RallyNorth.net

PENACOOK, N.H. — No. 6 Sanborn, seeking its first title since it won back-to-back in 2003 and ‘04, should have felt confident entering yesterday’s game against Hopkinton. After all, the Indians had already defeated the top-seeded Hawks 1-0 back on Oct. 24.

On the backs of twin brothers Steve and Rob Palumbo, No. 6 Sanborn advanced to the Class M final on Saturday after disposing of No. 2 Prospect Mountain 4-2. 

Rob Palumbo's second half goal snapped the game's final tie and sent No. 6 Sanborn (13-4-1) to a 2-1 win over No. 3 Gilford in the Class M quarterfinals. The Indians advance to Wednesday semifinal round against the winner of Prospect Mountain and Mascenic. The game will be played at Merrimack Valley, at 4 p.m.

The Palumbo twins, Steve and Rob, combined for five goals and four assists to help No. 6 Sanborn cruise past No. 11 Mascoma 6-0 in the first round of the Class M tourney.

What a goal!In Sanborn's 6-0 win over Hillsboro-Deering, 28-year boys soccer coach Al Magnusson witnessed what he called is one of the greatest goals he's ever seen.It started when Rob Palumbo (4 goals, 2 assists) chipped the ball over several defenders to brother Steve Palumbo (2 goals) who, when the ball floated a little high, leaped into the air, rotated his body horizontal to the ground and drilled a spectacular side-scissor volley into the upper corner of the net."It was unbelievable, one to tell the grandkids about," said Magnusson. "Not a lot of kids could do that."

Mascenic's defensive shell kept Sanborn's boys soccer team off the scoreboard until midway through the second half, but that's when Logen Johnson broke loose.

A flick header by Johnson off Eric Sands' accurate feed drew the Indians even, 1-1, and changed the game's momentum. Five minutes later, Johnson grabbed the rebound of Rob Palumbo's low blast and poked it in the net for the game-winner. Insurance came after Mascenic's comeback was denied by a goal post with Johnson getting his natural hat trick on an 18-yard score.

Sanborn rolled past Farmington, 6-0. Jed Magnusson and Logen Johnson scored two goals each and Garrett Boucher and Cody Lloyd also added goals.