The Sentinel Title Services Division II Semifinal Preview
2014-11-13
Liam Middleton head to North Conway for a showdown
By Dave Haley
Quick note before we get to the games, next week’s championship previews will be opposing coaches anonymously evaluating and breaking down each of the teams playing at UNH from all three divisions. No one knows these teams better than the coaches that face and game plan against them and we will bring you all of that analysis next week.
(2) Hollis-Brookline at (1) Windham
Windham probably never expected to see Hollis-Brookline again after a 56-0 opening day win over the Cavaliers. Hollis-Brookline though has been a resilient team that benefited from playing in the weakest of the four conferences in Division II and they arrive for another shot at the top seed Saturday afternoon.
We talked all season long here and on our radio show that the top seed in the Division was going to avoid #3 seed St. Thomas (a team capable of beating anyone) and have a near clear path to UNH. The points system has arrived at the conclusion that Windham is that team. Saturday Hollis-Brookline will need to be able to run the football with their all-state back Matt Ferenczhalmy and force turnovers.
The Cavaliers have allowed 64 more points than they have scored on the season and in the semifinals they face a team who has outscored their opponents by 251 points. This one has the look of the most lopsided game in the state Saturday afternoon.
(2) St. Thomas at (1) Kennett
This game may be the best game of the day and Pete Tarrier, Justin McIsaac and The Great Jon Kesty will be there to bring you all the coverage. We will bring you all the play by play, highlights and post-game interviews while you can listen to Justin McIsaac call the game live on WTSN at www.am1270wtsn.com
Kennett is one of the most physically imposing teams in the state so look for St. Thomas to use QB Stephen Hedberg to spread the Eagles out and force them to cover receivers like Charlie Pollack and Liam Middleton in space. Laconia had success throwing the football against Kennett (Matt Swormstedt threw for 224 yards..2 TDs..2 picks) and the Saints have the speed on the outside to give Kennett trouble.
In a close loss to the Sachems Saints coach Eric Cumba saw the Sachems go to wide receiver Brendan Mooney over & over again against smaller St. Thomas defensive backs. That could be a weakness Will Pollard and the Eagles exploit Saturday afternoon. St. Thomas has been terrific against the run but when DB’s were left alone on the outside Laconia was able to pick them apart with more size and Kennett has the players to employ the same strategy.
(2) Hollis-Brookline at (1) Windham
Windham probably never expected to see Hollis-Brookline again after a 56-0 opening day win over the Cavaliers. Hollis-Brookline though has been a resilient team that benefited from playing in the weakest of the four conferences in Division II and they arrive for another shot at the top seed Saturday afternoon.
We talked all season long here and on our radio show that the top seed in the Division was going to avoid #3 seed St. Thomas (a team capable of beating anyone) and have a near clear path to UNH. The points system has arrived at the conclusion that Windham is that team. Saturday Hollis-Brookline will need to be able to run the football with their all-state back Matt Ferenczhalmy and force turnovers.
The Cavaliers have allowed 64 more points than they have scored on the season and in the semifinals they face a team who has outscored their opponents by 251 points. This one has the look of the most lopsided game in the state Saturday afternoon.
(2) St. Thomas at (1) Kennett
This game may be the best game of the day and Pete Tarrier, Justin McIsaac and The Great Jon Kesty will be there to bring you all the coverage. We will bring you all the play by play, highlights and post-game interviews while you can listen to Justin McIsaac call the game live on WTSN at www.am1270wtsn.com
Kennett is one of the most physically imposing teams in the state so look for St. Thomas to use QB Stephen Hedberg to spread the Eagles out and force them to cover receivers like Charlie Pollack and Liam Middleton in space. Laconia had success throwing the football against Kennett (Matt Swormstedt threw for 224 yards..2 TDs..2 picks) and the Saints have the speed on the outside to give Kennett trouble.
In a close loss to the Sachems Saints coach Eric Cumba saw the Sachems go to wide receiver Brendan Mooney over & over again against smaller St. Thomas defensive backs. That could be a weakness Will Pollard and the Eagles exploit Saturday afternoon. St. Thomas has been terrific against the run but when DB’s were left alone on the outside Laconia was able to pick them apart with more size and Kennett has the players to employ the same strategy.