Schools haven’t been in session for very long, but that doesn’t mean sports haven’t.
For some sports, it’s already the halfway mark of the season and in a new series by the Monitor sports desk, we’ll take a look at where area teams stand at their midway points.
Kicking off the series are both boys and girls soccer. Many area teams have experienced early success in the opening half and will look to build upon it, setting up long playoff runs. Others have the potential to turn the season around and finish on a strong note heading into the offseason.
A look into the teams starting from Division I.
Division IConcord
Record: 4-2-1; Key wins: At Exeter, Pinkerton (tied)
Outlook: The Crimson Tide’s four wins hold plenty of weight at the half way point within the Division I playoff race. Only eight teams have one or more wins than Concord and half of those teams hold five wins compared to its four. The backhalf of the Tide’s schedule, however, is their most difficult stretch with match ups against undefeated Nashua South and Manchester Memorial (5-2).
Division IIBow
Record: 6-2; Key wins: Pelham, Merrimack Valley
Outlook: Traditional state powerhouse Bow finished last year as the D-II runners-up and haven’t shown any signs of heartbreak in 2021 so far. The Falcons 2-1 win over Pelham, while at the displeasure of coach George Pinkham, showed him that is team can close out tight games if need be. Their two losses were decided by a goal each, including a potential playoff match against Hollis-Brookline where the Falcons lost 1-0. Bow closes out its season with games against Coe-Brown Northwood, Lebanon and a rematch of last years’ title game at Oyster River.
Coe-Brown Northwood
Record: 3-2; Key wins: Stevens, Spaulding
Outlook: Coe-Brown Northwood had a decent start to the season and have the potential to develop upon its start into an even better back half of the season. The Bears wins over Stevens and Spaulding were both decided by one goal, and their two losses – games against Plymouth and Hollis-Brookline – were also decided by one goal. If it can separate itself from these close finishes, CB Northwood could have a special end of the season.
John Stark
Record: 2-5; Key wins: Plymouth, Pembroke
Outlook: It has been a tough start for the Generals this season, but for good reason. They’re a relatively young team, with many of their players earning their first bits of varsity experience. For morale standings, its two wins give John Stark highlights and showcase that they are indeed a talented roster.
Merrimack Valley
Record: 3-3-1; Key wins: Sanborn, Oyster River (tie)
Outlook: MV boasts a squad that has plenty of talent, it’s just the culmination of talent at the right time has been the struggle. The Pride lost senior goalie Jack Wormald for the season due to injury and sophomore Trevor Simonds has played solidly so far. Their junior core of Gavin Wheeler and Lucas Godoi forced a tie against Oyster River and a dominant 4-0 win over Sanborn. Coach Ken Fuller said looking down the road, his team is going to have to run the table in the back half of the season to control their destiny to make playoffs.
Pembroke
Record: 1-7; Key wins: Stevens
Outlook: At risk of cliche, Pembroke is in a bit of a fork-in-the-road moment. The Spartans lone win of the season, a 3-2 final over Stevens, came over two weeks ago. The mental of coach Peter Bisson’s team is going to be critical to maintain and finding sources of positivity will be essential. Circle games against Sanborn and Manchester West for Pembroke as those games have the best chance for more wins.
Division IIIBishop Brady
Record: 5-2; Key wins: White Mountains, Raymond
Outlook: Bishop Brady holds one of the best records in all of Division III, its five wins are tied for third most in the state. While the combined record of its opposing teams has been less than steller – 4-25-2 – wins are wins, no matter how they happen. A tougher second half slate, which features games against Campbell, Gilford and Hopkinton, should provide a better look at the Giants heading into playoffs.
Hillsboro-Deering
Record: 3-4; Key wins: Derryfield
Outlook: The Hillcats are in an interesting spot. Their three wins came by an average of four goals and their four losses were on average by five goals. Two extremes in differential are what HD has experienced this season and if it can find ways to create tighter games against teams higher in the standings, it has just as good of a chance as any team for playoffs.
Hopkinton
Record: 5-1;Key wins: Campbell, Conant, Laconia
Outlook: The Hawks have proven themselves as one of the marquee Division III programs this season with wins over some of the division’s top teams – including their 5-0 final over Laconia. Hopkinton’s lone loss is a 1-0 game against defending state champion runner-up Gilford, who once again is in strong playoff contention. Look for the Hawks to continue their success in the second half stretch.
Kearsarge
Record: 4-1; Key wins: Trinity, Bishop Brady
Outlook: After losing their season opener in a one-goal game, the Cougars have rattled off four straight wins and in dominant fashion. The biggest win, a 1-0 final over defending state champion Trinity, has Kearsarge in a solid mix of confidence and continuity heading into the second half of the schedule.
Winnisquam
Record: 0-4-1; Key wins: Mascenic (tie)
Outlook:Growing pains can be tough both on and off the pitch. The Bears 2-2 finish against Mascenic on Sept. 10 remains the hightlight within their first five games, but there is plenty of time to turn things around. Watch for Winnisquam’s games against White Mountains and Somersworth to be fairly balanced.
Division IVConcord Christian
Record: 5-2; Key wins: Pittsfield
Outlook: Concord Christian’s five wins are tied for second most amongst Division IV teams. In its wins, its had an average goal differential of 34-0. Yes, all five of its win have been via shutout, including a 16-0 score over Newport. The blemish on the record, however, are its two losses. One goal deficits to both Wilton-Lyndeborough and Sunapee, two of the division’s best teams, show that against the upper echelon of teams there is room for improvement.
Franklin
Record: 0-7; Key games: Lin-Wood, Lisbon
Outlook: One of the most important aspect of high school sports is merely playing the game you love with the friends you have. For the Tornadoes, that’s the size of the 2021 season.
Pittsfield
Record: 2-4; Key wins: Farmington-Nute, Holy Family
Outlook: The Panthers two wins came by a two-goal and one-goal difference just last week. There’s ample room to re-evaluate and readjust heading into the back half of the season.
