New Hampshire Football Report

NHIAA football has new look

In addition to the new rules regarding preseason camp (fewer practices, restrictions on double sessions, etc.), NHAA football has taken a new shape since last season. Here’s a look at the changes:

DIVISION I

The biggest difference here is Windham’s move to Division I from Division II. Windham replaced Alvirne, which dropped down one division. The Jaguars will compete in Division I South. Merrimack, which had been in the South Conference, has shifted to Division I West.

Portsmouth has formed a co-op team with Oyster River, and will be known as the ClipperCats.

New coaches: John Trisciani Jr. (Bishop Guertin), Rob Sturgis (Manchester Memorial) and Kevin Hebert (Spaulding).

DIVISION II

Division II has become an 18-team division that no longer includes Lebanon, Laconia or Hillsboro-Deering/Hopkinton. Those three teams are now in Division III. The division features two nine-team conferences. Teams will face everyone in their conference, and play one crossover game.

New coaches: Kevin McGinty (John Stark), Will Moher (Pembroke), Joe Raycraft (Merrimack Valley), Ray Puglisi (ConVal) and Tony King (Sanborn).

DIVISION III

Besides the three teams that have dropped from Division II to Division III (see above), Trinity is back after taking a year off from varsity football to help rebuild its program. Trinity gives Division III 12 teams.

Kearsarge has formed a co-op team with Mount Royal Academy.

New coaches: Glen Costello (Campbell), Ben Bourgoin (Epping/Newmarket) and Dennis Borcuk (Newport).

DIVISION IV

Bishop Brady, Fall Mountain, Farmington-Nute, Franklin, Mascoma Valley, Newfound, Raymond and Winnisquam are the teams in this division, which will have a four-team playoff and hold its championship game at Laconia High School. All eight teams were in Division III last season.

New coaches: Jermaine McKenzie (Bishop Brady) and Kyle Colburn (Mascoma).

You must be logged in to post a comment Login