Division III is no longer top-heavy
NHIAA DIVISION III PREVIEW
The League: Goffstown (1,235 enrollment), Bedford (1,223), Portsmouth (1,048), Con-Val (1,011), Milford (959), Pembroke Academy (946), Hollis-Brookline (903), Souhegan (884), Pelham (690).
Defending Champion: Souhegan beat Portsmouth, 49-29, in the championship game.
Top Story Line: Can any team supplant Souhegan? The Sabers have been the dominant team in Division III the last two years and are seeking their third state title in as many seasons.
Player to Watch: Quarterback Jon Queen is one of 21 seniors on the Con-Val roster. A strong season from Queen means the Cougars will likely be back in the playoffs.
Game to Watch: Goffstown at Souhegan (Sept. 17). Goffstown has become the trendy pick to win the Division III titile. This game will tell us if the Grizzlies are true title contenders.
Noteworthy: Souhegan has beaten Portsmouth in each of the past two Division III championship games. Each team must replace some high-profile players, but expect both offenses to be strong again this season. ... Goffstown returned all but six starters from last season and was impressive against Salem in the Queen City Jamboree. ... Souhegan will have plenty of new faces in its offensive line, but should have one of the top quarterbacks (Mike Luks) and receiving corps in the division. The Sabers are one of the few New Hampshire teams that participate in multiple 7-on-7 camps during the offseason. ... Bedford is a program that many believe will take a huge step forward this season. The Bulldogs have young, but talented offensive backfield that includes junior running back Jordan Garron and sophomore quarterback James Caparell. ... Pembroke has 10 starters back on defense and nine returning on offense. ... Quinn McCann, who was forced into action last season, will replace Nate Jones as Portsmouth's starting QB. Portsmouth's Billy Lane will be one of the top big-play threats in the division. ... Pelham, a Division V team last season, is the new face in Division III. The Pythons replaced John Stark, which dropped to Division IV.
Coming Thursday: Division V and Division VI previews.
-- Roger Brown
