NH high school football Grid Picks: Taking Bow, Merrimack to stay on track
Oct. 11—Thursday
Central at Salem (7 p.m.)
The Blue Devils remain unbeaten against NHIAA competition. Salem, 40-14
Friday
Bow at St. Thomas (6 p.m.)
Each of these teams has won three of its last four, and is seeking its fifth victory. Bow, 21-14.
Gilford/Belmont at Merrimack Valley (6:30 p.m.)
This looks like a fair fight. Gilford/Belmont, 20-19.
Bishop Guertin at Keene (6:30 p.m.)
Keene has won three in a row and Bishop Guertin is coming off a 56-17 loss to Pinkerton, so let's call this a mild upset. BG, 21-20.
Merrimack at Nashua South (6:30 p.m.)
The Tomahawks will be looking to extend their winning streak to three games. Merrimack, 20-8.
Memorial at Spaulding (6:30 p.m.)
The Red Raiders started 0-3, but there's a good chance they'll qualify for the playoffs. Spaulding, 28-7.
Bishop Brady at Somersworth (7 p.m.)
A reminder that with the exception of Somersworth and Newfound (maybe), Division IV teams won't play next weekend. Somersworth, 42-6.
Inter-Lakes/Moultonborough at Fall Mountain (7 p.m.)
The winner of this matchup will likely be the No. 3 seed in the Division III playoffs, although if the Wildcats prevail they could still finish higher. I-L/M, 20-14.
Stevens at Kingswood (7 p.m.)
Kingswood enters the weekend with an 0-3 record at home. Stevens, 27-6.
Hollis/Brookline at Souhegan (7 p.m.)
Hollis-Brookline has allowed at least 40 points in each of its five games. Souhegan, 42-6.
Pelham at Milford (7 p.m.)
The Pythons haven't given up a point this season. Pelham, 34-0.
Kennett at Plymouth (7 p.m.)
Kennett's defense has allowed 86 points in its last two games. Plymouth, 35-20.
Pembroke at Laconia (7 p.m.)
A victory would even the Sachems' record at 3-3. Laconia, 28-7.
Concord at Bedford (7 p.m.)
Someone is going to make the Division I playoffs with three wins. Not sure Concord is going to get there. Bedford, 34-0.
Nashua North at Goffstown (7 p.m.)
The Nashua North offense finds its rhythm after failing to score in the last two games. North, 34-6.
Timberlane at Dover (7 p.m.)
Dover's only losses came against unbeaten Portsmouth/Oyster River and unbeaten Bedford. Dover, 34-14.
Exeter at Londonderry (7 p.m.)
The Blue Hawks will be looking to avoid a three-game losing streak. Londonderry, 26-14.
Winnacunnet at Alvirne (7 p.m.)
If the Broncos win this weekend, they're going to earn a spot in the Division I playoffs. Alvirne, 14-13.
Hanover at West (7:30 p.m.)
The Bears remain in the hunt for a home playoff game. Hanover, 36-6.
Saturday
ConVal at Campbell (11 p.m.)
ConVal has been held to eight points in its three losses. Campbell, 42-18.
John Stark at Sanborn (1 p.m.)
Each of these teams will enter this contest on a three-game winning streak. This is the best matchup on this weekend's Division II schedule. Sanborn, 21-20.
Franklin at Newport (2 p.m.)
It's possible these teams will meet in the Division IV semifinals. Newport, 34-6.
Winnisquam at Mascoma (2 p.m.)
Two teams battling for their second victory. This should be a one-score game either way. Mascoma, 18-12.
Trinity at Epping/Newmarket (2 p.m.)
Because of two forfeit victories, the Pioneers have played one game since Sept. 15. Trinity, 44-14.
Portsmouth/Oyster River at Windham (2 p.m.)
Windham may need to win its next three games to make the Division I playoffs. Winning two of the next three may be good enough, but that could be dicey. P/OR, 21-13.
Brockton at Pinkerton (2 p.m.)
Here's hoping next year's setup leaves Division I teams with an open week so games like this can still be played. Pinkerton, 28-27.
Raymond at Newfound (7 p.m.)
The Rams look like they'll be the No. 3 seed in Division IV. Raymond, 42-12.
Last week: 22-7; 2023 record: 109-30.
