RallyNorth.net

DERRY, N.H. - When it comes to state football championships, Pinkerton can be downright territorial, bordering on greedy.

The three-time defending champion Astros, battered, shorthanded and down 12 points with just over six minutes left to play, mustered one final miracle bid, forcing overtime with David Zocco and No. 2 Nashua South. With a spirited stretch run, a game Pinkerton bunch fell one conversion short of a four-peat, tripped up in the extra session of a wild state title epic, 33-32, before about 1,000 at a frigid Memorial Field.

DERRY, N.H. — Pinkerton cornerback Jeff Guilherme had a message for New Hampshire football next season.

“We’ll be back,” said the junior with a full smile through his sadness. “We have so much depth and a lot of great players are coming back. Our defense is going to be very, very good next year. We can (reach the title game) again.”

Running back Adam Bardwell rushed for 135 yards, but Londonderry fell to Nashua South 42-25.

The Purple Panthers took a 21-0 first-quarter lead and never looked back. Kicker Matt Charest had a big night, booting a 33-yard field goal. 

DERRY, N.H. — A hallmark of good coaching is to accurately assess the talent on your team as well as the opposition.

Veteran Pinkerton mentor Brian O’Reilly pegged Nashua South’s David Zocco as his biggest threat to victory, terming the senior "one of the toughest running backs we’ve seen in the last two years." He also realized a deficit in speed for his own offense with Eric Guinto (shoulder) in street clothes for the contest.