St. Thomas quarterback Anthony Semprini releases as pass as Souhegan's Ryland Raudelunas bears down on him during the Saints season opening 40-14 loss to the Sabers. (Photo by Terrill Covey/Seacoast Media Group)

DOVER – It’s a new season but it looks like the Souhegan High School football team picked up right where it left off after winning the Division II title a year ago.

The Sabers dominated a young Saint Thomas football team that alternated flashes of promise with youthful mistakes during Friday night’s 40-14 season opening loss to defending Division II champion Souhegan.

As usual, the Sabers had playmakers. Last night the main one was a familiar name as Ryland Raudelunas led Souhegan with 15 carries for 152 yards and two touchdowns, and he added a 14-yard receiving touchdown and a 55-yard punt return for a touchdown. Not a bad Opening Night.

Meanwhile, St. Thomas coach Scott Bray had to grin and bear it.

“I was very proud of the effort they gave,” Bray said. “They played a complete game. They could’ve put their heads down and really let it get going, but they didn’t. Now we just go watch film, try to correct our errors and try to get better.”

The tenacity of the young Saints team was on full display just before halftime. After falling into a 20-0 hole, they put together a nice drive and were in Souhegan territory when Souhegan’s Cole Brant picked off St. Thomas quarterback Anthony Semprini at the three yard line. The Saints defense stepped up, however, forcing a Souhegan fumble on the next play, which Cole Masiello recovered in the endzone to put cut the lead to 20-7.

Souhegan responded with a 62-yard kickoff return and had a chance to answer before the half, but the Saints defense stood tall, holding them when the Sabers had to settle for a field goal attempt, which the Saints blocked to go into halftime down 13.

But Souhegan simply pulled away.

Kenny Avery led St. Thomas with 11 carries for 64 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown jaunt in the third quarter, where he shed several Souhegan defenders, but the Saints couldn’t overcome the mistakes, which included five turnovers and ceding a punt return touchdown.