RallyNorth.net

Ahlers' career day leads Salem past Nashua North

NASHUA — Tommy Ahlers ran for a career-high 186 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning 68-yard score with 7:37 left in the game, as Salem edged defending Division 1 champion Nashua North 35-28 on Friday night.

"Ahlers really stepped up for us," said Blue Devils head coach Steve Abraham. "We were battling some injuries and (Eagle-Tribune All-Star running back Aidan) McDonald was sick, so we needed Ahlers today."

McDonald open the scoring with a 4-yard TD run, and it was 7-7 after one quarter.

Ahlers hit for his first long TD run of the night, a 59-yard score, in the second quarter, but Salem trailed 14-13 at halftime. David Jaques scored a 6-yard TD in the third, with Ahlers throwing a halfback pass to Kaleb Bates for the 2-point conversion.

Nashua North twice scored to take the lead back in the fourth, but both times Ahlers had the answer.

First, Ahlers scored a 10-yard touchdown, then he gave the Blue Devils the lead for good with his 68-yard score.

Ahlers' 186 ground yards shattered his previous career-best of 89 rushing yards, earlier this season against Bishop Guertin.

"We played tough," said Abraham. "We need to get better, but I'm proud of the kids."