Unbeatens will clash at New Hampton
Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com
Even though his team is unbeaten, New Hampton football coach Ed Kiley said he still isn't sure how good his Huskies are.
Kiley's uncertainly stems from the fact that three of New Hampton's four victories this season have come by lopsided scores.
"Our guys haven't really had much chance to play full games," Kiley said. "Really, we're trying to figure out our identity."
Kiley will likely know a lot more about his team Friday night, when New Hampton will face the Pingree School of South Hamilton, Mass. -- the only other unbeaten team in the Evergreen League. It's a rare Friday night game at New Hampton, and the opening kickoff is scheduled for 7.
Like New Hampton, Pingree will enter the contest with a 4-0 record. The Highlanders finished the 2009 and 2010 regular seasons unbeaten.
"It's gonna be a battle," Kiley said. "Our kids have been fired up all week. They're ready to go."
Friday night's game will be the first meeting between the schools.
New Hampton has outscored its four opponents 145-33. The Huskies own victores over Vermont Academy (20-12), Holderness (32-7), Kents Hill (53-14) and Hebron Academy (40-0).
Penn State-bound Jake Kiley (Ed's son) has shared time at quarterback and wide receiver with Ryder Arsenault. Running back Javar Coleman is another key piece of the New Hampton offense. Kiley said Coleman, who also plays in the defensive backfield, has drawn interest from Maine, UNH and Rhode Island.
"Javar is a great athlete," Kiley said. "We're pretty athletic in the secondary, and our defensive line has been solid.
"Jake has been receiving more than he's been throwing. We're just trying to utilize our athletes at different spots to get the best matchups."
Pingree is ranked No. 2 in ESPN Boston's Prep School Top 5. The Highlanders have outscored their opponents136-66 this season. Pingree's victories have come against Portsmouth Abbey (20-10), Proctor Academy (23-22), Hebron Academy (40-6) and the Holderness School (53-28).
Pingree has played in a NEPSAC Bowl in each of the past two seasons.
"They're not the biggest team, but they're probably the most athletic team we'll face," Kiley said. "They're real efficient on offense."
New Hampton hasn't lost at home since 2009.
"Our kids will be prepared -- that's one thing I can guarantee," Kiley said. "It's a good matchup."
