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BG foils Pinkerton's game plan

Pinkerton had a very specific plan to combat Bishop Guertin's high-flying attack: outscore the Cardinals.

That didn't happen.

Pinkerton was held scoreless in the first quarter and scored only once in the third quarter of the Division 1 state final and Bishop Guertin cruised to a 14-11 win.

Pinkerton outduels Exeter, returns to state final for 13th time

NASHUA, N.H. | Pinkerton Academy is going back to the New Hampshire Division 1 boys lacrosse final after upending Exeter 10-7 at Stellos Stadium yesterday.

"Today everything connected, we were hustling and playing under control," said Pinkerton tri-captain Bobby Dattilo. "Everybody was on the same page and morale was high, we came out firing."

Londonderry holds on, earns first-ever trip to state final

MANCHESTER, N.H. | Londonderry's girls lacrosse team was up to the challenge yesterday.

Despite two scoring droughts of nearly 15 minutes each, a half-hour thunderstorm delay, and miserable wet and rainy conditions, the Lancers managed to hang on and defeat Pinkerton 9-8 in the Division 1 state semifinals at Manchester Memorial field.

Valentine's Day for Pinkerton

Anthony Valentine exploded for six goals as No. 3 Pinkerton crushed No. 6 Manchester Central 15-6 in the Division 1 quarterfinals. Nick Currier added a hat trick while Brian Estes scored two goals and Bobby Dattilo dished out five assists for the winners.

Salem clinches regular-season crown

Larry Weymouth fired a one-hitter and Salem locked up the top seed in the upcoming Class L tournament with a 3-0 victory over Pinkerton.

Weymouth, now 5-0, struck out 10 and walked only one, outdueling Astro Doug Schultz, who was touched up for three runs in the first then slammed the door the rest of the way.

Gregsak, Mathieu spark Astros

PLAISTOW, N.H. | Upstart programs like Timberlane have given Pinkerton Academy fits in recent years. Take Tuesday's loss to 6-9 Memorial for example.

"Not today," said lefthander Nick Gregsak. "We haven't always beaten teams we should, but it's something we're working on. Today, we played very well, like we have to."

Pinkerton beats rival Londonderry

Pinkerton beat rival Londonderry. Lancer Brenden Bice cleared 13-6 in the pole vault, the best leap in the area so far this spring. Pinkerton's Jeff Manzik won the triple jump (37-7) and Eric Guinto won the 100 meters (11.3).

Lancers notch historic win

For the first time in program history, Londonderry defeated Pinkerton. The Lancers prevailed 8-6, handing the Astros their first loss of the season.

'The girls really worked for this one," said Londonderry coach Bob Slater. "Defensively our kids were outstanding. And to have five different goal scorers in a game like this says something for this program."

Londonderry beats Pinkerton

Sean Caron delivered a two-run single as Londonderry closed with a rush, plating six in the seventh inning to best Pinkerton, 9-1. Caron had three hits and three runs driven in for the Lancers (7-3), helping winning pitcher Chris Crutcher, who tossed six innings of five-hit ball. Joe Guidi had three of the Astros' six hits and drove in their lone run.

Norris' flurry paces Pinkerton

Teagan Norris scored five times and Tom Auger notched a hat trick as Pinkerton crushed Salem, 20-5. Brian Estes and Steve Eurieck had two goals each.

Guilherme a bright spot

Brian Estes and Nick Currier each scored two goals but that wasn't enough for Pinkerton to avoid its first loss of the season. Longmeadow (Mass.) scored four times in the third period to hand the Astros a 13-7 loss. Jeff Guilherme had three assists in the loss.

Pinkerton falls to Manchester Central

Doug Schultz and Nick Gregsak combined for four runs and four hits, but Pinkerton fell to Manchester Central, 7-5. Zach Mathieu drove in two runs with a third-inning single.

Ottaviani Haverhill Invitational Meet

Lawrence's KB Oshodi has been one of Central Catholic's best and brightest track stars. And he has the Raider football program to thank for it.

"In my freshman year, the football coaches wanted to get us to do track," Oshodi explained. "They said it would be good to try and do a lot of different stuff. In the triple jump, in my first year, I was doing better than the varsity guys. I did well and I just continued to improve."

Pinkerton Falls

Senior Joe Guidi went 2 for 2 but it wasn't enough for Pinkerton, which fell to Winnacunnet 7-1. Hurler Bill Dodge whiffed four batters in six innings for the Astros (2-2).

Pinkerton doubles up Salem

Nicole Curry found the net five times and keeper Kara Beaulieu made six saves as Pinkerton doubled up Salem, 12-6. Heather Carr and Sammi Benson each scored twice for the Astros while Kacie Connal had a goal and two assists. Salem received single goals from six different players | Laura Santos, Aly Higgins, Sara Halbich, Kyleigh Keating, Tatum Dyer and Taylor Dyer.

Pinkerton laxmen drill Keene

Fifteen of the 27 players on the roster recorded at least a point and Pinkerton blitzed Keene 21-2. Bobby Datillo led the team with three goals and four assists, and Teagan Norris backed him up with five points.

Astros' rally nips young Lancers

Despite some opening-day problems, including a 6-3 halftime deficit, Pinkerton came roaring back in the second half yesterday, scoring four goals in 4:04 and grinding out an exciting 10-9 season-opening win over local rival Londonderry.

Pinkerton Girls Lacrosse Preview

2007 record: 16-2, lost Division 1 semifinals

Returning starters (9): Jacki Benson, Sr., midfield; Paige Dorval, Sr., defense; Nikki Corso, Sr., defense; Devan Shea, Jr., midfield; Sammie Benson, Sr., midfield; Nicole Curry, Jr., attack;  Sarah Titus, Sr., defense; Meghan Hickey, Sr., defense; Kara Beaulieu, Sr., goalie;

Pinkerton Boys Lacrosse Preview

2007 record: 13-5, lost in Division 1 semifinals

Returning starters (8): Bobby Dattilo, Sr., midfield; Steve Eurieck, Sr., midfield; Peter Mazzola, Sr., midfield; Greg Foster, Sr., defense; Brian Estes, Jr., midfield; Nick Currier, Jr., midfield; Anthony Valentine, Sr., attack; Nolin Murphy, Jr., attack

Pinkerton Baseball Preview

2007 record: 12-8, lost in Class L first round

Returning starters (4): Nick Gregsak, Sr., CF/P; Doug Schultz, Sr., P/SS; Pat Curry, Sr., C; Joe Guidi, Sr., INF

Pinkerton Softball Preview

2007 record: 8-12, lost in Class L first round

Returning starters (6): Katie Miller, Jr., C/SS; Cara Chooljian, Jr., P/INF; Shannon Doherty, Soph., 3B/C; Brittany Gentile, Soph., P/OF; Kaitlin Frederick, Jr., CF; Aimee Walters, Jr., 2B

No. 1 Salem finds some energy, staves off Astros

Salem sharpshooter Josh Jones wasn't expecting a cakewalk yesterday afternoon and Pinkerton made sure the Blue Devils didn't get one.

The No. 1-seed Blue Devils (22-1, 20-0 in Class L) struggled until the final two minutes before pulling away for a 56-47 victory over the stubborn No. 8-seed Astros. They'll face No. 4 Manchester Central in the Class L semifinals at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at UNH's Lundholm Gym.

Salem in good hands with ‘Steady Freddie’

DURHAM, N.H. | Salem High point guard Josh Frederico won't say he has the "green light" to shoot from coach E.J. Perry. The top-seeded Blue Devils can be thankful that the gritty senior blew through a flashing yellow yesterday in the Class L quarterfinals against Pinkerton.

Halfway Home: No. 1 Salem finds some energy, staves off Astros

DURHAM, N.H. | Salem sharpshooter Josh Jones wasn't expecting a cakewalk yesterday afternoon and Pinkerton made sure the Blue Devils didn't get one.

The No. 1-seed Blue Devils (22-1, 20-0 in Class L) struggled until the final two minutes before pulling away for a 56-47 victory over the stubborn No. 8-seed Astros. They'll face No. 4 Manchester Central in the Class L semifinals at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at UNH's Lundholm Gym.

Cassidy delivers in clutch for Astros

Right man, right place, right time.

Pinkerton Academy's Beau Cassidy had the weight of the season dumped on his shoulders, going to the foul line twice in the final minute of last night's Class L tourney first-rounder against Winnacunnet Regional.

Foul trouble, cold shooting dooms Astros

HOOKSETT, N.H. | A tough day from the floor and three key players fouling out is a recipe for disaster.

It was just such a fate that befell fifth-seeded Pinkerton in its 37-33 loss to No. 4 Merrimack before 246 fans at Southern New Hampshire University in the quarterfinals of the Class L tournament yesterday.

Pinkerton freshman blanks Little Green

A hot goaltender in a tournament can be a dangerous weapon.

Not only does it allow a team to be a bit more aggressive, it can give a team a renewed sense of confidence. With eighth-seed Pinkerton looking nervous in the opening 15 minutes of the Division 1 first round game against No. 9 Manchester Central, freshman Kevin Kent was a rock, turning in several clutch early saves. The Astros settled down and cruised to a 3-0 victory.

Pinkerton survives big scare

The concept of playoff basketball is purely Darwinian, and Pinkerton was only slightly fitter than Nashua North Wednesday night.

The No. 8 Astros weathered sloppy first and third quarters to squeak by the 12th-seeded Titans with a 46-45 nail-biter before about 400 fans at Hackler Gym.

Astros capture interstate matchup

HOOKSETT, N.H. | Three Pinkerton players made a big impact in a game in which the Astros did all the little things right.

Pinkerton's top line of Doug Schultz, Jeremy Lavoie and Eddie Galvin combined for three goals and six assists as the red-hot Astros downed Wakefield, 4-3, in an interstate matchup.

NH Division 1 state meet

The dice came up with a pair of nines for the Timberlane wrestling team at the Division 1 state meet yesterday, and they were big winners.

The Owls, thanks to a shocking 9-for-9 performance in the semifinals earlier in the day, cruised to their ninth straight Division 1 crown in resounding fashion.

Comeback falls shorts

Despite sparkling outside shooting from Beau Cassidy, Pinkerton saw a third quarter comeback go for naught as Spaulding held on for a 67-60 victory. Cassidy drilled seven 3-pointers for a game-high 23 points, but Spaulding prevailed.

Owens carries the torch for Astros

In what has become a family tradition, Pinkerton freshman David Owens is, at least for the moment, the last one standing.

And he may be the best of the bunch.

Owens began wrestling when he was 5-years-old at the suggestion of his father, Steven, who coached at the Derry Boys and Girls Club. His father grew up wrestling as a high school student in Mexico, Maine, and a much older brother, Michael, had been a wrestler at Pinkerton.

Salem's 23-0 run devastates Pinkerton

Beau Cassidy knocked home a short baseline jumper to give Pinkerton a 12-10 lead after a quarter.

The junior marksman's next hoop was a 20-foot, 3-point bomb. In between, defending Class L champion Salem High rolled off your text-book 23-0 barrage, covering nearly 11 minutes, including a scoreless second quarter. The Blue Devils weren't tested again, solidifying their spot at the top of the standings (12-0 in Class L) with an impressive, 69-48, romp over the Astros before about 500 fans at the Hackler Gymnasium.

Pinkerton defense stymies Salem

Pinkerton Academy edged Salem 50-47 last night in a scrappy game to earn an important late-season win in the race for Class L playoff position.

"We've played the same kind of game all year," said coach John Barry, whose Astros are now 10-4 in Class L. "I call it ugly ball. We have turnovers, we throw the ball all over the place, we just try to create as much pressure as humanly possible on the other team and you could see the effects tonight."

Londonderry's Thompson nets first-period hat trick, but Astros rally for tie

HOOKSETT, N.H. | Londonderry's Tommy Thompson scored his second hat trick of the season ... in the first period! ... but the Lancers were unable add any more offense and settled for a 3-3 tie with Pinkerton.

Concord overpowers hurting Pinkerton

Having James Herlihy, one of the top wrestlers in the state, out with an injury was what ultimately beat Pinkerton last night.

Concord tore through the heavier weight classes and opened the meet with a huge lead, and the hole was too deep for the Astros to climb out of. In a matchup between arguably the second- and third-best teams in New Hampshire, Pinkerton ultimately fell to Concord, 41-30. Despite the loss, Astros coach Ken Najem was encouraged.

Coaches' Corner: Pinkerton's Ed Faszewski

Ed Faszewski has been involved in swimming since he was 7 years old.

Growing up in Longmeadow, Mass., he competed for his high school team before attending Springfield College.

Eight years ago, Faszewski helped start the Pinkerton Academy swim program. Under his watch, the boys team has been the runner-up at the New Hampshire state meet twice (2000, 2007).

Pinkerton past Nashua North

Sophomore guard A.J. Guidi dropped in a game-high 18 points, and teammate Jill Johnston added 11 to power Pinkerton past Nashua North 53-42.

Owens sparks Pinkerton

Pinkerton, starting at 112 pounds with a 23-second pin by surging freshman David Owens, built up a 40-0 lead over Exeter and held on for a 40-24 victory. Cam Jaworski (119), Will Cordeau (130) and Colin Crowell (135) also had first-period pins for the Astros (10-3).

Matt Sanborn's deep shooting lifts Lancers

Of course, the game was going to have a playoff atmosphere. It was Pinkerton-Londonderry, after all.

Trailing by six with two minutes to go in the first half, Londonderry came roaring back. The Lancers cut the deficit to two at halftime and then scored 26 points in the final two quarters for a 43-36 win over its bordering rival before a packed house at Londonderry High.

Strength in numbers for Owls

On a night in which both teams were at less than full strength, Timberlane showed why it still has the top wrestling program in New Hampshire.

Pinkerton was missing three starters last night, including standout sophomore Ian Beck (sore shoulder), and Timberlane also didn't start three regulars, whether because of sickness (standout freshman Matt Morris) or because head coach Barry Chooljian wanted them rested for the rugged Eastern States Classic, which begins today.

Astros come out flat, fall to Hanover

Pinkerton Academy lost two crucial league points last night against Hanover in a game full of missed opportunities and a lack of consistent effort.

"That's the main disappointment tonight," said Pinkerton head coach Casey Kesselring after the Astros fell 5-1. "This is a team we will be battling with for position at the end of the season and we laid an egg at home. It was unacceptable."

Pinkerton upsets Andover to capture title

Minutes after picking up her trophy, as people emptied out of the Klimas Memorial Field House, Brittni Wilson revealed the secret to her team's brilliant run.

"We don't want anyone confident going in playing against us," she said. "We want to make everyone worry a little bit."

Maturing Owls back on top at Lowell

Heavyweight Brian Nicoll put an exclamation point on an impressive statement made by the Timberlane wrestling team yesterday at the 54-team Lowell Holiday Tournament.

The Owls, who finished second last year by a point and a half, came back with a vengence to claim their third team crown in four years with 241 points, comfortably ahead of runners-up Concord, N.H., and Winchester, who tied with 210. Pinkerton (120) was sixth, Central Catholic (111) came in eighth and Salem, N.H. (102<1/2>) tied for 10th.

Currier breaks Pinkerton slump

After two tough days at the Blue Devil Classic, Nick Currier made sure his squad wasn't going to have a third.

Currier recorded his first hat trick of the season to lead Pinkerton to a 6-4 win over Oyster River.

Pinkerton defeats Methuen in thriller

METHUEN | With her team trailing Pinkerton Academy by eight points late in the fourth quarter, Methuen coach Karen McLaughlin tuned her voice as high as it could go.

She doesn't remember much of what she said during the timeout, except that she ordered her players not to sulk like former Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe used to.

Pinkerton edged by Andover, Retelle

Through much of the game, Andover struggled to even generate good offensive chances. But Riki Retelle's rocket slap shot on a late power play eased the Golden Warriors' tensions.

Retelle's seeing-eye point shot beat Pinkerton netminder J.J. Solloway (21 saves) at 6:44 of the third period and the Golden Warriors eked out a 2-1 win over the Astros in the second round of the Salem Blue Devil Holiday Classic.

Mathieu powers Astros

In a consolation game, Pinkerton trimmed Greater Lawrence 65-59.

Zach Mathieu was the story for the Astros. In an impressive all-around performance, the 6-6 sophomore scored 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting, grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked five shots. Colby Verge came up big with 12 points and seven assists.

Net eludes Pinkerton

Pinkerton kept firing shots on goal, but every one of them ended up finding the goalie's pads.

"We generated enough chances to win the game," said Astros coach Casey Kesselring. "We just didn't bear down near the net. We need to do better about scoring goals. We have to go hard and not let up."

Astros steamroll Lancers

Pinkerton coach John Barry managed a smile while opening a package of Christmas cookies.

"I don't have much to tell you," he said.

His Astros had no trouble with Lawrence, cruising to a 59-20 victory. The tenacious club stifled the Lancers and scored at will by continuously cutting to the hoop for layups.

Davis helps Central stun Pinkerton; Holt shines

Central Catholic, trailing 26-3, roared back to nip Pinkerton 33-32 as part of a quad-meet sweep that included Dracut (51-21) and Lincoln-Sudbury (45-31). Dave Kando was 3-0 at and had a key pin in the comeback, avenging a loss to J.P. Zarba in the Salem Tournament. The Raiders (4-0) only won six weight classes, but five were by pin. Mike Leavitt and Haverhill's Curtis Davis | both nearly in top shape following football | were both 3-0 on the day.

Lawrence speeds past gutsy Astros

It's early in the season, but Lawrence has shown it's a team that on the right night can beat most anybody and on the wrong night is vulnerable against anybody.

Pinkerton had the Lancers on the ropes in yesterday's Greater Lawrence Christmas Tourney opener. Trailing 37-24 at the half, Lawrence coach Paul Neal knew if his club didn't change something, it was in big trouble.

Pinkerton earns ugly win over rival Lancers

Londonderry netminder Joel Wilbrant figures that bouts of confusion and lack of focus were what doomed his team against Pinkerton.

The inexperienced, finesse-minded Lancers, with five freshmen on the roster, were simply overwhelmed by Pinkerton's physical first-period play. After the first, Pinkerton led by a goal but, by the time the game ended, the Astros emerged with a 5-1 victory thanks to some ugly play around the net.

Pinkerton earns ugly win over rival Lancers

Londonderry netminder Joel Wilbrant figures that bouts of confusion and lack of focus were what doomed his team against Pinkerton.

The inexperienced, finesse-minded Lancers, with five freshmen on the roster, were simply overwhelmed by Pinkerton's physical first-period play. After the first, Pinkerton led by a goal but, by the time the game ended, the Astros emerged with a 5-1 victory thanks to some ugly play around the net.

Guidi's 27 keys Pinkerton's first win

Despite its outstanding first-half performance, Pinkerton coach John Barry knew his team was unsure of itself.

The Astros led Timberlane by nine points at the half and played dominant defense in both the first and second quarter, but given the way they'd play in the first two games, he knew his girls were slightly unsure of themselves. However, Pinkerton barely weathered a 27-point second half from Timberlane and edged the Owls 53-49 in overtime to earn its first win of the year.

Astros crush Salem for historic win

SALEM | Pinkerton sophomore Ian Beck has probably never felt less upset after a loss then he did last night.

A New England qualifier at 140 pounds last year, Beck fell to Salem senior Corbin Decker at 160 pounds for the second time in two weeks, this time by a 4-1 decision. Disappointing, yes, but Beck couldn't help but look at how the rest of the team fared, and that was outstanding.

Salem downs Pinkerton

HOOKSETT, N.H. | Pinkerton coach Casey Kesselring had one complaint about his team's tough, physical performance in a 4-1 loss to Salem: lack of discipline.

Salem's gifted goalscorers were given ample opportunity to show off their skill thanks to Pinkerton's 46 penalty minutes. The Blue Devils, who scored the first three goals of the game with a man advantage, had "just" 18 minutes shorthanded.

Pinkerton wrestling preview

2006-07 record: 11-6

*Returning starters (7): *James Herlihy???, Jr., 130; Kenny Smith???, Jr., 125; Ian Beck, Soph., 160; Will Cordeau???, Soph., 135; Colin Crowell???, Soph., 140; Charlie Jones, Sr., 189; Steven Lord???, 152, Soph.

Pinkerton's Lane accepts full scholarship to UNH

Josh Lane was faced with a difficult decision.

The Pinkerton senior could have chosen from a number of schools that were offering him a scholarship. After all, there aren't that many high school linemen that physical and that dominant. In the end, though, Lane passed on offers from a number of schools, most notably Maine and Northeastern, and elected to attend the University of New Hampshire on a full scholarship.

Blue Devil Classic

The names change, but the script remains the same at the Blue Devil Classic, the traditional season-opening local wrestling tournament.

Once again, Concord, N.H., rolled to the team title yesterday, its sixth straight, while local teams Pinkerton, Central Catholic and Salem showed some superb individual talent and projected promise of better days ahead.

Pinkerton Boys Basketball Preview

2006-07 record: 8-14, lost in Class L first round

Returning starters: None

Returning lettermen: Todd Borchers, 6-0, Sr., forward; Jeff Manzik, 6-2, Sr., forward; Mike Holzman, 6-2, Sr., forward; Beau Cassidy, 6-2, Jr., guard; Colby Verge, 6-1, Jr., guard

Pinkerton opens with win

Pinkerton opened its season with an easy 51-15 win over Manchester West. The Astros had six pins, Ian Beck, a sophomore, pinned his man in 41 seconds at 160.

Pinkerton Girls Basketball Preview

2006-07 record: 16-7, lost in Class L quarterfinals

Returning starters (1): A.J. Guidi, 5-8, Soph., guard/forward

Returning lettermen: Brittni Wilson, 5-6, Sr., guard; Nikki Corso, 5-3, Sr., guard; Jill Johnston, 5-10, Jr., forward; Tricia Ledbetter, 5-6, Jr., guard; Laura Pierce, 5-5, Soph., guard

The third is as sweet as the first

Pinkerton quarterback/defensive back Pete Mazzola could hardly put his excitement into words.

"This is unbelievable," said the senior. "So many people don't have the chance to get one championship, and we've been here four times and won three straight. That's amazing."

Defending their title Pinkerton's D dominates title game

NASHUA | Senior Josh Lane described the performance the way everyone in attendance was thinking.

"We're Pinkerton," said the offensive/defensive lineman between hugs from teammates and family members. "We get it done every time."

Guinto's run KOs South

NASHUA | Pinkerton led by a touchdown at the half and the defense had already made several big stops, but the Astros needed one more big play to break the game wide open. Enter Eric Guinto.

The sophomore speedster, who gained 107 yards on 12 carries, got the ball on the first play from scrimmage in the second half and took off like a jack rabbit for an 81-yard score that iced the game as Pinkerton won its ninth Division 1 state title, and third straight, handcuffing Nashua South 14-2.

Ex-SI coverboy has helped reshape the Pinkerton running game

This year, more than in years past, Pinkerton's running backs have hit the holes more quickly and been smarter with the ball.

The reason is simple: a former Heisman Trophy candidate, Joe Dudek, is now a part-time coach with the Astros, who are headed to their fourth straight Division 1 championship game tomorrow with Nashua South.

Physical Astros roll to title game

DERRY | A few changes made on the field worked wonders for the Pinkerton football team yesterday afternoon in the Division 1 semifinals against Manchester West.

But the biggest change took place earlier in the week in the wake of the Astros' shocking 30-7 loss to Nashua South in the final game of the regular season.

Midnight strikes for Cinderella Astros

Eighth-seeded Pinkerton excelled on the counterattack for most of its Class L state championship game against defending champions Exeter. Unfortunately, there was no chance to answer the game-winner.

Rachel Gratton struck in the fifth minute of overtime for third-seeded Exeter, lifting the Blue Hawks to their second straight state title, 2-1.

Pinkerton suffers first league loss in 22 games

DERRY | The feeling was foreign to Pinkerton senior Josh Lane.

"We have a few things we have to deal with if we want to become state champions again," said the lineman. "As a team we need to come together and straighten things out."

Robinson's neighborhood a happy place

Bree Robinson didn't expect this. She figured Pinkerton wouldn't be contending for a Class L title this fall. "Truthfully," the senior striker said, "I thought next year was going to be a great year."

Late adjustment lifts Londonderry over previously undefeated Astros

NASHUA, N.H. | Down 1-0 to battle-hardened and undefeated Pinkerton with 10 minutes to go, Londonderry coach Shawn Diaz had to make a change.

His decision: switch from the 4-4-2 to a more attack-minded 3-5-2 formation, moving central defender Steve Carroll to central midfield. The gamble paid off as Carroll set up the game-tying goal in the 76th minute, then scored the game-winner less than two minutes into overtime to lead Londonderry to a shocking 2-1 win in the Class L semifinal.