Division IV football just got tighter as Bishop Brady decided not to field a football team for this upcoming season. The division shrank down to seven teams, and three local schools will compete for four playoff spots this upcoming season.
All three have exciting seasons ahead as Franklin and Hillsboro-Deering look to return to the playoffs, and Winnisquam will try to add wins to its record.
Hillsboro-Deering had a strong offense that averaged 30.25 points per game, third-highest only behind finalists Mascoma Valley and Raymond.
Senior quarterback and captain Joshuwa Perron will return under center accompanied by an experienced running back room that has gained size and experience since last year.
The defense had its ups and downs throughout the season, and gave up 56 points against a Bishop Brady offense that had averaged 16 points per game through its first four games.
Head coach Jay Wood’s team has 20 returning players, 10 on defense and 10 on offense, and will look to lead the veteran team to a strong season. Hillsboro-Deering has 11 new players who will fill gaps as necessary.
“The 2025 Hillcats are ready to compete and are looking for that senior leadership and accountability for all players and coaches,” he said.
The Franklin Golden Tornadoes, entering their fifth year under head coach Tim Snow, aim to continue the defensive success they had last season.
On average, the team only allowed 14 points per game through its seven regular-season games in the 2024 season. Crucially, it won the Kaplan Cup against Bishop Brady, 17-7, and secured the final D-IV playoff berth on the last day of the regular season.
The team will return All-State senior quarterback Nate Holmes at the helm, accompanied by senior tight end Cam Labrecque and senior running back George Sarkis.
Franklin’s lines have also seen improvement going into the season, as Sarkis and senior Jacob Adler will lead the defensive and offensive lines, respectively.
“We have the biggest and most athletic offensive line since I have been here, featuring sophomores Jason Lemieux and Lucas Houten, and freshman Darren Holmes, and our defense should prove to be one of the best in division four,” Snow said.
The state championship is their goal this season, Snow said.
One of the more intriguing storylines this year will be Winnisquam. The Bears have a new head coach, Eric Kratzer, who took over for three-year coach David Allar.
“Looking to improve with a new coaching staff after Coach Allar stepped away in May. Coach Kratzer is bringing a lot of new energy and enthusiasm to the program and has big expectations for the season,” Athletic Director Ian Snowdeal said.
In 2023, the team had a 1-6 record, which it improved to 2-5 last year, but was still far from making playoffs.
The team’s two wins were against Newfound and Farmington-Nute, but could have easily won two other games, as it lost to Franklin by three points and Bishop Brady by one point last year.
Returning senior running back and captain Brady Colby will play next to senior quarterback Dylan Griffin to lead the offense. Returning sophomore Carter Lloyd will move back on defense and operate as an outside linebacker in a defense that’s poised to improve.
“Dealing with some early preseason injuries. Lots of improvement over the last three weeks. Had a strong performance at the Fall Mountain Jamboree,” Snowdeal added.
D-IV season start schedule:
Hillsboro-Deering at Winnisquam, Sept. 13, 1 p.m.
Franklin at Farmington-Nute, Sept. 13, 2 p.m.