NHIAA DIVISION VI PREVIEW

The League: Epping-Newmarket, Gilford, Winnisquam, Newfound, Raymond, Farmington, Franklin, Mascoma, Newport, Inter-Lakes/moultonborough.

Defending Champion: Newport beat Gilford, 35-0, in last year's Division VI championship game.

Top Story Line: Favorite? What favorite? No division has more title contenders than this one. Franklin coach Greg Husband said at least seven of the division's 10 teams has a legitimate chance to make the playoffs. 

Player to Watch: Newfound halfback Shannon Tucker was a First Team All-State selection last season even though he suffered a season-ending knee injury against Inter-Lakes on Oct. 23. Tucker led Newfound in rushing yardage (858) and tackles when he was injured.

Game to Watch: Newfound at Gilford (Sept. 3). This contest will feature two of the best running backs in the division: Tucker and Gilford's Brandon Murphy.

Noteworthy: There have been three Division VI champions, and six different teams have played in the three title games. The Division VI runner-up has failed to score in each of the three championship games ... Newfound is the only Division VI team that has made the playoffs in each of the past two years. ...  Newport graduated five First Team All-State players, including quarterback Josh Stout. ... The Inter-Lakes program will include players from Moultonborough this season. Epping/Newmarket is the other co-op team in the divison. ... In addition to Tucker and Murphy, Franklin tight end Brian Pickowicz, Gilford running back Matt Dean, Inter-Lakes/Moultonborough offensive lineman Hayden Jurius, Inter-Lakes/Moultonborough defensive lineman Tanner Quinney, Newport defensive lineman Logan Merritt, Inter-Lakes/Moultonborough linebacker Connor Donovan and Gilford defensive back Eli Stockwell were the non-seniors named to the Division IV First Team All-State team last season. ... Jay Gagnon has replaced Norm Cormier as Raymond's head coach.

Coming Monday: Division V preview.

                                                                                                            -- Roger Brown