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Gilford has new look

No NHIAA football program dealt with more change in the offseason than Gilford, which ended its co-op relationship with Belmont, dropped from Division II to Division III and welcomed a new head coach.

Brandt O’Hara, 26, has replaced Josh Marzahl at the top of the coaching ladder. His hire became official last month.

O’Hara, who teaches health and physical education at Gilford High School, played offensive line at Plymouth State and has been a varsity assistant with the Gilford program for the last four years.

“For me, it’s always been my goal (to be a head coach) no matter when it came or how it came,” O’Hara said. “I love coaching with these guys, and I thought it made sense with me being in the school. I was very happy to get it.”

Veteran coach Paul Lavigne will serve as the team’s defensive coordinator.

Although the program will no longer include Belmont students, O’Hara said he’s expecting a roster with about 45 players. The Golden Eagles competed in Division II when it was a co-op program, but will be a Division III program for at least the next two years. The team’s uniforms will no longer include red, which was added to the blue and gold when the co-op was formed with Belmont.

“It’s definitely a little bit of a different identity here with us and Belmont going our separate ways after last year,” O’Hara said. “I know the kids are happy to represent their own colors. We’ll definitely miss the Belmont kids who weren’t able to finish up four years of playing football, but I think we’re set up for success because we have a lot of kids who are passionate about (football).” 

Gilford will open the 2024 season Sept. 6 at Sanborn.

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