Gilford-Belmont 28,
Kennett 19
Key players: Gilford-Belmont – Isaiah Reese (54 rush touchdowns, over 200 rush yards), Kenny Strat (fumble recovery), Michael Kitto (2-point conversion)
Highlights: Reese ran the ball in for a 65 yard touchdown on the first play of the game.
Records: Gilford-Belmont 1-0; Kennett 0-1
Milford 27,
John Stark 16
Highlights: The Generals kept things close against the defending D-II runner-up.
Records: Milford 1-0; John Stark 0-1
St. Thomas 12,
Merrimack Valley 9, OT
Key players: MV – Buddy Eddy (over 100 rush yards), Reece Clarmont (over 85 rush yards), Johnny Lessard, Aidan Monaghan, Nick DeBello, Jed Duquette, Colby Shegow
Highlights: MV took the lead in the second quarter on a 3 yard pass from Eddy to Mike Heine and the Pride held the lead until 10 minutes remained in the fourth quarter, when the Saints scored on a 4 yard run to tie the game, 6-6, and force overtime. Travis Garcia gave the Pride the lead with a 25 yard field goal, but St. Thomas scored on a 4 yard run to secure the win. MV’s offense line played well, as did the entire team defense.
Coach’s quote: “Players played very hard and showed great improvement.” – MV’s Joe Raycraft
Records: St. Thomas 1-0; MV 0-1
Kearsarge 36,
ConVal 21
Key players: Kearsarge – John Fraioli (3 rush TD, receiving TD)
Highlights: Kearsarge opened the season with a victory on the road.
Records: Kearsarge 1-0; ConVal 0-1
John Stark 2,
Kennett 0
Key players: John Stark – Addy Pelletier (3 saves in shutout), Aubrey Fischer (goal), Jillian Fredette (goal), Courtney Cranshaw (assist), Kaitlin Dennis (assist), Jackie O’Donnell (assist), Lauryn Guevin (midfield)
Highlights: In a tightly-played game that was tied at 0-0 after the first half, the Generals finally broke the ice when Fischer tapped in the first goal on a feed from Dennis off a corner. The Generals doubled their lead in the fourth and played stingy defense to rest of the way to move to 3-0 on the season.
Coach’s quote: “Today’s game was a struggle at times, but we played hard and capitalized on our our opportunities in the second half. Kennett plays a strong defensive game, so it wasn’t easy getting to the net. Proud of our team though. We played six freshmen today, including three starters, but they really grew as a group today. Our seniors gave us great leadership as well. It was a long week having to play three games right out of the gate, but couldn’t have asked for a better start.” – John Stark’s Dennis Pelletier
Records: John Stark 3-0; Kennett 1-1
Souhegan 4,
Bow 0
Key players: Bow – Josie Johnson (forward), Kylie McKee (midfield, defense), Alex Larrabee (midfield), Elena Roy (defense)
Records: Souhegan 2-0-0; Bow 0-1-1
Pembroke 0,
Milford 0
Key players: Pembroke – Bria LePage, Treic Thomas-Guerzon
Highlights: Pembroke played in overtime for the second time this season.
Coach’s quote: “We dominated play, but were unable to put it in the net.” – Pembroke’s Steve Langevin
Records: Pembroke 0-1-1; Milford 1-1-1
Merrimack Valley 2, Pembroke 1, 2OT
Key players: Pembroke – Taylor Renna (goal), Jaylin Ladd (assist), Tia Bocci (defense), Abby Shaugnessy (defense), Laila Al-Shawafi (goalie)
Highlights: The Spartans fell in double overtime to a fiesty Pride side. Renna scored the lone Spartan goal off a header from Ladd’s corner kick.
Coach’s quote: “I am proud of the girls for battling back from a 0-1 deficit, but we have more work to do on our combining and finishing. Thankfully there’s lots more soccer to play together.” – Pembroke’s Jess Kaufman-Desrochers
Records: MV 1-1; Pembroke 1-2
Hillsboro-Deering 9, Manchester West 1
Key players: H-D – Callie Card (6 goals), Emily Howell (2 goals, assist), Hannah Edwards (goal, 3 assists), Megan Ferguson (3 assists)
Highlights: The Hillcats worked well together offensively to break down West’s defense and keeper, and Edwards set created several scoring opportunities off corner kicks.
Records: H-D 1-1; Man. West 0-3
John Stark 3, Keene 1
Key players: John Stark – Sophia McGinty (goal), Melody Couturier (goal), Megan Rousseau (goal, assist)
Highlights: Back post crosses from Rousseau were on point, as were the overlapping runs from multiple players. The Generals ground game effectively created triangles and switched fields, while also communicated well on defense.
Coach’s quote: “We have 21 strong players competing for playing time, yet still play as a team weaving on and off the field seamlessly, each locking in positions.” – John Stark’s Chris Pike
Records: John Stark 2-0; Keene 1-1
John Stark 4, Laconia 1
Highlights: The Generals led 2-0 at halftime.
Coach’s quote: “The team was firing on offense today. There are still some areas which can generate more, but only two games in, we are going in the right direction. Laconia did play well and were a tough team to play against physically, which is something we have not had much experience with this season yet.” – John Stark’s Zach Shedlock
Records: John Stark 1-1; Laconia
0-3
Belmont 4,
White Mountains 0
Key players: Belmont – Jacobb Bivens (3 saves in shutout), Liam Waldron, (goal, 2 assists), Will Riley (goal, assist), Jeff Carrier (goal), Brady Jewell (first varsity goal)
Highlights: The Raiders led 3-0 at halftime thanks to great ball movement and a solid defensive performance by the whole team.
Coach’s quote: “Nice bounce-back win after Wednesday’s loss. A lot of good ball movement by everyone tonight, especially around the goal. Time for some much needed rest before Tuesday’s game at home.” – Belmont’s Michael Foley
Records: Belmont 2-1; White Mtns. 0-3
Hillsboro-Deering 9,
Manchester West 1
Key players: H-D – Griffin Cassidy (4 goals, assist), Dylan Braun (goal, 3 assists), Mason Ferwerda (goal, assist), Brady Curley (goal, assist), Alex Crowe (goal, assist), Anthony Alibrandi (goal)
Highlights: The Hillcats scored three goals in the first six minutes of the match and netted eight goals in the first half.
Coach’s quote: “The boys came out flying today, putting three in the back of the net early. Everyone was doing their part and then some. With complete domination in the midfield and clinical finishing today, we should be gaining some confidence in how we are playing.” – H-D’s Joey Gillett
Records: H-D 1-1; Man. West 0-2