Revamped high school football postseason kicks off
November 08. 2013 11:45PM
Here are the matchups for today's NHIAA football conference championship games. All games are scheduled to begin at 1 p.m., with the winners advancing to the semifinals in each division:
DIVISION I
East: Exeter (6-3) at Spaulding (6-3)
The Blue Hawks have won the last two Division I titles, but dropped a 17-7 decision to the Red Raiders during the regular season. This will be Spaulding’s first home playoff game since 1993.
North: Central (7-2) at Concord (9-0)
The Crimson Tide, the only unbeaten team in Division I, handed the Little Green a 35-6 loss in Week 1. Central has won seven in a row since an 0-2 start.
South: Londonderry (4-5) at Pinkerton (7-2)
The Lancers are the only Divison I playoff team with a losing record. Pinkerton, which beat Londonderry 35-14 during the regular season, has scored at least 56 points in each of its last three games.
West: Keene (7-2) at Nashua South (8-1)
The Blackbirds handed the Panthers their only loss during the regular season. Nashua South has scored at least 28 points in each of its nine games.
DIVISION II
East: Merrimack Valley (7-2) at Portsmouth (8-1)
Merrimack Valley will be making the program’s first playoff appearance. Portsmouth, last year’s Division III champion, has won eight games in a row since opening its season with a loss to Trinity.
North: Kennett (5-4) at Plymouth (8-1)
The Bobcats beat the Eagles 42-0 during the regular season. Chuck Lenahan is seeking his 20th state championship as Plymouth’s head coach.
South: Trinity (7-2) at Windham (8-1)
These teams met in the Division IV semifinals last year. Windham posted a 52-20 triumph over Trinity two weeks ago.
West: Sanborn (5-4) at Monadnock (9-0)
This is the first postseason appearance for Sanborn, Monadnock, which won last year’s Division V title, is the only unbeaten team in Division II. Monadnock won the regular-season meeting 27-19.
DIVISION III
East: Bishop Brady (4-4) at Epping-Newmarket (4-4)
Epping-Newmarket earned home-field advantage for this contest by winning its last two games, which included a 33-21 triumph over Bishop Brady. Three of Bishop Brady’s four wins came at home.
North: Inter-Lakes/Moultonborough (4-4) at Gilford (6-2)
Gilford will carry a four-game winning streak into this contest. Inter-Lakes/Moultonborough dropped a 31-20 decision to Gilford at home earlier this season.
South: Bow (7-1) at Pelham (8-0)
This matchup may feature the two best teams in the division. Pelham, the only unbeaten team in Division III, beat Bow 7-0 in Week 1.
West: Newport (6-2) at Stevens (6-2)
Stevens has won five in a row since a 1-2 start. Newport has won six of its last seven, but the loss was a 9-6 setback against Stevens.
Note: Teams will be seeded according to the NHIAA football point-rating system for next weekend’s semifinals.
