RallyNorth.net

EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA November 9, 2008 Pinkerton withstands North passing game to earn top seed

By J. Tilman Cormier

NASHUA — Pinkerton secured the No. 1 seed throughout the Division I playoffs with a steady, relentless assault on the Nashua North, resulting in a 32-27 victory last night at Stellos Stadium.

DERRY, N.H. - When it comes to state football championships, Pinkerton can be downright territorial, bordering on greedy.

The three-time defending champion Astros, battered, shorthanded and down 12 points with just over six minutes left to play, mustered one final miracle bid, forcing overtime with David Zocco and No. 2 Nashua South. With a spirited stretch run, a game Pinkerton bunch fell one conversion short of a four-peat, tripped up in the extra session of a wild state title epic, 33-32, before about 1,000 at a frigid Memorial Field.

DERRY, N.H. — Pinkerton cornerback Jeff Guilherme had a message for New Hampshire football next season.

“We’ll be back,” said the junior with a full smile through his sadness. “We have so much depth and a lot of great players are coming back. Our defense is going to be very, very good next year. We can (reach the title game) again.”

DERRY, N.H. — Pinkerton’s Colton Desmarais grabbed for the ball in traffic, clung to it as a fell to the ground, then held it over his head in celebration as he was mobbed by his teammates.

DERRY, N.H. —  Pinkerton’s Colby Verge needed only two carries — two carries — to change the fate of two teams’ seasons.

The senior halfback rushed the ball only twice, for touchdowns of 43 and 40 yards. The second, with 44 seconds left in the game, gave the Astros a 19-15 victory over Londonderry and their fifth straight trip to the Division 1 state championship.

DERRY, N.H. — Meaningless? Yeah, right.

Even before Manchester Central and Pinkerton took to the field yesterday, the Division 1 playoff picture was pretty well set. Unbeaten in the league going in, the Astros hold the edge in the potential three-way tie at the top and would have to falter twice to lose the No. 1 seed. Barring its own meltdown, Nashua South would get a home game as second seed with the Little Green slotted at third, both teams with one loss.

DERRY, N.H. — A hallmark of good coaching is to accurately assess the talent on your team as well as the opposition.

Veteran Pinkerton mentor Brian O’Reilly pegged Nashua South’s David Zocco as his biggest threat to victory, terming the senior "one of the toughest running backs we’ve seen in the last two years." He also realized a deficit in speed for his own offense with Eric Guinto (shoulder) in street clothes for the contest.

BROCKTON — Pinkerton caught fire early, but fizzled out late last night.

“We had complete control of the game at halftime,” coach Brian O’Reilly said after his Astros fell to Brockton, 28-27, at Marciano Stadium. “We were doing fine.”

DERRY – Pinkerton captain Chris George and his teammates were visibly upset following the first play of the second quarter.

DERRY – Pinkerton captain Chris George and his teammates were visibly upset following the first play of the second quarter.