RallyNorth.net

MANCHESTER, N.H. — As Salem coach Jack Gati left Gill Stadium Friday night he shook his not in anger, butmerely disappointment.

“Like quite a few games this year, we played a good football very hard for four quarters but came up short, those miscues on the goaline really hurt us.”

DERRY, N.H. — Meaningless? Yeah, right.

Even before Manchester Central and Pinkerton took to the field yesterday, the Division 1 playoff picture was pretty well set. Unbeaten in the league going in, the Astros hold the edge in the potential three-way tie at the top and would have to falter twice to lose the No. 1 seed. Barring its own meltdown, Nashua South would get a home game as second seed with the Little Green slotted at third, both teams with one loss.

Londonderry’s Joe McLaughlin rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown, but the Lancers fell behind early and could not recover in a 34-22 loss to Manchester Central.
Anthony Santorsa and Kevin Hale each scored a touchdown for the Lancers. But Central (5-1, 3-1 Division 1) was led by running back Mike Cavanaugh, who scored twice.
Brett Parenteau blocked a punt and picked off a pass to secure the game for Manchester Central.

PLAISTOW, N.H. — It appeared Timberlane had the upset in its grasp. After an outstanding goal-line stand, the Owls scored, then held Manchester Central to a three-and-out to enter halftime with the momentum.