Top 10 Games from 2020: No. 5

By rbrown
- Tweet
- Pin It
Updated: December 7, 2020

TOP 10 NHIAA GAMES FROM 2020
No. 5: Lebanon 7, Newport 6

Athough Newport won seven games en route to the 2020 Division IV championship, perhaps no game showed how talented the Tigers were more than this one-point loss to Division II Lebanon.

The Tigers trailed 7-0 until Josh Sharron blocked a Lebanon punt and Newport’s Chase Hamilton recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown. Newport coach John Proper considered going for two, but opted to attempt the PAT. The kick was wide left, leaving Lebanon with a 7-6 lead that held up.

Lebanon’s only TD came after linebacker Nyeoti Punni recovered a fumble at the Newport 35-yard line. Minutes later Lebanon quarterback Jack Stone opened the scoring with a 2-yard TD run with 8:05 remaining in the third quarter. Tanner Ames made what proved to be a crucial point-after kick.

Stone’s 22-yard run was the other key play in the TD drive. Stone gained a game-high 64 yards on 14 carries in the victory.

Lebanon, which didn’t lose a game before it was forced to forfeit its Division II semifinal against Plymouth because of COVID-19 issues, was known for its defense and that defense was dominant against Newport. The Tigers failed to cross midfield during the first half, when the only good scoring opportunity for either team came when Ames missed a 22-yard field goal attempt.

Defensive end Cameron Davio recovered two fumbles for Lebanon, which held Newport to 93 yards of offense. Sharron led Newport with 47 yards rushing on nine carries.

No. 10: Pelham 14, Monadnock 10
No. 9: Goffstown 26, Bedford 21
No. 8: Dover 7, Exeter 6
No. 7: Plymouth 16, Timberlane 14
No. 6: Plymouth 21, Kennett 20

*******

Those who would like to help New Hampshire Football Report promote football in the Granite State can do so by purchasing an NHFR XTRA Membership or by making a donation below. Your support is greatly appreciated.