m.
No. 6: Sat., April 18, 9 a.m.-noon (scrimmage)
No. 7: Wed., April 22, 3:30-6 p.m.
No. 8: Fri., April 24, 3:30-6 p.m.
No. 9: Mon., April 26, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 3-6 p.m. (Clinic)
No. 10: Wed., April 29, 3:30-6 p.m.
No. 11: Fri., May 1, 9 a.m.-noon
No. 12: Sun, May 2, 9 a.m.-noon.
No. 13: Tue.,May 6 7-9:30 a.m.
No. 14: Thu., May, 7-9:30 a.m.
No. 15: Sat., May 8, TBA

The Independent Football League of New England, a high school varsity league that was formed to allow kids to play football who otherwise would not have the opportunity to play after eighth grade, will begin play in the 2009 season.

The league currently features the following teams:

• Black Mountain
• Granite State
• Littleton
• Mount Washington
• Redhawks
• Seacoast
• Youngsville 

The league is interested in adding one more team for the 2009 season. Those interested can call (603) 748-2370.

The Independent Football League of New England is open to teams from New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and Massachusetts.

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Former University of New Hampshire fullback Dan Kreider (pictured) has signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals.

Kreider, who was a free agent, played in 11 games for the St. Louis Rams last season before being released on Nov. 26.

He spent the previous eight seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, appearing in 113 games, including 10 postseason games and starting in the 2006 Super Bowl.

Kreider entered the NFL in 2000 as an undrafted rookie free agent out of UNH.

Following is a list of the 17 athletes who earned Scholar-Athletes Awards, which are presented by the Joe Yukica New Hampshire Chapter of the National Football Foundation. Each player will be honored May 5, during a dinner that will be held at the Executive Court Banquet Facility in Manchester.

2009 Scholar-Athlete Awards Recipients:

Christian Birt - Laconia (running back): A three-year All-State selection, Birt ran for 1,131 yards and scored 24 touchdowns during his senior season. He scored 52 career touchdowns. An Honor Roll student, and NHIAA Scholar Athlete, Birt was also a member of his school's basketball and track teams. A highly recruited athlete, Birt accepted a football scholarship to play at the University of Massachusetts this fall. Prior to that, he will be a member of the New Hampshire Shrine team this summer.

Beau Breton - Manchester West (quarterback, safety and punter): A two way starter, Breton also averaged over 33 yards a kick as the team's punter this season.  He had a long punt of 52 yards. He was a First Team All-State selection his senior year. A member of the National Honor Society, Breton has made High Honor Roll his entire high school career, and still found time to volunteer at the soup kitchen, in the 2008 primaries and as a peer tutor.

Sean Coughlin - Nashua North (running back and linebacker): On offense, Coughlin posted 1,085 total yards, including 830 rushing yards. On defense, he led the team in tackles and forced fumbles. He's a three-sport athlete who also participates in football, wrestling and baseball, and is captain of all three teams. Coughlin is an honor student interested in pursuing a career in business, and has become very active in the Future Business Leaders of America. 

High School: Locals shine in 7-on-7 tourney >> Laconia Citizen

The Joe Yukica New Hampshire Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame will hold its 13th Annual Spring Football Clinic on April 26 at the University of New Hampshire.

There will be clinic presentations during the morning sessions, and coaches will have the opportunity to observe UNH practice during the afternoon session. Strength-and-conditioning workouts will be open to coaches during the day. Paul Chapman, UNH's strength-and-conditioning coach, will be available to answer questions. Donuts and coffee will be served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The cost is $30 for those who pre-register (registration must be received no later than April 19) and $35 at the door. Any profits will be donated to the Joe Yukica New Hampshire Chapter for scholarship assistance. For more information or to request a registration form, contact Exeter High School football coach Bill Ball at bball@sau16.org or 775-8530.

CLINIC SCHEDULE
(10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.)

• 10:30-10:50: Introduction (UNH coach Sean McDonnell)
  Practice Organization and Philosophy
  
• 10:50-11:10: State rule review (Steve Hall, NHFOA)
  2009 rule changes and points of emphasis
  
• 11:15-12:15: (UNH defensive coordinator Sean McGowan)
  Defensive practice organization/tackling and team-pursuit drills
  
• 11:15-12:15: (UNH offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey)
  UNH inside zone and quarterback read from the shotgun
  
• 12:20-1:20 (Plymouth State coach Paul Castonia)
  How Plymouth State teaches punt protection and coverage, kickoff coverage and special situations
  
• 12:20-1:20 (St. Anselm defensive coordinator Rob Eggerling)
  St. Anselm's stack defense installation and teaching progression
  
• 1:30-2:30: Individual offensive period on field
  
• 2:30-3:30: Individual defensive period on field
  
• 3:40-6: UNH practice 
  

College: UConn tackles seize opportunity >> Hartford Courant

College: Mullen faces a tough task >> Rivals.com

The Granite State 7-on-7 tournament will be held at the University of New Hampshire on June 27.

The tournament will begin at 8 a.m. with a morning session, and teams will complete the day with a tournament playoff in the afternoon. The event is open to any varsity team in New England, and the entry fee is $200 per team.

Those interested can contact Bob Callahan at 862-5098.

Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

Pat Orlando, a quarterback from Manchester Essex Regional High School in Manchester, Mass., and Chris Beranger, a running back from Winthrop (Mass.) High School, have been selected to participate in the 31st annual Shriners Football Classic.

Orlando, who will play at St. Anselm College next season, will represent the North team, which features schools north of Boston. The North will play the South on June 19 (7 p.m.) at Bentley University in Waltham, Mass.

Orlando established a school record by throwing for 54 touchdowns during his high school career. He led the Hornets to a 13-0 record and a victory in the Division 4 Super Bowl last season, when he threw for 1,600 yard and 25 touchdowns. He also rushed for 577 yards and nine touchdowns.

Beranger, who received a scholarship from the University of New Hampshire, will also be on the North roster. Beranger rushed for 25 touchdowns during his senior season.

Previous games have featured over 30 past and present NFL players, including Steve DeOssie, Doug Flutie, Matt Hasselbeck, Pete Kendall and Jermaine Wiggins.