At this time last year, the John Stark football team was 1-3 and on the outside of the Division II playoff picture looking in.
Things are a little different for Coach Rod McQuarrie’s Generals this year, who extended the state’s longest win streak to nine games Saturday with a 28-14 win over Laconia at home.
The Generals aren’t just in the playoff picture. They’re camped out at the top of the D-II standings and one of four unbeaten teams remaining.
And if you ask McQuarrie, he’s not surprised at how the script has flipped.
“You know what, I can honestly say yeah, I did” expect the team to be this good, he said. “We had a tough schedule to start last year but we played those games very tough. I saw the kids we had and the ones we have now and I knew we were going to be very competitive.”
The Sachems (2-3) were averaging 27.2 points per game but with the less-than-desirable conditions Saturday in Weare, the offense had a tough time finding its groove. Of the 46 passes attempted by Riley Roy, only 19 were caught for a total of 277 yards.
“Again, the defense carried us. That’s how it’s been so far this year,” McQuarrie said. “Our defense has been really tough. Our offense can score points but our defense has been what’s helping us win.”
After giving up a combined 23.5 points per game through the first four games last season, the Generals (5-0) have given up double-digit point totals just three times during their nine-game win streak.
Knowing how good John Stark is this year, Laconia Coach Craig Kozens couldn’t be disappointed in his team’s effort afterward.
“The kids proved to themselves that they can play with anybody,” Kozens said. “Stark is a top-ranked team and we had an opportunity to win. That is all you can ask for.”
The Generals got out to a quick 21-0 lead by halftime despite a dominating blitz that collected eight tackles for a loss.
“We really needed that win,” Kozens said. “We have dug a hole and have to dig out with only four games remaining.”
And the next two games won’t be any easier, both coming against teams that made the playoffs last year. Laconia hosts Lebanon on Friday before visiting Kennett on Oct. 14.
Stark quarterback Drew McQuarrie led the first-half firestorm Saturday, starting it off with a 44-yard touchdown pass to Leif Mailloux in the first quarter. Mailloux finished with 104 yards receiving on two catches. Kyle Booker (six carries, 22 yards) and Manny Biskaduros (3 carries, 24 yards) also tallied first-half rushing touchdowns to put Stark up 21-0 at the break.
“We struggled a little bit on offense in the second half,” Coach McQuarrie admitted. “I think (the weather) had something to do with it but we have to be able to play in any type of weather. They were just blitzing us pretty good.”
Despite being sacked four times, Drew McQuarrie finished with 10 completions on 17 pass attempts for 180 yards and two touchdowns. The senior also rushed 16 times for 73 yards.
The 28 points scored was a season-low for the high-flying Generals but it was still a season-defining win for Coach McQuarrie’s squad.
“To me, that’s a big, big win for us. We had to grind this one out. Laconia, they bring it, man. They’re a tough team,” he said. “The weather wasn’t great and we were playing a tough team. When it got within one score, we just kept grinding and kept fighting. I’m very proud of that win today.”
After Laconia cut the lead to 21-14 with 5:33 to play, McQuarrie had to bring his guys together before the ensuing kickoff.
“I had everyone in and I said, ‘Listen fellas, we still have the lead. Let’s control this game like we have been, go out and finish it.’ And they responded. They really did,” McQuarrie said.
Two minutes later, Cooper Gorski reeled in a 66-yard touchdown, one of his three receptions, to put the game out of reach.
Booker also had an interception for the Generals, while Shawn Lavigne and Gavin MacIver played well on defense and Jack Glew kicked a great game.
For Laconia, Carter Doherty led the way with five receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown, while Jacob Filgate had seven catches for 64 yards. Nick Drouin caught two passes – one being a touchdown – for 56 yards and Ryan McCrea’s 12 tackles led the defense. James McDonald also had 12 tackles.
Somersworth 14, Franklin 8
Key players: Franklin – Lucas Ford
Highlights/key moments: Somersworth scored the game-winning touchdown with four minutes left after a 25-yard pass put the Hilltoppers in scoring position.
Coach’s quote: “It was a very well-played game involving two evenly matched teams. Somersworth made the plays when they had to.” – Franklin’s Jeff Kaplan
Records: Franklin 2-3; Somersworth 3-2
Hollis-Brookline 54,
H-D/Hopkinton 14
Key players: H-D/H – Prince Mansah (TD run), Sage Dubois (TD run), Henry Yianakopolos (2-point conversion)
Highlights/key moments: The RedHawks kept it close early on, holding the score to 6-6 after the first quarter and trailed 18-6 at halftime, but the Cavaliers capitalized on a RedHawks fumble at their own 30 and the RedHawks defense missed several tackles in the second half allowing H-B to break the game open.
Coach’s quote: “We have a lot of work to do preparing for Pelham next week.” – H-D/H’s Jay Wood
Records: H-B 4-1; H-D/H 2-3
Plymouth 43, MV 8
Key players: MV – Mike Smith (9 tackles), Matt Jarvis (9 tackles), Josh Farmer (7 tackles), JJ Johnston (defensive line), Jared Duquette (defensive line), Nick Bartlett (defensive line), Ryan Neylon (4 receptions, 100-plus yards in kickoff returns), Evan Martin, (62-yard TD run)
Highlights/key moments: Plymouth scored on its opening drive, but the Pride responded with a touchdown on their first drive to take an 8-7 lead. The Bobcats scored on their second drive and took advantage of an MV turnover to pull away.
Coach’s quote: “Plymouth is disciplined, solid at every position and are 5-0 for a reason. They took our best weapons on offense away, and forced us out of our comfort zone. And despite the 43 points we gave up, our defense played as stout and physical as we have all season.” – MV’s Jim Coll
Records: Plymouth 5-0; MV 0-5
Bishop Brady 23, Campbell 6
Key players: Bishop Brady – Craig Newcomb (defensive line), Kenny Fusco (linebacker), Rich Sullivan (2 TD catches), Aidan Plumpton (49-yard interception return TD)
Highlights/key moments: The Giants defense shut down the Cougars on offense, leading Brady to its third straight win. Campbell’s only points came from an interception returned for a touchdown.
Coach’s quote: “The defense played great. That’s huge when you can shut a team out.” – Bishop Brady’s Matt Shaw
Records: Bishop Brady 4-1; Campbell 3-2
Girls championship
Key players:Concord – Hayley Reed; Bishop Brady – Maryanne Wiley, Maddie Smith, Sarah Vermette
Highlights/key moments: Concord’s Reed finished fifth overall at the NHIAA girls’ individual championship with a round of 86 at the Campbell’s Scottish Highlands. Brady’s Wiley (89) was sixth, Smith (92) finished eighth and Vermette was 14th. Pinkerton’s Lauren Thibodeau finished first with a 4-over round of 75.
Gilford 2, Belmont 0
Key players:Belmont – Jonny Leclair (5 saves), Zach Ennis (midfield), Doug Price (midfield), Logan Wilder (forward); Gilford – Ethan Warren (goalkeeper)
Highlights/key moments: The Eagles capitalized on a defensive mistake by Belmont in the 10th minute and scored off a corner in the 30th minute. The Raiders had several chances in the second half.
Coach’s quote: “It was a tale of two halves. In the second second we threw everything but the kitchen sink at them. (Warren) made some highlight reel saves.” – Belmont’s Mike Foley
Records: Gilford 9-1-1; Belmont 8-2-1
Winnisquam 3, Franklin 1
Key players: Franklin – Jacob Weaver (goal), Logan Hannigan (midfield), Lindsey Borges (midfield)
Highlights/key moments: Weaver scored on a penalty kick, but the Golden Tornadoes dropped their Homecoming match to the Bears, who picked up their first win.
Coach’s quote: “Both teams played well today and the team that had the best connections won. We made too many mistakes on the defensive end today that cost us.” – Franklin’s Kevin VanGorden
Records: Winnisquam 1-9; Franklin 0-10
Hopkinton 3, Sanborn 0
Key players: Hopkinton – Gerry Donahue (2 goals), Zach Signor (goal), Jacob Rockwood (assist), Azarius Meister (assist), Tim Meserve (3 saves)
Highlights/key moments: Donahue netted two first-half goals against a very defensive-minded Indians squad.
Coach’s quote: “We played very technically sound soccer, in spite of the continually worsening field conditions. Our possession on both sides of the field pulled open gaps that we then exploited aggressively.” – Hopkinton’s Scott Zipke
Records: Hopkinton 8-2; Sanborn 3-7
Bow 8, Plymouth 1
Key players: Bow – Amanda Marshall (goal, 2 assists), Kayleigh Marshall goal, assist), Danni Desruisseaux (2 goals), Elysia Woody (goal), Malena Lafreniere (2 goals) , Savannah Twombly (goal, assist), Gwen Molind (assist), Isabella Urbina (assist), Abbey Horner (assist)
Highlights/key moments: The Falcons scored four goals in a 12-minute span in the first half for an early lead and the defensive unit of Maggie Vogt, Crista Alfano and Elin Warwick played well to secure the win.
Coach’s quote: “We have been tinkering with our lineup and things really clicked today. I liked the combinations and the effort from everyone on the team today.” – Bow’s Jay Vogt
Records: Bow 8-3; Plymouth 3-7
Campbell 2, Hopkinton 1
Key players: Hopkinton – Lillias Whitehead (goal), Brianna Curley (assist), Aaliyah Curley, Taylor Signor, Maura Zankel
Highlights/key moments: Whitehead put the Hawks up 1-0 in the 15th minute, but the second-place Cougars tied the match three minutes before halftime and netted the game-winner in the 60th minute.
Coach’s quote: “We played well, we just didn’t come out with the win.” – Hopkinton’s Lauri Izzi
Records: Campbell 9-1; Hopkinton 7-3
Winnisquam 3, Franklin 0
Key players: Winnisquam – Shannon Goodwin (18 kills, 5 aces, 2 digs); Talia DeBlasie (21 assists, 5 digs, 2 aces), Olivia Doubleday (5 aces, 3 digs), Meghan Harmon (4 kills, 3 aces, block), Aubrey St. Onge (5 digs, 2 assists), Maddiy Skeats (4 digs)
Highlights/key moments: The undefeated Bears decisively defeated the Tornadoes in straight sets, 25-10, 25-7, 25-15.
Coach’s quote: “We were missing (some players), so I was pleased with the win. We put some different players in different spots and we still played well.” – Winnisquam’s Mike Livernois
Records: Winnisquam 9-0; Franklin 1-9
Franklin 3, White Mtn. 2, OT
Key players: Franklin – Lauren Marsh (2 goals), Hailey Haskins (goal), Lauren Pelletier (assist), Emma Lapierre (defense)
Highlights/key moments: The Tornadoes allowed a game-tying goal with two minutes left to force overtime, but Marsh scored the game-winner four minutes into the extra period.
Coach’s quote: “It was an exciting game, but at times we lacked the intensity needed to beat White Mountain in meeting the bal, allowing them to get the ball and score.” – Franklin’s Deb Georgevits
Records: Franklin 6-4; White Mtns. 2-9
Gilford 3, Hopkinton 0
Key players:Gilford – Brianna Salanitro (goal, assist), Laurel Gingrich (goal), Kellie Ryan (goal), Hannah Sullivan, (assist), Nichole Berube (assist), Jillian Lachapelle (midfield); Hopkinton – Avery Barrett, Katie Meserve
Highlights/key moments: The first-place Eagles blanked the Hawks at Hopkinton.
Coaches’ quotes: “Our transition play from defense to offense is starting to improve.” – Gilford’s David Rogacki
“We played a very strong team today. We had opportunities to put it in but we just couldn’t finish. We were competitive and worked hard as a team today.” – Hopkinton’s Kate Hohenberger
Records: Gilford 10-1; Hopkinton 5-5
Thetford, Vt. Woods Trail Run
Key players:Concord – Ollie Spencer (12th, 17:13), Forest Mackenzie (14th, 17:19), Eli Boesch-Dining (20th, 17:43); MV – David Reynolds (29th, 17:41), Matt Reynolds (98th, 18:40), Dylan Guinard (181st, 19:19)
Highlights/key moments: Missing two of its best runners, including senior captain Jamie Wilkes, Concord finished second out of 55 teams. from across New England. Champlain Valley, Vt. (66) bested Concord (143) and the rest of the field, including Merrimack Valley (22nd, 766).
Coach’s quote: “Winning is hard, it requires total focus and absolute commitment from each athlete on the team. Every individual’s level of commitment matters. For a cross-country team to find success everybody needs to invest and contribute to the process. Without that level of commitment victory becomes frustratingly elusive.” – Concord’s Tristan Black-Ingersoll
Black Bear Invitational
Key players:Coe-Brown – Evan Tanguay (5th, 16:47), Zach Richards (9th, 17:00), Tanner Richards (10th, 17:04)), River Groves (11th, 17:14), Davio Deluca (12th, 17:18) ; Pembroke – Jason Schoeller (69th, 18:44), Ben Prescott (98th, 19:21), Ryan Burns (100th, 19:23)
Highlights/key moments: Coe-Brown defended its home course, winning the 23-team invitational against strong D-II and D-I opponenets. The Bears (47), Phillips Exeter and Oyster River (148) were the top three teams. Pembroke (542) finished 22nd.
Hopkinton Homecoming Invite
Key players:Hopkinton – Simon Doneski (2nd), Dan Tucker (16th), Shepyrd Murdough (17th), Caleb Wando (18th), Joe Sawitsky (19th); Bow – Robert Ciotti (7th), Sam Berube (8th); Bishop Brady – Oscar Miller (28th)
Highlights/key moments: The Hawks (72) finished third in the Homecoming race at the Hopkinton Fairgrounds, trailing Monadnock (19) and Bow (51), but defeated Conant (79). Bishop Brady competed but did not score.
Coach’s quote: “It was a rainy, cool day on (our home course) but there were some fast times posted by athletes.” – Hopkinton’s Rob Rothe
Thetford, Vt. Woods Trail Run
Key players:MV – Kristie Schoffield (8th, 19:54); Concord – Gabrielle Czerula (77th, 22:09)
Highlights/key moments: Concord (620) and Merrimack Valley (628) finished 22nd and 23rd in a 48-team invitational against teams from across New England. Champlain Valley, Vt. (74) and Souhegan (163) were the top two teams.
Black Bear Invitational
Key players: Coe-Brown – Alli Pratt (6th, 19:18), Sarah Dupuis (13th, 19:58), Elly McDonough (17th, 20:19), Abigail O’Connor (19th, 20:28), Hannah Daly (20th, 20:30)
Highlights/key moments: The Bears finished second in a 21-team invitational on their home course.
Hopkinton Homecoming Invite
Key players:Hopkinton – Emma Rothe (2nd), Sydney Stockwell (3rd), Lily Sabol (7th), Ella Whipps (17th), Emily Ehrmanntraut (18th); Bow – Sarah Ciotti (5th), Sonahi Demian (9th); Bishop Brady – Kamryn Compton (24th)
Highlights/key moments: The Hawks finished second to the defending D-III champions.
Coach’s quote: “Strong showing by the girls on their home course, placing only eight points behind the 2015 Division III champions, Monadnock.” – Hopkinton’s Rob Rothe