Pelham News : sports

Pelham-Windham close to regional crown

Salem Editor — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:17:00 GMT

The Pelham-Windham Razorbacks fourth-grade football team remained unbeaten and closed within one win of the New England regional championship following a 31-7 regional semifinal-round victory against the Nipmuc Warriors of Central Massachusetts on Saturday, Nov. 14.

That triumph followed a 25-6 state championship defeat of the rival Salem Rams on Nov. 8 at Stellos Stadium in Nashua.

The defense dominated against Salem, allowing one third-quarter touchdown.

Tyler Mercier and Joe Micciche set the tone for the unit on the first play from scrimmage, a 3-yard loss for the Rams. Chris Rozzi then pounced on a fumble after the next snap.

Austin Wentzel, Case Foster, Freddy Stamatatos, Jack Moro, Justin O’Connor, Brian Schwab and Brian Murdza also played well for the stifling defensive unit.

Meanwhile, Brandon O’Grady scored twice in the first half, with Peter Lawson and Zach Debay finding the end zone after the break.

Ty Longo also ran well, adding a point-after touchdown for the Razorbacks.

Up front, Austin Chausse, Graham Diack, Liam O’Connell, Zach Shields, Chris Barsalou, Anthony Suppa, Michael Yeaton, Andrew Schuler, Nick Cunio, Robert Rya, Colin Peterson and Kameron Priestly supplied strong blocking.

“There are no egos on this team, there are no attitudes, there are no bullies, there are no superstars, or people who think they are superstars,” said head coach Lou Longo. “It’s 26 kids at age 9 and 10 years old, who looked at each other and looked at the coaches and said that we want to make a run at the state championship.”

With a win against the Monroe, Conn., Lions at Falcon Field in Meriden, Conn., on Saturday, Nov. 21, the Razorbacks add a regional title. Kickoff is 9 a.m.

• • •

The Pelham-Windham eighth-graders beat Leominster, Mass., 26--6, on Saturday, Nov. 14. That team also plays for a New England championship against the Ridgefield, Conn., Raiders on Saturday, Nov. 21 at the same venue. Kickoff for that contest is 5 p.m.

The state champion Pelham- Windham fifth-graders fell in the regional semifinals to the Tyngsboro, Mass., Tigers, 26-0.

– Submitted by Bob Diack

After long struggles, Pelham girls soccer program is improving

Salem Editor — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:23:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

Pelham girls soccer players, all too familiar with the agony of defeat, are starting to experience the thrill of victory.

The Pythons, frequently winless in recent campaigns, have won two contests in recent weeks, a small step for second-year head coach Amy Alfaro, who continues to instill a new attitude in her players.

“Last year we would lose by four goals, and they were happy. I didn’t understand it,” said Alfaro. “They’re used to losing. Until recently, none of these girls knew what it felt like to win at the high school level.”

On Friday, Oct. 9, Pelham knocked off ConVal, 1- 0, when Kayla Soares scored four minutes into the second overtime session to help the Pythons improve to 2-9 on the year.

Pelham appeared to have scored the go-ahead goal with 10 minutes remaining when Soares and Brianna Diaz converged undefended on a through-ball in front of the keeper, finding the back of the net.

The goal was disallowed thanks to an offside call by the official, and the game remained scoreless. Though Alfaro said she did not believe the offside call was correct, she said it helped her team come away with the win.

“They were frustrated,” said Alfaro. “That call fueled them, and they used it to put pressure on (for) the rest of the game.”

Gina Grimes kept the visitors off the scoreboard throughout the game, using her aggressive goalkeeping style to break up chances and preserve her first shutout of the year.

Nine minutes into the first half, Grimes stopped the best ConVal threat of the game when she extended fully and knocked a low shot wide that was headed for the lower right-hand corner of the net.

Grimes used the muddy field conditions to her advantage, constantly racing to the outskirts of the box and sliding at the feet of attackers to grab the ball before they could put shots on net.

Alfaro said while Grimes has allowed nearly five goals per contest, the freshman has shown a great deal of potential.

“I took this job last year as a favor to a friend, and that favor expires next year,” said Alfaro. “(Grimes) will be the reason I stay beyond that. When an athlete like that comes along, she just makes you want to stay and keep building.”

The keeper’s toughness is undeniable; earlier in the season Grimes suffered a gash that required multiple staples in her head, but she never noticed until the referee stopped play. Grimes had to miss two games due to the injury.

Soares’ goal came from outside the box on the left side, and it was perfectly placed into the top right corner of the net, just as she planned.

“I just want to win,” said Soares. “I was aiming for that spot, and I hit it. It was definitely the high point of the year for us.”

The two teams met again on Monday, Oct. 12, at Con- Val, where the hosts defeated the Pythons, 4-1.

During a late-September contest, Pelham was thumped by Oyster River, 6-0, but Alfaro said that was the moment she saw a change in her team. The Pythons doubled up Laconia, 4-2, in their next scheduled match.

“I’ve been telling them all year about pressuring the ball, and during that (Oyster River) game, something clicked,” the mentor said. “I tell them that when we don’t have the ball, all 11 of them are defenders. They’re starting to get that.”

Never-say-die Pelham eliminated from District 1 tournament

Salem Editor — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:15:00 GMT

BY JERRY LIPTAK

Down two runs, down to their final out, the Pelham 11- and 12- year-old Little League baseball all-stars refused to go quietly. They made a racket, rattled Suncook, but ultimately succumbed, 5-4, on Monday, July 6.

Pelham also fell to neighboring Windham on Friday, July 3, 7-1. With the two losses, the locals were eliminated from the District 1 tournament.

But that eventuality was in question because of some fine efforts from Pelham’s all-stars, including Ryan Rondeau, who relieved Michael Coupal in the bottom of the second inning and allowed no earned runs in four innings of work.

Rondeau, entering with two runners aboard, gave up a two-RBI triple to the first batter he faced, Matt Chartier – one of two three-baggers for Suncook’s leadoff hitter – but little after that.

In fact, he stranded Chartier by fanning Suncook’s Nos. 2, 3 and 4 hitters.

Suncook’s first hitter in the third singled, but center fielder Mike Pelletier made a strong throw to second, catching the batter-runner trying to stretch the hit into a double. Rondeau allowed no more base runners and finished with nine strikeouts.

Pelletier’s play wasn’t Pelham’s lone defensive gem in the D-1 tourney.

Right fielder Brendan Smith made a sterling grab against Windham, stretching his long frame full out to snare a drive near the foul line.

“That kid made the best catch I’ve ever seen at this level,” said Pelham’s manager, Mike Coupal. “I don’t know how he held onto it, he hit the ground so hard.”

Smith left the Suncook game in the fourth when he crashed – face first – into the metal fence down the rightfield line at Muldoon Park, abruptly ending pursuit of a long foul fly. He walked to his parents’ car under his own power, and his coach said he required some stitches.

Pelham’s bats were alive early in the Suncook contest.

Pelletier opened the game with a two-strike triple stroked to right field. He scored on Chris Benjamin’s RBI groundout.

After Suncook scored three times in the bottom of the first, Pelham quickly tied the game. Hannah Paitchel smashed a double to left center.

She scored on Smith’s double to a similar spot. Coupal plated Smith with an RBI groundout.

Suncook relief pitcher Shaun Davis was a tough chore, setting down nine straight Pelham hitters in innings three through five. When Paitchel opened the sixth with a smash fielded by the second baseman and the next batter whiffed, Pelham didn’t quit. Tommy Cahalane battled and reached on an infield single.

Rondeau’s grounder was fielded by the third baseman, but the hurried throw was wild, and Cahalane raced all the way around to score, with Rondeau on third. Keen-eyed Zach Masiello worked a fullcount walk, but Pelletier was thrown out at first by a step or two to end the game, but not Pelham’s season.

Bryce Brown, Mitchell Kamal, Jimmy Russo and Derek Sage join the rest of their mates for more diamond action this summer.

“I don’t really know what to say right now,” said the elder Coupal, whose team plans to play in a tournament in Salem beginning July 18 and another in Tyngsboro, Mass., in late July. “I’m disappointed, of course. It was a well-played game, and they beat us.”

NHFFL crowns spring champions

Salem Editor — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:47:00 GMT

The New Hampshire Flag Football League concluded its spring season with games on Friday, June 26, and title tilts on Sunday, June 28.

In the 12- to 15-year-old division semifinals:
The Texans played a strong defensive game and beat the Colts, 12-6. Kevin Deangelo led the victors’ offense, while Geordan Henderson stood out on defense. Jeremy Cocciardi turned in a fine all-around game for the Colts, and Sam Cavallaro showcased some nifty running.

The Browns received solid quarterback play from Mark Fereira, and Chadd Loring was dynamite on offense in their team’s 12-6 win over the Bears. Jeff Barry and David Bronson were exceptional on both sides of the ball in defeat.

In the finals:
The Texans concluded their fine season by winning the crown.

In the 6- to 8-year-old A division finals:
The Colts earned the crown by defeating the Steelers, 18-6. Cody Stevens bagged a couple of TDs and was an effective all-around performer, while Tommy Emrick read the play and nabbed an interception to complement a strong day running the ball. The Steelers’ Eric Thibodeau returned an interception for a touchdown, and Jon MacLean played well on defense.

In the 6- to 8-year-old B division finals:
The Ravens came to do battle and walked away with a 42-0 victory, while the Vikings’ strong season came to a close. Jacob Dorman and Devin DeBay were overpowering on defense. Dorman scored two touchdowns and DeBay added another.

In the 9- to 11-year-old A division NFC Conference championship:
The Redskins came out firing to an early 13-0 lead, but the resilient Lions fought back and won, 18-13, with Drew Johnson tossing three touchdown passes and Andrew Duragano reeling in big reception after big reception, including one for a TD.

Scott Razetti collected a pair of sacks and played well whenever called upon for the Redskins, and Tom Dimicelli was a standout on both sides of the ball.

In the 9- to 11-year-old A division AFC Conference championship:
The Chiefs pulled away late to beat the Packers, 24-6.

Dylan Poirier and Jacob Cunningham both scored touchdowns, with Cunningham also anchoring the defense.

Joe LaValle and Cameron Pereira were two-way stars for the Packers.

In the 9- to 11-year-old A division finals:
The No. 1 Lions and the second-seeded Chiefs were scoreless at halftime. The Chiefs, once again, did all the late-game damage to win the crown, 18-0. Trevor Gagnon threw three touchdown passes, two to John Granfield, while Mikey Duragano and Parker Belsky turned in solid all-around performances for the Lions.

In the 9- to 11-year-old B division NFC Conference championship:
The Seahawks continued their improbable run with a 15-12 win over the Eagles.

PJ Trachier and Curtis Culcasi provided the fireworks wherever they played for the Seahawks. Joe Halpin helped spark the Eagles’ offense, while Ryan Faria was effective on both sides of the ball.

In the 9- to 11-year-old B division AFC Conference championship:
With Matt Burke providing the offense, Ryan Demers leading the defense and both scoring touchdowns, the Cardinals edged the Saints, 18- 14. Matt Carney contributed some inspiring offense of his own for the Saints, and Kevin Bolio played a fine all-around game.

In the 9- to 11-year-old B division finals:
Few foresaw the Seahawks, 0-6 during the regular season, reaching the championship game. They did, and they won, 18-6. Kyle Rembis played a stellar game at quarterback, and Andrew Dorman was a force everywhere on the field. Freddi Stamatatos made plays sideline to sideline for the Cardinals, and Matt McGlaughlin turned in a strong all-around game.

Upsets punctuate NHFFL playoffs

Salem Editor — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:55:00 GMT

Spectators at the New Hampshire Flag Football League’s early-round playoffs watched some stunning developments in games played Friday, June 19, and Sunday, June 21.

In the 12- to 15-year-old division:
The previously winless and eighth-ranked Browns handed the top-ranked Ravens their first loss in a 15-14 final, despite fine play from a hungry Ravens’ squad. Jacob Diaz scored for the Browns, while Matt DiPoto nabbed an interception.

The second-seeded Bears received star efforts on offense from Jeff Barry and quarterback David Bronson to emerge with a 22-20 victory. John Homsey and Tom Anderson led the seventh-ranked Raiders.

The No. 6-ranked Colts upset the third-seeded Jets, 43- 10. Noah Swiderski made two interceptions, and Dylan Swiderski scored a touchdown. Tom Collins pulled in a TD catch for the Jets, and Matt Noel contributed solid all-around play.

The Texans, ranked No. 4, held off the fifth-seeded Steelers, 18-15. Eric Nystrom scored twice, and Kevin Deangelo ran the game well at QB. Nick Johnson and Adam Wentzel’s all-around play led the Steelers.

In the 6- to 8-year-old division:
AFC Conference’s A Division games The No. 1-ranked Steelers won their elimination contest against a solid Cowboys group, 20-6. Eric Thibodeau tossed three touchdown passes to Zach Colvin.

With a 20-0 victory, the No. 2 Bills secured their place in the championship game. Jack Drolet scored three touchdowns, and Anthony Snyder was tough on defense. Ian Morganstern and Bobby Charrette put in fine all-around performances for the Cardinals.

In the AFC championship- game thriller, the Steelers edged the Bills, 28-26. The Bills scored with three seconds left, but the Steelers prevented the ensuing two-point conversion to hold on. Brandon O’Grady scored a pair of touchdowns for the Bills.

NFC Conference’s A Division games The top-ranked Colts won, 24-8. Connor Matthews and Cory Eyring were solid on both sides of the ball. Mason Belsky and Matthew Scaccia both played inspired defense for the No. 4-ranked Dolphins.

The third-ranked Panthers shut out the No. 2 Packers, 8-0, with big all-around contributions from Danny Dickey and Jeffrey Andon. Drew Brown led the Pack on offense and Noah Lynch spurred the defense.

Tommy Emerick scored on a long TD run, Cody Stevens returned an interception for the game-winning touchdown, and the Colts edged the Panthers, 12-6, for the conference crown. The Panthers received fine allaround games from Cameron Homsey and Daniel Dickey.

AFC Conference’s B Division games The No. 5 Ravens defeated the eighth-ranked 49ers, 34-6.

Brandon Mercier scored in the win, and Jack Herling was a force throughout the game. Salihah Bogner was solid for the 49ers’ defense, and Katie Chaisson played well on both sides of the ball.

The sixth-seeded Chargers clamped down on defense to beat the no. 7 Broncos, 19-6. Tyler Larsen scored for the victors. Lincoln Lessard tallied for the Broncos, and Eddie Shilimon turned in a good game on both sides of the ball.

The Ravens moved to the B Division championship round following a 40-6 win. Aria O’Connel played well in all departments, and Jacob Dorman sparked the offense. Olivia Gagnon and Dreke Crowley put forth excellent all-around efforts for the Chargers.

NFC Conference’s B Division games Kyle Keenan and Nicholas Mueller each scored as the No. 5-seeded Patriots won, 32- 6. Nicholas Pereira scored the lone TD for the Titans, and Colin Marconi was effective on offense and defense.

The No. 6 Vikings moved on following a 14-10 win. AJ Pereira ran for six points, and Nick Wood played stellar D. Owen Haskins led the No. 7 Falcons’ defense, and Madelyn Shea was an all-around star.

A late-game TD reception from Kyle Hoglund helped the Vikings advance, 14-8. Zach Luongo scored the other touchdown off an interception. The Patriots’ Cameron Burns scored the team’s TD, and Ashley Daniels was stellar on defense.

In the 9- to 11-year-old division:
AFC Conference’s A Division games The No. 4-ranked Packers edged the previously unchallenged and top-ranked Patriots, 8-6. Tyler Longo chalked up multiple sacks, and Tim Anderson snatched a pick in the end zone with less than a minute to play to help seal the win over the never-say-die Pats.

The second-ranked Chiefs advanced, 30-6. Johnny Granfield was a key cog in the defense, and Matt Drolet turned in a fine all-around game. The No. 3 Buccaneers received stellar games from Zach Demmons and Tanner Bogner.

NFC Conference’s A Division games Trevor Longo returned an INT for six points and reeled in a reception for a score as the No. 1-ranked Lions won, 27- 6. Andrew Durango threw for a couple of touchdowns. The fourth-ranked Jaguars scored on a Lillian Shilimon-to-Jack Frey pass.

The second-seeded Redskins shut out the No. 3-ranked Rams, 7-0, thanks in large part to Collin Loring’s defense and Cameron Holdsworth’s interception. Patrick Collins contributed everywhere for the Rams, and Ryan O’Grady’s defensive play was exceptional.

AFC Conference’s B Division games The eighth-ranked Seahawks earned their first victory of the season, 15-12, upsetting the No. 5 Bengals. Kyle Rembis was efficient at quarterback, and Andrew Dorman provided excellent play. Johnny Bartose keyed the Bengals’ offense, and Royce Belsky led the D.

The seventh-ranked Eagles knocked off the No. 6 Raiders, 8-0. Joe Halpin was a strong presence on both sides of the ball, and Tommy Costa was a rock on defense. Jacob Yirrell turned in a fine defensive performance for the Raiders, and JJ Wrobel was an all-around star.

NFC Conference’s B Division games Austin Wentzel scored a pair of safeties on quarterback sacks in the fifth-ranked Cardinals’ 4-0 win against the eighth-seeded Panthers. Matt McLaughlin was a force on defense in the win. Max Faro and Michel Haas played very well for the Panthers.

With touchdowns from Kevin Bolio and Patrick Barry, the sixth-seeded Saints moved on with a 25-14 win. The Cowboys’ Connor Rouse returned a pick for a TD, and David Tello was effective on both sides of the ball.

Pelham Challenger Little League allows disabled children to play ball

Salem Editor — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:18:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

In a baseball game, when the ball rolls past an infielder or soars over the head of an outfielder, fans usually aren’t happy with their team. In Pelham, the fans still cheer.

The Pelham Challenger Little League has provided disabled children the chance to participate in organized baseball for the past three years, and is now preparing for a fourth season.

“I think one of the biggest benefits is that the kids get to interact with each other, and they have buddies,” said Beth Young, the league’s vice president. “The kids with the disabilities can’t play on other teams, so it’s nice they can just play baseball.”

The buddies participating in the league are local volunteers, mostly high school-aged, and they help the children on the diamond.

Last year the league consisted of 29 players on four teams, and the league isn’t only open to Pelham residents. Youth from surrounding towns and even towns in Massachusetts are able to sign up to play in the games, which don’t have the same structure as other competitions.

“There are no outs, there are no home runs or anything of that sort. It’s like watching tee ball, but some of the time some of them are running away from us,” Young joked.

Each game consists of about three or four innings, with every player on the team getting a chance to bat in each inning. Young said stepping into the box is the highlight for most children, but playing defense that isn’t always preferred.

“When they first started there were only two teams. They were getting bored and wandering around. Now they’re able to have four innings instead of two,” said Young. “They get excited when it’s time to bat, although they’re not as excited about going into the field. A lot of the times they don’t even know the ball went by them, but they just have a good time.”

Young said it has been rewarding to see that often times children who play in the league also become a buddy, helping in different ways like pushing wheelchairs around the bases.

Hearing nothing but positive feedback from the crowd is one thing that separates the Challenger League from other venues of competition.

“It’s nice that you don’t have parents screaming at the kids,” said Young. “Everybody cheers everybody on, no matter who is playing against who.”

Pelham youngsters continue to improve during difficult girls basketball season

Salem Editor — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 20:47:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

It was a good news/bad news Senior Night for the Pelham girls basketball team.

The bad news? The Lady Pythons had just three seniors to honor, a reality evident by the 53-38 setback that evening, Friday, Jan. 30, courtesy of visiting Coe-Brown Northwood Academy.

The good news? The Lady Pythons graduate only three seniors. While the losses mount – Pelham fell to 3-10 following a 75-40 loss at Portsmouth on Tuesday, Feb. 3 – head coach Tim Powers knows his charges are showing marked progress.

“They’re young, and they learn every game. They’re improving, and they’re doing things better now than they were at the beginning of the year, so that’s the important thing …,” he said. “Anytime you can get on the floor and get some game experience that’s a huge benefit because you can’t simulate that at practice.”

Though Coe-Brown left the PHS gymnasium with a 10-3 record, the locals were competitive the entire first half, even taking the lead late in the second quarter.

But when senior standout Briana Szidat left with an injury early in the third, Pelham not only lost her scoring – she led the game with 18 points – but her leadership.

“That definitely was a factor, but even with her going out with an injury, we still had opportunities, and we just didn’t take advantage of those chances,” said Powers. “The girls came out and executed the game plan and did things the way they needed to, the way we wanted to do, and we were right in the game. That’s the kind of basketball we’re capable of playing. We just need to do it for four quarters.”

Nicole Mastacouris chipped in six points, while Sarah DeBaldo and Rachael Fournier each added four markers. Also contributing to the stat sheet were Jacqui Perry, Amanda Blake and Kayla Bailey.

Powers admits he looks forward to witnessing the fruits of this year’s lumps, but acknowledged his tri-captains, Szidat, Bailey and April Blinn, will be tough to replace.

“Obviously, Briana is the one that does a lot of the scoring and gets all the headlines, but the other two are … hard workers, and they do all the little things that, if you look at the box score, you’re not going to see,” said the coach. “But they do the things that make the team go: they push the young girls and do a lot of the dirty work. They’re very important pieces, all three of them.”

Pelham boys basketball team, after two-year absence from finals, has plan to return

Salem Editor — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 01:53:00 GMT

BY JERRY LIPTAK

Thirty seconds into a meaningless preseason jamboree at Concord’s Community College, Pelham boys basketball head coach Todd Kress had seen enough. He called a timeout.

“Did you even think about taking the charge?” he heatedly said to one of his starters, who had just allowed a Bishop Guertin ballhandler to drive for an uncontested layup.

Later, with three minutes remaining in the 20-minute game, a Pelham bench player stood his ground, drew a charge from an out-of-control BG foe and returned the ball to the Pythons. Kress enthusiastically clapped his hands for the player.

Those two exchanges – in an abbreviated contest – explain Kress’ mindset entering the 2008-09 Class I season: he has zero patience for soft play, yet unlimited support for the selfless variety.

“The last couple of years, I felt we really weren’t mentally tough,” said Kress. “We didn’t come in ready to take (the postseason tournament).”

The coach, who led the team to the state title in 2006, watched the Pythons fall to muscle-bound Hanover in the tourney quarterfinals the last two years. He said his team in 2008-09 is long on talent, if not long of limb.

“Big, strong, physical teams like Hanover have given us trouble,” he said. “But we’re going to work harder than those teams and dictate the tempo. We want to get back to our style of basketball – fast-paced, non-stop basketball. If we keep that pace for 32 minutes, we’re going to be fine.”

Setting the tone is senior star Justin Hojlo, one of the best backcourtmen in New Hampshire.

In years past, the question always seemed to be, “Can Hojlo make his teammates better?” This year, Kress requires the rest of the team to take responsibility.

“They have to help him. You want to watch him do his thing, and that’s understandable. But it’s not going to be productive for him and the team,” said Kress, who knows Hojlo’s keen court vision is a dangerous weapon only if his mates move without the ball.

Grant Hebert, a senior, and Stephen Spirou, a sophomore, are two of Hojlo’s main targets, yet Kress said the whole 11-man roster needs to be prepared to help.

“At least through (our first) eight guys, we’re not going to lose anything,” said the mentor. “We’ve got a lot of kids that love to get out there and run.”

Sophomore Mike Lombard, senior EJ Baker, and juniors Conor McColgan, Sean Sweeney and Josh Boissonnault must be key contributors, while senior Dave Wesson and juniors Corey Couillard and Joe DeAngelo push their teammates and try to push their way into more playing time.

The idea, Kress said, is for Pelham and its fresh legs to outlast any huffing, puffing opponent in the fourth quarter, particularly in March.

Pelham wrestlers have talent throughout roster, needs to fill all weight classes

Salem Editor — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 02:12:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

Four points was all that separated the Pelham wrestling team from a top-four spot at last year’s Division II championship.

This season, second-year coach Bob Riddinger said his squad, which finished seventh last winter, has the talent to close that gap, and if the right pieces fall into place, perhaps garner a top-three finish.

“We had a couple disappointments last year, a couple kids I thought would finish higher, finish stronger .... Overall I thought we did OK, but that’s something we can certainly work on, to place higher at the state meet,” said Riddinger. “A couple teams were hit pretty hard by graduation. With feeder and youth programs, I’m sure they’ll be able to rebuild a little, but that’s definitely not a quick process, so I think we have a solid chance to improve on what we did last year.”

Riddinger said he’s lost a couple standouts as well, but retained a handful of athletes fully capable of competing for the top spot in their individual weight class.

Among those returning are the Pythons’ four senior captains, 125-pounder Roger Allen, 135-pounder Justin Isabelle and brothers RJ and Mark Riddinger, who wrestle with 145- and 152- pounders, respectively.

Junior Mike Perruccio, runner- up in the 119-pound weight class to Oyster River’s Jeff Cole at last year’s D-II championship, defeated the same foe for third place at the Meet of Champions to earn his second straight trip to New Englands.

Perruccio and Cole are likely to battle it out for state supremacy in 2009.

Though still somewhat green, sophomore Richie Sullivan has the build and the skill necessary to contend with top 140-pounders. Riddinger said with a little polish, junior heavyweight Chris Salazar, who last year transferred from Chelmsford High and recently helped the Pelham football team to another title, has a solid shot to challenge as well.

Others expected to make a splash this season include 112- pound junior Ryan Cannizzaro, who missed last season with a broken arm, 160-pound sophomore Warren Greenhalgh, 130- pound sophomore Josh Lynde, and 103-pound freshman Josh Medeiros.

The key for a solid team showing, said Riddinger, is finding athletes who can fill in the holes and compete in the missing weight classes.

“We certainly have the reasonable expectation to finish higher this year, but top three may be tough if we’re missing one or two weight classes,” he said. “When you go into tournaments, you need all the spots filled to give yourself a chance at any type of decent placement. If we can do that, we’ll be right there.”

Pelham field hockey's turnaround impresses team’s coach and its foes

Salem Editor — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:50:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

As Pelham field hockey captain Gina Guimond walked off the Portsmouth field, her head bowed in defeat, an NHIAA official approached and offered congratulations.

“But we lost,” replied Guimond.

“Yes, but I have to admit I never expected this type of performance from a 13th seed,” said the referee. “Well done.”

Suddenly smiling, Guimond reported the conversation to her coach, Linda Koehler.

“Of course,” said the Pelham mentor. “Look at what you girls just did. You had a great team scared out there.”

Indeed, the underdog Lady Pythons held fourth-seeded Portsmouth to one goal and had several opportunities to tie the contest before falling, 1-0.

While many other low seeds were thrashed by their opponents, Koehler said she’s proud to have coached a group of girls that simply refused to give up.

“My team is flippin’ awesome,” said Koehler. “They absolutely played their hearts out.”

Just reaching the playoffs was accomplishment enough. After all, in the midst of what appeared from the outside to be yet another throw-away season for the Pelham, Koehler knew her team was capable of more. Following the Lady Pythons’ second win of 2008, a 3-1 triumph at John Stark on Sept. 24, the mentor said her 2-5 team had the ability to reach the postseason.

Though the Class I tournament seemed like a lofty goal at the time, the John Stark victory began a 5-0-2 run that included ties against 9-3-1 St. Thomas Aquinas and 8-5-1 Oyster River.

“We had a couple games early that were ‘coulda’, shoulda’, woulda’,’ but didn’t,’ and that’s OK,” said Koehler. “They played well, brought themselves together as a team, stuck with it and made a really nice turnaround from last season.”

Learning how to win again, said Koehler, was the biggest key to the program’s progress.

“We were second to the bottom last year, and we came from 22nd to 13th,” she continued. “The biggest thing is the mindset, knowing that they can compete and they can win and they can also have fun along the way, which they did.”

Though Pelham loses nine seniors – Guimond, Chelsea I’Anson, Emily Koehler, Kellie Chadwick, Devon Lamoureux, Cassandra Costello, Courtney Perry, Laurie Costa and Hollyann DeCarteret – Koehler expects to feature 11 12th-graders next season.

“We’re bringing back a solid core with a little bit on every line, so I think they should continue to do well,” she said. “You’ll see them back in the tournament. These girls want it. They saw what the team did this year, and they want the same, if not better.”

Pelham and Bow stumble around gridiron, but Pythons take win

Salem Editor — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:18:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

Tom Babaian wasn’t impressed with his team’s performance. Paul Cohen wasn’t pleased with how his squad played either. But someone had to come out with a win.

Babaian’s Pelham football team defeated Cohen’s Bow Falcons, 35-20, on Saturday, Oct. 4, in a turnover-plagued contest that helped the Pythons improve to 3-0 on the season.

“We were very sloppy, we didn’t execute well, we didn’t hold the ball well, and playoff teams can’t do that,” Babaian said. “Any time you can come out with a win is good, but we’re going to need to work on things if we want to go deep in the playoffs.”

The two teams combined for 11 turnovers, and while his team’s execution was poor, Cohen liked his team’s attitude.

“We made a lot of mistakes, and obviously they capitalized on those,” Cohen said. “We were undermanned coming in and then lost a few more guys during the game. I was happy to see them battling, and happy to see they refused to quit.”

Pelham recovered a fumble at the Bow 23-yard line with 9:17 remaining in the first quarter and cashed in when quarterback Joseph DeAngelo lobbed a pass to a diving Tim Schaffer in the end zone, giving the Pythons a 7-0 lead.

It looked as if the Pythons might be in position to cruise to the easy victory after Josh Luciano broke free on a 43-yard touchdown scamper with little more than five minutes remaining in the first quarter.

But the Falcons struck back with a big play of their own, as quarterback Austin Hill threw a short pass to wideout Tom Poitras, who did the rest of the work, breaking free and running down the sideline for an 85-yard score.

Although Hill and Poitras did connect for another touchdown with 11 seconds remaining in the contest, Bow never challenged again.

Luciano contributed in nearly every aspect for the Pythons, running for a score, catching another, taking snaps at quarterback, and also intercepting two passes.

Hoping to defend its undefeated state championship, Babaian is fully aware his squad is going to face top efforts from every team it plays the rest of the way.

“We know we’re marked, and everyone wants a piece of us,” he said. “We have got to get better. We aren’t where we want to be right now, but hopefully we can get there.”

Pelham High School coach confident in team’s ability, seeks consistent intensity

Salem Editor — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:48:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

Linda Koehler has spent the greater part of the last 20 years grooming young field hockey talent in Pelham.

After helping develop a generally successful high school program between 1987 and 1998, she spent 2004 through 2006 mentoring at the middle school, where she led several current Lady Pythons to two first-place finishes and a runners-up trophy.

In 2007, Koehler returned as an assistant at the high school, and this year she once again took the reins of the program, which hasn’t won more than a handful of games the last several seasons. Her aims are simple.

“Our first goal is to love playing field hockey again. Our second is to start winning some games, and then we want to finish it off by making a playoff appearance,” she said. “I know these girls, and you’re looking at girls somewhere along the line that obviously knew how to play.”

So when the Lady Pythons were getting off the bus prior to their road contest at John Stark on Sept. 24, Koehler’s advice was simple: Play like you’re behind three goals.

“They always play better in the second half, and I wanted to show them that if they come out with that same type of intensity, it’s a lot easier to hold the lead than to come from behind,” she said.

Sure enough, Pelham scored first when sophomore Kelsi Lynde connected with fellow midfielder Chelsea I’Anson, who planted the ball in the back of the net. In the second half, Lynde and Emily Koehler each notched tallies and the Lady Pythons cruised to a 3-1 triumph, their second of the season. Goalies Alexandra Catalano and Monique Fournier combined for the victory in net.

The win, of course, was a step forward. Now, Koehler said her players are ready to take some long strides, hopefully picking up enough momentum to reach the postseason.

“I think if you look at our season and you look at our schedule – we spent a lot of time on the road and played some historically strong teams – and … I was told we played great out there,” said Koehler. “My girls can play. They can’t necessarily always score, but they can play. More importantly, they’re happy, and now they’re starting to learn how to win.”

Pelham field hockey team thoroughly outplays Bow but falls at home, 2-0

Salem Editor — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:15:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

The Pelham field hockey team created more scoring threats, but Bow made its chances count, earning a 2- 0 road victory. Although the Pythons spent most of the afternoon on the attack, the Falcons scored a goal in each half, defeating Pelham on Friday, Sept. 12.

Bow’s Kristen Chulada corralled a loose ball in front of the net and pounded it home, giving the Falcons a 1-0 advantage heading into the half. Falcons goalies Lydia Crisp and Sarah Starempfer split time in net, combining for the shutout.

“The defense’s ability to stop all of those chances was amazing, and the star of the game was obviously the defensive line,” said Bow’s head coach, Tracy Berube. “Even though a lot of the times they created those chances, they can back themselves up.”

For Pelham’s head coach, Linda Koehler, it was frustrating to see her team on offense so frequently without cracking the scoreboard.

“(We) dominated that game, but we were caught flat,” said Koehler. “It’s the second effort to put those back in (the net) that we need. We just need to learn how to win, and it goes back to having confidence.”

Berube agreed the Pythons controlled the flow of play, despite what the scoreboard indicated.

“We had to bring it back to basics,” she said. “I think they outplayed us, so you have to focus on going slow, making passes and hoping they find a rhythm. I can’t tell you what this is doing for our morale. Hopefully it gives them the confidence they needed.”

In the second half, Pelham continued pressing for the equalizer inside the Bow offensive circle, but Julia Romano added her first goal of the season with 4:38 remaining to seal the victory.

Romano had missed the majority of the preseason as well as Bow’s first three regular season games with an ankle sprain.

With the win, Bow improved to 1-2-1 for the year. The loss dropped Pelham to 1-2 on the young season.

Ali Meagher, Lindsay Davis and Kelly Knepper anchored the Bow defense to help blank Pelham, while Devon Lamoreux and Kally Riddinger kept the Pythons in the game on defense.

Koehler said it was Bow’s ability to switch from defense to offense that was difficult to stop.

“They transition very well from defense to offense, and they did it very quickly,” she said. “They took advantage of their opportunities.”

Talent up, scores down, on Pelham golf team

Salem Editor — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:03:00 GMT

BY RYAN O’CONNOR

With one senior and three freshmen in the top eight, as well as a sophomore playing as the team’s No. 1, there’s no denying the Pelham golf squad is young. Yet it presents an ideal scenario for Todd Kress.

The second-year golf coach said last season’s lot featured a solid group of seniors who were very much set in their ways. This year, he said, the players are excited to learn and improve their play.

“Last year they were good, but they were pretty much the same (talent-wise) all year. This year, we’re just going to get better and better. These guys are listening, and they’re passionate about working to get better,” said Kress. “I told them last year was a pass, I let them do what they wanted to do, and now it’s about winning.”

Though he’s taking a patient approach, recognizing the Pythons won’t compete for a state title this season, Kress said the team should be capable of a top five finish in 2009.

“We would like to think we’re (currently) a .500, competitive team, and we would like to think we’ve improved from last year,” said Kress. “The numbers are up. We’ve gone from 10 to 16 (athletes), so that’s a step in the right direction.”

Senior Grant Hebert is slotted as the team’s No. 3 behind junior Corey Couillard and Pelham’s top golfer, sophomore Jesse Vaiknoras.

“That gives us three consistent guys in the 36 to 40 (shots per nine holes) range,” said Kress. “If we can get those next couple guys around 43 – right now, they’re 45, 46 – and we can teach those guys to manage the course a little better, I really expect us to be around 205, 210 meet in and meet out.”

While junior Ryan Fyfe is a solid No. 4 for Pelham, freshmen Daniel Roberts and Trent Austin each have the opportunity to score in the top five on any given outing.

Those competing to fill the final two spots include senior brothers Everett and Nathan Paitchell, juniors Brett Austin, Jeffrey Caira and Stephen Jean, and freshman Alec Surprenant.

Kress said the freshmen were shooting in the low 50s when practice began. Two of the three have already lowered their handicap, each consistently carding scores in the mid 40s.

“They’re only going to get bigger and stronger. I mean, they hit it straight as an arrow, they just need to get a little more distance,” said Kress. “If Jesse and Corey can take the leadership in the offseason and get the guys playing in the summertime and getting memberships, I think next year will be a very good season for us.”

Kress, whose top accomplishments – including the 2006 Class I title – have come on the side of a basketball court, said he’s had to make adjustments as a coach, too.

“Sometimes you’ve got to realize (golf) is a mental game more than anything else, and if you think that kid’s head is not quite right, you can’t afford to put him out there because you can’t make a change,” said Kress. “You know, in other sports you can substitute. In this sport you throw your eight guys out there and hope they’re good for a day, but they really are on their own out there … You really can’t make halftime adjustments.”

That doesn’t mean the course doesn’t offer benefits foreign to the court.

“The thing that’s different about this sport, as opposed to other sports, is all you’ve got to do is be good on one day,” Kress continued. “You know, last year (at the state tournament) the 12th seed was Monadnock, and they finished third. You’ve just got to hope the course fits your team’s strengths and hope your guys show up on the day of the state meet.”

Pelham football, behind strong ground game, seeks another crown

Salem Editor — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 00:42:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY

Tom Babaian isn’t looking for his team to replicate what it accomplished last season, but he does hope it ends with his football team holding a championship plaque for a second consecutive year.

Babaian’s Pelham Pythons completed their undefeated 2007 campaign with a state title, and the team returns some of the main cogs from last year.

“Obviously you try to duplicate what you did last year. You don’t settle for anything less,” said the head coach. “We’re looking to be just as good, if not better. That doesn’t mean that’ll happen, but that’s what you strive for.”

One returning player to this year’s team is Bruce Vieira, who proved to be one of the best backs in the state last season. Babaian said Vieira has been successful on the field due to his preparation off it.

“He’s without a doubt one of the top players in the entire state, if not in New England. He’s an outstanding player, outstanding kid,” said Babaian. “He does it all on his own. He’ll push himself, and that’s the difference between him and everybody else. He just does it, and that’s rare for a high school kid. You can’t teach that.”

Leading the offense will be Josh Luciano, who Babaian said brings a combination of leadership and athleticism to the quarterback position.

“He has a lot of that (athleticism), but he just needs to learn to use it,” said Babaian. “I think he’ll have a big year.”

With the success of Vieira last year, defenses will look to slow the senior, making Tim Schaffer vital to the Pelham backfield.

“If they key on Bruce, then (Schaffer) could have a big year. That’s huge because you can’t have an average guy be the opposite of a Bruce,” said Babaian. “You need somebody who can pound the ball and take it the distance. It makes a big difference (in) play calling.”

Babaian said he expects junior linebacker Connor McColgan and senior nose tackle Bill Helliwell to anchor the defense for Pelham, which faces new Division-V opponents thanks to an expansion and reshuffling of divisions.

“It’ll be much more competitive … It makes it a lot more difficult. You’re adding in some good quality teams,” he said. “We’re not going to have the teams that roll over like we had last year. There were times we walked on the field and it was over.”

Although Babaian is excited for the season to begin, he knows his team still needs to improve before its regular-season opener on Saturday, Sept. 6, at Campbell.

“Honestly, we have a lot of work before our first game. We’re nowhere near game ready yet,” he said. “It’s getting the kids prepared for what’s coming at them and the speed it’s coming at them.”