NORTHWOOD – The first half belonged to one-loss Coe-Brown. After halftime, Pembroke Academy showed why its one of two unbeaten teams in Division II.
The Spartans turned a one-goal deficit into a 2-1 win on Tuesday to push their record to 6-0.
“Intensity,” PA Coach Pete Bisson said was the theme of his halftime talk. “I thought we were very flat in the first half and just came out kind of slow. I wanted us to put some pressure on … and we had more intensity in the second half. We were dangerous.”
A.J. Gagnon was one of those dangerous Spartans, assisting on Pembroke’s first goal in the 47th minute and scoring the game-winner in the 65th minute.
“We got to the ball quicker in the second half,” Gagnon said. “And we moved the ball more, less touches.”
Gagnon needed just one touch to head down a long-range cross from Damon Smith, who bossed the game from the midfield for Pembroke. Gagnon’s header was a nicely weighted pass to Max Putnam, who followed it up with a deftly chipped ball over the head of Coe-Brown keeper Zack Pine to tie the game at 1-1 just seven minutes into the second half.
The goal energized Pembroke, and the Spartans kept pressuring. Glenn Dion was causing trouble in the box, Matt Fergerson had a shot saved only by a diving Pine, and Smith was pulling all the strings.
“That’s what he does,” Bisson said of Smith’s midfield conducting. “I don’t give him too many directions. I just say go play and he does that.”
The pressure turned into a goal, thanks to some hard work near the end line from Hunter Boyce, who had just come off the bench. Boyce won a battle for possession and eventually, the ball ended up on the other side of the box, where Gagnon hammed it home.
“It went through a couple people and came right to me,” Gagnon said.
Coe-Brown (4-2) had moments of pressure in the final minutes, including a sequence where Corbin LeBlanc, Donald MacCallum and Mike Mulligan all got off shots, only to see the Spartans block them all.
LeBlanc scored Coe-Brown’s first-half goal when he ran down a smartly chipped lead pass from Colin Cain and calmly finished inside the far post in the 26th minute.
“I actually saw more positives in the second half even though we gave up those two goals. We’re working on some fundamental things, like communicating and staying positive, and we saw more of that,” Coe-Brown Coach Christian Gompert said. “I think we just made a few mistakes and got punished for them.”
Bisson, now in his 10th year as PA’s head coach, isn’t surprised by his team’s unbeaten start, but he wasn’t exactly counting on six straight wins to open the season.
“I was hoping, every year I hope, but you never know how it’s going to come together,” Bisson said. “We have a good group of kids. They don’t need a lot of motivation. Every day, I try to challenge them and they come out and play and work well together.”
The players are also hopeful. Gagnon may be the most soft-spoken Spartan, but even he isn’t afraid to voice the team’s potential, even if was at a low volume.
“We knew we had a shot at the championship this year,” Gagnon said. “We’ve come to play.”
Concord 4, Merrimack 0
Key players: Concord – Josh Adams (2 goals, assist), Ngongo Mungeta (goal), Adam Bryant (goal), Chea Chebo (2 assists)
Highlights/key moments: The Crimson Tide outshot Merrimack, 22-10, and benefited from solid goaltending from sophomore Liam Devanny and senior Brian DeFranzo to preserve its second straight shutout. The duo split time in net, combining to make four saves.
Coach’s quote: “Josh (Adams) was tremendous for us today, and he’s still recovering from a broken nose and some stitches. He had a huge game.” – Concord’s Scott Dunlop
Records: Concord 5-1; Merrimack 3-3
Bow 1, Portsmouth 0
Key players:Bow – Chris Gallier (goal), Will Russo (assist), Ethan Paige (defense), Aidan Koornneef (defense), Sullivan Blair (defense), Ben Guertin (defense), Sean Miclette (defense), Graham Weisberg (defense)
Highlights/key moments: The Falcons got on the board just four minutes into the contest when Gallier deposited a pass from Russo, and the visiting team held on from there to clinch its third straight shutout.
Coach’s quote: “It was another gutsy performance by the team. After losing our first three games, we have righted the ship and are steering the HMS Falcon into calmer waters.” – Bow’s George Pinkham
Records:Bow 3-3; Portsmouth 1-4-1
St. Thomas 3, Merrimack Valley 2
Key players: MV – James Shattuck (goal, assist), Caleb Willett (goal), Cameron Woodman (1 assist), Ryan Heath and Hunter Edwards (great defense), Coby Mercier and Dillon Arrant (solid in the midfield)
Highlights/key moments: Merrimack Valley took an early lead, but St. Thomas answered quickly with two goals of its own. The Pride was awarded a penalty kick just before the half but couldn’t convert. MV tied the game in the second half, but it wouldn’t be enough to end a five-game losing streak.
Coach’s quote: “We had our chances tonight. We have to make our shots count. I feel that we were able to control the second half and move the ball around to create many opportunities.” – MV’s Ken Fuller
Records: MV 1-5; St. Thomas 3-3
Gilford 9, Franklin 1
Key players: Franklin – Gio Lemon (goal), Paul Dunham (solid defense)
Highlights/key moments: Unbeaten Gilford, the defending Division III champion, found the goal early and often.
Records: Franklin 0-5; Gilford 6-0
Pittsfield 3, Farmington 0
Key players: Pittsfield – Eli Johnson (goal), Garrett Guerrero-Hadley (goal)
Highlights/key moments: The Panthers took a 1-0 lead on a Farmington own goal in the 28th minute and doubled that goal in the 70th minute when Johnson scored unassisted. Guerror-Hadley finished the scoring four minutes later when he capitalized on a nice pass from Cam Darrah.
Records: Pittsfield 3-1-1; Farmington 1-5
Concord 4, Merrimack 0
Key players: Concord – Caitlin Klose (goal), Jessica Nelson (goal), Madysen Audet (goal), Ellie Pope (goal), Gillian Bennett (defense), Caitlyn Kelley (defense), Ashley Kelley (defense)
Highlights/key moments: The Tide has won four of the last five after a tough loss to open the season.
Records: Concord 4-2; Merrimack 1-5
Pembroke 4, Coe-Brown 0
Key players: Pembroke – Emilee Harlow (2 goals), Maddy Bailey (goal, assist), Casey Bardier (goal), Hannah Serafin (defense), Meghan Gauss (defense), Vicky Mudgett (second shutout). Coe-Brown – Jackie Joy, Ahna McCusker, Olivia Farrar, Shealyn Bedell
Highlights/key moments: The Bears held Pembroke scoreless until the 27th minute when Harlow finished a corner kick off the foot of Bailey to make it 1-0. Bardier capped the scoring for Pembroke with a pretty strike from just outside the 20-yard box.
Coach’s quote: “Coe-Brown did not let down until the last whistle, creating many opportunities late in the game.” – Pembroke’s Jess Croft.
“We had to try and compete tonight short-handed with injuries and illness and we were able to be competitive. Everyone stepped in and filled their roles well.” – Coe-Brown’s Josh Hils.
Records: Pembroke 6-0; Coe-Brown 2-4.
John Stark 5, Plymouth 0
Key players: Cara Easter (2 goals), Brooke Shatney (goal, assist), Morgan Hawkes (goal), Jocelyn Dimond (goal), Cadence Loos (assist)
Highlights/key moments: John Stark’s defense – led by junior Meg Blanchette – didn’t miss a beat, setting the stage’s for the team’s fourth straight shutout and fifth straight victory to begin the season.
Coach’s quote: “The Generals demonstrated great patience and composure, placing lots of pressure on Plymouth’s defense.” – John Stark’s Heather Doucette
Records:John Stark 5-0; Plymouth 1-4
St. Thomas 5, Merrimack Valley 0
Key players: Merrimack Valley – Hanah Corliss (strong wing play), Sara Davis (excellent effort).
Highlights/key moments: Christi Thompson scored a hat-trick for St. Thomas.
Coach’s quote:“St. Thomas was prepared to do things necessary to win in this division. Inconsistent effort will give you consistent results. It’s my job to have the girls better prepared, both physically and mentally.” – MV’s Jeff Richard.
Records: MV 1-5; St. Thomas 5-1
H-D 8, Monadnock 1
Key players: Hillsboro-Deering – Izabella Warren (3 goals, assist), Bridgette Winters (2 goals, assist), Mara Grady (goal, 2 assists), Taveya Ortiz (goal, assist), Kiersten Clough (2 assists), Emily Gibson (goal)
Highlights/key moments: The Hillcats scored six unanswered goals in the first half on their way to a fifth-straight win. Kianna Carter and Meredith Denu played well in the midfield for H-D and keeper Melissa Veitch finished with two saves.
Records: H-D 5-1; Monadnock 0-5
Fall Mountain 1, Hopkinton 0
Key players: Hopkinton – Amelia Bassett (3 saves).
Highlights/key moments: The Hawks outshot the Wildcats, 18-5, but struggled to finish on their numerous scoring chances. Fall Mountain’s goal in the 29th minute proved to be enough.
Coach’s quote: “We did really well with possession and we had plenty of offensive chances. We just couldn’t put it in the back of the net today.” – Hopkinton’s Laura Izzi.
Records: Hopkinton 3-2; Fall Mountain 6-0
Stevens 3, Bishop Brady 2, OT
Key players: Bishop Brady – Olivia Crainich (goal, assist), Abby Santis (goal)
Highlights/key moments: The Green Giants netted multiple goals for just the second time this season, but it was the Cardinals who left celebrating a dramatic overtime victory despite the best efforts of Mackenzie Wetherill in net.
Coach’s quote: “I am very proud of the way we fought back in the second half of the game and showed huge upside as we played hard from behind and scored.” – Bishop Brady’s Anne Alosa
Records:Stevens 2-3; Bishop Brady 1-2
Pittsfield 7, Farmington 2
Key players: Paige Provencal (3 goals), Lindsey Massey (goal, assist), Alyssa Sullivan (goal, assist), Kira Wood (goal), Katie Rollins (goal), Becca Smith (4 saves).
Highlights/key moments: Provencal, a freshman, scored her first varsity goal, then went back to score two more to lead the Panthers with a hat-trick, while Massey and Sullivan opened the scoring with good teamwork early on. McKenzie Dumond and Peyton Shaw turned in solid efforts off the bench.
Coach’s quote: “It was nice to see the eight freshmen out there at the same time, getting experience at the varsity level. They were able to put up some shots and build some confidence at the same time.” – Pittsfield’s Jayme Kennedy.
Records: Pittsfield 4-1; Farmington 0-5
Concord second
Key players: Concord – Ryan Merchant (41), Sean McDonough (43), Evan Makris (43), Quinton Berry (44), Matthew Burns (47); Bishop Guertin – Tom Ethier (medallist, 36)
Highlights/key moments: Merchant led the Crimson Tide to a 218 and second place behind Bishop Guertin (204) and ahead of Salem (227) at par-36 Nashua Country Club on Monday.
John Stark third
Key players: John Stark – Ryan Rothdiener (37)
Highlights/key moments: Rothdiener finished four strokes behind Portsmouth medallist Jeff Barnes (34), but it wasn’t enough to lead the Generals (220 points) past Hollis-Brookline (189) and the Clippers (195).
Records:Hollis-Brookline 12-2; Portsmouth 12-3; John Stark 1-11
Bow first
Key players:Bow – Doug Champagne (36), Ronan Lucey (41), Jack Olson (41), Colin Plumb (44); Winnisquam – Etahn Bryson (45), Caleb Kuczkowski (46)
Highlights/key moments: The Falcons totalled 162 at Hidden Creek Country Club in Litchfield to beat out host Campbell (189), Prospect Mountain (202) and Winnisquam (203). Champagne’s even-par 36 earned him medallist honors.
Records: Bow 14-0; Winnisquam 0-9; Prospect Mountain 3-7; Campbell 4-4
Belmont third
Key players: Belmont – Nicole Antonucci (43), Wyatt Paquin (43), Trevor Hunt (51), Will Robarge (51).
Highlights/key moments: Pelham’s Kyle Supernant shot a 40 for medallist honors, leading the Pythons to a first-place team finish with a score of 181. Stevens (185) took second, Belmont (188) was third and Conant (203) finished fourth.
Coach’s quote: “As a team, we had several birdies (from) Antonucci, Paquin and Robarge, which means we are playing well on individual holes. We need to be a bit more consistent over the nine holes to score better as a team.” – Belmont’s Kevin Charleston
Concord first
Key players: Concord – Forest Mackenzie, Jamie Wilkes, Ollie Spencer, Ryan Devine, Colin Conery, Alex Duncan, Eli Boesch-Dining
Highlights/key moments: Mackenzie, Wilkes and Spencer all finished in a dead heat for first as the Tide swept the top seven spots and put nine runners in the top 10 to finish with a perfect score of 15 and easily beat Manchester Central (75) and Nashua North (87).
Coach’s quote: “When we race we are always committed to putting forth our best effort – the willingness to always tackle a challenging race head on is an important part of the character of the team this season, it really shows how much the runners respect the sport and want to make the most of every opportunity they have.” – Concord’s Tristan Black-Ingersoll
MV second
Key players: Merrimack Valley – David Reynolds (1st, 18:45), Matt Reynolds (6th, 19:24), Dylan Guinard (11th, 20:26); Ryan Latorella, (23rd, 22:32); Matt Lyle (25th, 22:45)
Highlights/key moments: David Reynolds earned his second individual win of the season as the Pride finished with 57 points to beat out John Stark (60) and Sanborn (71) but fall to Trinity (39).
Coach’s quote: “The boys ran a strong race, with many of the newer runners showing improvement. David Reynolds ran a very smart and relaxed race to win, pulling away in the last mile.” – MV’s Dave Irving
Concord first
Key players: Concord – Jennika Mannesto (1st, 20:17), Cassie Shea (5th, 21:49), Heather Deacon (9th, 23:30), Gabby Czerula (10th, 23:30) Sarah Zarakotas (11th, 23:43)
Highlights/key moments: The Crimson Tide finished with 36 points to win a three-team meet against Manchester Central (45) and Nashua North (59). Mannesto’s first-place paced the pack of five Tide runners in the top 11, while Concord’s Leeza Richter and Ellie Erickson also had strong races.
MV first
Key players: Merrimack Valley – Kristie Schoffield (2nd, 23:02), Lauren Rouse (3rd, 23:02), Kaitlyn Covell (6th, 23:54), Tristan Beyer (8th, 24:04), Noelle Colarusso (10th, 24:35)
Coach’s quote: “The girls ran the first two miles together, steadily moving up in the race the whole way. We had a couple girls with off days, but Tristan Beyer had a great race to make up for it. That’s the point of the team learning to run together, to strengthen our depth and see each other not as competition but as teammates.” – MV’s Dave Irving
Mascoma Valley 10, John Stark 0
Key players: John Stark – Olivia Fatcheric (strong midfield play), Abbey Jensen (good game defensively).
Highlights/key moments: The Generals failed to pick up their first win of the season on the road.
Records: John Stark 0-5; Mascoma Valley 3-2