Nashua North and South Yukica Scholar Athlete Award winners, from left, are Spencer Whiting, Liam Novak, Curtis Harris-Lopez, Lucas Cunningham, Max Ackerman, Jason Compoh and Chris Keefe. (Photo courtesy of Nashua Athletics)

It’s always the final exclamation mark on the high school football year – the annual awards banquet for the Joe Yukica Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.

The event was held earlier this week at Manchester’s Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, and players from Nashua North, South and Merrimack were honored.

Local scholarship athlete award winners included Nashua North’s Max Ackerman, Lucas Cunningham, Curtis Harris-Lopez, Liam Novak and Spencer Whiting; Nashua South’s Jason Compoh, Chris Keefe; Merrimack’s Jacob Bunis, Steven Petz and Jake Trahan.

The awards were given out baed on athletic and academic achievements, as well as community contributions/service.

Of course, in mid July and early August several local then-former high school players and graduates from the Class of 2021 will take part in either than CHaD East-West All-Star Game on July 17 or the annual New Hampshire-Vermont Shrine Game on Aug. 7.

LACROSSE PROGRESS

Yes, there are levels of talent/success in boys and girls high school lacrosse, but two of the most competitive games this season promise to be the Nashua High School North-South girls games at Stellos Stadium in three weeks, 3 p.m. on May 25 and under the lights on May 27.

The 7-1 Titans, who bested fellow local team Alvirne from Division II in the rain at Stellos yesterday 19-7, were 6-0 with two wins over a quality Merrimack program, before they had to deal with Pinkerton (a 19-1 loss).

And Nashua South has also beaten up on the have-nots, and taken a dose of medicine in a 21-3 loss to Bishop Guertin. But the other day they faced a fairly equal team in Londonderry, and fought hard in a 19-16 loss. They’ll see the Lancers in Londonderry again today while coach Kristen Peterson’s Titans team hosts Pinkerton today at 5 at Stellos.

Throw in the rivalry and these North-South games should be ultra competitive.

What’s been the difference? Panthers coach Ciki McIntire says her 5-2 team plays well together and has good leadership.

“We don’t have captains,” she said. “We probably have six to eight girls who are leaders, and that probably makes all the difference in the world.

“They’re not just looking for one or two people. They trust their teammates and really worked hard in the off-season to kind of build that trust.”

North has a senior that has really taken charge in scorer Kiley O’Brien, who really made people notice with an eight goal, two assist effort in an earlier 11-9 win over Merrimack.

Conversely, the Panthers have so much trust they have no issues putting things at times in the hands of a freshman scorer like Ella Benzekri. McIntire said she had been “waiting for her for a long time”, knowing her from the Nashua Blast and Granite State Elite programs. In fact, South goalie Audrey Mullaney, who had a great second half the other day, is also a freshman and there are five on the Panthers. The Titans only have two, but they have nine juniors, which will bode well for 2022.

MILFORD COACHING OPENINGS

Milford will have a couple of new varsity coaches next fall, as the Spartans are openly advertising for a new girls volleyball coach and new boys soccer coach. They also have openings for a bass fishing coach and JV boys soccer coach.

Olf Omouyaka had helped get the Spartans boys back to a new level but he had work commitments and needed help at times from girls coach Russ Matthews.

Applicants should apply at the district website at www.milfordk12.org. Click on Human Resources and then the Career page. Any questions, contact Spartans athletic director Marc Maurais at marc.maurais@milfordk12.org.

WEDNESDAY WASHOUT

Wednesday’s rain made for a jam packed schedule today. The Nashua North baseball game vs. Pinkerton that was supposed to be at Holman Stadium yesterday was moved to today but will be played at Pinkerton.

Some tennis matches slated for yesterday were moved to today, including both BG-Alvirne boys and girls, plus South at Londonderry girls. Campbell-Pelham baseball and softball were also moved to today, and Souhegan baseball plays today as well. As always,check with schools to see revised schedules.

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