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LYNNFIELD | Bad weather is often considered an equalizer, but just as often it's a magnifier. One slight mistake in executing a play can be compounded into lost yardage or even a turnover. Conversely, if one is able to rise above the conditions and shine, positive results will most likely be even greater.

HAVERHILL | As Whittier players strolled out of the locker room after the game toward their cars yesterday afternoon, many stopped to take a long look at the scoreboard, where the score was still posted: Whittier 24, Tyngsboro 13.

METHUEN | Wind, rain, mud and Dracut combined to spoil Methuen's Thanksgiving morning.

Moments after a 35-6 defeat in front of about 400 fans at Nicholson Stadium, the Rangers gathered at the goal line for a final time this season. Coach Glen Gearin, whose club finished the year with a 1-9 record, managed a smile when talking about his players.

Sometimes, athletes are forced to grow up quicker than they might like.

Such is life with both the Timberlane Regional and Pelham High football teams.

At Pelham, a talented senior class, which anchored a pair of playoff trips and one appearance in the Division 5 title game, has moved on. That leaves the pressure squarely on the shoulders of junior halfback Bruce Vieira.

They are akin to NASCAR drivers trapped behind the wheel of a '79 Olds Cutlass ...

World class jockeys forced to ride mules...

Naval aviators piloting single-engine Cessnas.

But heading into their senior seasons | with opening games less than a week away | Salem's Hal Landers, Pinkerton Academy's Peter Mazzola and Londonderry High's Craig Enos are right where they want to be, leading their respective clubs into what all three feel could be championship seasons.

DIVISION 1 OVERVIEW: It's tough to dispute two-time defending champ Pinkerton as the team to beat. Although, Salem took every step but the last one with Pinkerton the last two seasons, and the Blue Devils return a backfield full of talent. Don't shed a tear for the Astros, who may need time to re-load but carry a 14-game win streak into the season. Londonderry is out to prove its 2006 return to the playoffs was no fluke. The addition of transfer Ryan Griffin, a 6-6, 210-pound quarterback/tight end who has been offered a scholarship by UNH, should pay big dividends. Nashua South, Concord and Manchester Central lead the hunt for the final playoff spot.

2006 record: 7-3, lost in Division 5 semifinals

Returning starters (7): Dave Wesson, Jr., OL/DL, 5-11, 195; Wayne Parisi, Jr., TE/LB, 6-1, 200; Max Roth, Sr., OL/LB, 6-0, 195; Jim Mostone, Sr., OL/LB, 5-11, 170; Bruce Vieira, Jr., RB/DB, 5-8, 175; Connor McColgan, Soph., FB/LB, 6-0, 190; Bill Helliwell, Jr., OL/DL, 6-0, 260

2006 record: 6-5, lost in Division 2 semifinals

Returning starters (12): Brian Nicoll, Jr., OT/DT, 6-3, 270; Mike Furey, Sr., OT/DT, 6-2, 260; Derek Furey, Soph., RB/DB, 5-11, 165; James Dionne, Sr., RB, 5-10, 175; Drew Smith, Sr., WR, 6-0, 150; Pat Hamilton, Sr., WR, 5-7, 145; Ray Ferragamo, Sr., TE, 6-0, 215; John Leith, Sr., C, 5-11, 205; Alex Ranney, Sr., LB, 6-0, 190; Max Zdrada, Sr., OLB, 6-0, 190; Steve Hackney, Sr., S, 5-8, 160; Andrew Vlack, Sr., DL, 5-9, 200

2006 record: 8-4, lost in Division 1 finals

Returning starters (10): Hal Landers, Sr., QB/DB, 5-11, 165; Shane McMahon, Sr., RB, 5-9, 165; Kevin Sledge, Sr., RB, 6-0, 185; Jim Stewart, Sr., RB/ILB, 5-11, 215; Chris Sousa, Sr., TE/OLB, 5-9, 180; Tom Tetreault, Sr., OL, 5-8, 210; Ryan Stanton, Sr., DL, 6-0, 230; Jharid Pratt, Sr., ILB, 5-10, 190; Peter Allain, Sr., QB/DB, 5-9, 170

2006 record: 12-0, won Division 1 championship

Returning starters (10): Tom Olivier, Sr., TE/LB, 6-1, 175; Mike Rottler, Sr., OL/DL, 5-9, 235; Josh Lane, Sr., OL/DL, 6-2, 275; Zach Smith, Sr., WR/DB, 6-0, 180; Steve Eurieck, Sr., WR/DB, 5-10, 170; Peter Mazzola, Sr., QB/DB, 5-11, 170; Mike Crupi, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 195; Bobby Dattilo, Sr., RB/DB, 5-7, 150; Mike LaRocque, Sr., RB/LB, 5-11, 190; Colby Verge, Jr., RB/DB, 6-1, 190

2006 record: 7-4, lost in Division 1 semifinals

Returning starters (9): Jimmy Norris, Sr., TE/LB, 6-0, 215; Alex Deyeso, Jr., OG/DL, 6-0, 255; Mike Anderson, Sr., TE/DL, 6-3, 205; Scott Worth, Sr., DB/RB, 5-11, 170; Craig Enos, Sr., QB/DL, 6-2, 210; Alex Theodosi, Sr., RB, 5-11, 205; Jim Curro, Sr., RB, 5-11, 175; Jason Gagne, Sr., RB/DB, 5-10, 155; Bill McKeon, Sr., OL/DL, 5-10, 240

HAVERHILL | Whittier notched a number of season firsts against Greater Lawrence yesterday.

The Wildcats were shut out in the second half. They suffered their first turnovers of the season. They punted the ball for the first time. And the Reggie offense outgained Whittier in the final 22 minutes, 77 yards to 75.

BYFIELD -- Lawrence went to the well three times too many last night.

Well, more precisely, the Lancers threw at Triton defensive back Jared Wells three times too many and paid the price as the Vikings rolled to a commanding 29-13 win in chilly Byfield.

LONDONDERRY, N.H. | Salem coach Jack Gati may seem like a low-key, rather reserved coach, but he can be vocal, and he can fire up a team when needed.

Trailing 17-0 at halftime before more than 2,500 fans at Londonderry last night, Gati did just that, and the unbeaten Blue Devils (3-0) responded in a big way, scoring three straight touchdowns in the third quarter on their way to a rousing 34-24 victory.

NASHUA, N.H. | Pinkerton Academy has displayed sheer dominance over its opponents this season, which is the mark of a great football team.

Last night the Astros demonstrated another characteristic of a great team | resilience.