Shrine Camp: Day 4

By rbrown
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Updated: August 4, 2016

New Hampshire held a full-contact scrimmage during Wednesday’s first practice at Castleton University. New Hampshire head coach Justin Leonard said he continues to be impressed by his team’s defense.

“The defense looks good,” Leonard said. “The defensive line particularly.”

Leonard said his team received strong performances from cornerbacks Bryce Walker (Milford) and Ben Emrick (Windham) in the scrimmage as well.

“Those two performed well,” Leonard said. “Another kid who stood out is (defensive lineman) Sal Spinosa (from Exeter). Whatever we ask him to do he does, and he does it the right way.”

Vermont will attempt to break a 15-game losing streak in this year’s Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl, which will be played Saturday (5:30 p.m.) at Castleton University. New Hampshire leads the series 47-13-2.

“This group of kids is not underestimating Vermont,” Leonard said. “We’ve shown them film. They know what type of athletes they’ll be facing.”

Leonard said Windham’s Shane LaFond has not been with the team because of an illness, but is expected to be on the sideline (in street clothes) for Saturday’s game.

New Hampshire is scheduled to have three practices today.

“We need to have a heavy special teams practice, then we’ll start toning it down for the rest of the week,” Leonard said.

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New Hampshire hold the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl record for points scored in a game. New Hampshire scored 62 points in the 2012 game.