Big hits and tenacious rushing brought Goffstown within a hairsbreadth of a comeback win last Saturday, Sept. 27, but Portsmouth managed to hold on and win a matchup of Division III football foes, 20-14.

“They just have to do more of what they did to open the second half – block well, run well,” said Rob Cathcart, Goffstown’s head coach “We came out and drove hard and turned up the intensity. We need to see more of that.”

In the first minutes of the second half, Jamie McGarry capped a successful drive with a quarterback keeper into the end zone, cutting a 13-0 deficit to a single score, but the Clippers quickly replied.

Later, Jake Staffiere slipped through the offensive line and smashed the opposing quarterback, forcing a fumble that he recovered and returned 65 yards for GHS’s other score.

“Staffiere’s been the biggest, best surprise of the season … Today he showed maturity and skill,” said Cathcart.

With one minute left on the clock, Goffstown put together a drive that reached Portsmouth’s 34-yard line, but McGarry’s final pass was intercepted.

“Jamie’s new to the position, and you have fits and starts when you’re new to the position,” said Cathcart. “He struggled a bit, but it’s never on one player. We need to be able to make plays as a team, and if we do, we’ll see those close losses turn into wins.”