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Roth, Pelham hyped for Gilford showdown tonight

Thursday, November, 01 By Hector Longo
Staff writer

Heading into the biggest weekend of the regular season at a perfect 8-0, they are pounding the opposition by 39.6 points a game.

No, we're not talking about the New England Patriots. Their winning margin is a mere 25.5 points a game.

Tonight (7 p.m.) at the Harris Family Field, perfect Pelham hosts Gilford, which also stands at 8-0, in the New Hampshire Division 5 regular-season finale. The winner earns the top seed in the upcoming playoffs.

Gilford can expect a wild atmosphere and a sea of Python Blue tonight. The last time an unbeaten team came to Pelham, the student body stood awash in body paint.

Injured linebacker Jimmy Mostone sported an 80s punk spiked blue hairdo and the Pythons smothered defending champion Bishop Brady, 48-0, in Week 5.

Senior captain Max Roth, a three-year starter now playing center and defensive end, gave Football Friday a taste of the flavor in the Pelham camp as tonight's game approaches. Here's what the 6-foot, 195-pounder had to say:

Biggest game of your life, Max?
"It's big, but I'm focused on the playoffs. That's what drives me."

How special would a perfect senior season be?
"It would be great, but the playoffs are all I can really think about."

What about Gilford?
"They're a good, physical team. But we pride ourselves on being physical. That, along with our speed, will carry us."

Critique Max Roth, the football player?
"I play the game because I love everything about football. I guess I like defense a little more, because you get to go hit people. I'd say my strength is my tackling and my weakness is my long-snapping, but I'm working on that every day."

Any other sports for you, Max?
"I threw the javelin last year (placing 10th in Class I with a 135-8 throw)."

How about in the classroom, do you have a favorite class?
"Right now, I'm taking anatomy and physiology with Dr. Holden. I've always been into exercise and health. You could say I have a passion for it."

And a least favorite class?
"Probability and statistics is a pretty tough class. I have to admit, math is a little confusing for me."

In the near future, a perfect next step for Max Roth would be?
"Right now, I'm looking at Ithaca to study physical therapy and play college football."

If I'm in Pelham, and need to eat, where should I go?
"I think Alicia's Diner is pretty good. If we're playing on a Saturday, that's where I have my breakfast. I like the pancakes."

Are you on the Pats' bandwagon?
"Nope. I grew up in (Collierville) Texas and moved here seven or eight years ago. I grew up a Cowboys fan and I'm still one."