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FOOTBALL FRIDAY: Some key games besides North-South

By Tom King - Staff Writer | Sep 26, 2025

Bishop Guertin quarterback Nate Bowen was off to the races for a TD during recent win over Merrimack at Stellos Stadium. (Telegraph file photo by TOM KING)

Believe it or not, there are other games this weekend besides the Norh-South Battle of the Bridge, including a pretty big Souhegan game tonight and Bishop Guertin game on Saturday.

Here’s a capsule look at the other games besides North-South:

TONIGHT

DIVISION II

SOUHEGAN (3-0) at MANCHESTER WEST (3-0)

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Manchester West HS.

LAST WEEK: West 41, ConVal 13; Souhegan 35, John Stark 0

LAST YEAR: Souhegan 35, Manchester West 6.

FYI: This is basically West’s coming out party under former BG assistant Andrew Provencher, as many, including Souhegan coach Robin Bowkett, view the Blue Knights as legitimate contenders. They’re led by QB Manny Mendoza plus back Jarome Henert. The Sabers, of course, have QB Michael Fiengo and all-purpose player Ryland Raudelunas who are just lighting it up again this season.

FYI: Souhegan 30, West 21. Knights are said to be a little banged up and Sabers will pull away.

DIVISION III

CAMPBELL(3-0) at SOMERSWORTH (1-2)

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Somersworth HS.

LAST WEEK: Campbell 38, Inter-Lakes 21; Somersworth 44, Sanborn 0.

LAST YEAR: Campbell 38, Somersworth 20 (regular season); Campbell 46, Somersworth 27 (Division III quarters)

FYI: Both teams feasted on Sanborn, and the Hilltoppers started the season playing two of the tougher teams in the division in Monadnock and Epping-Newmarket. The ‘Toppers are basically run-heavy, led by junior back Max Dubois. Campbell has a lot of ways to attack led by Braydon White and Mikey Grace.

THE PICK: Campbell 32, Somersworth 18. Tough road environment, but the Cougars have too much depth.

SATURDAY

DIVISION I

ALVIRNE (0-3) at CONCORD (1-2)

WHEN: 1 p.m.

WHERE: Concord’s Memorial Field.

LAST WEEK: Windham 35, Alvirne 7; Manchester Central 13, Concord 7.

LAST YEAR: Alvirne 30, Concord 14 (regular season); Alvirne 33, Concord 10 (Division I prelims).

FYI: Broncos head coach Justin Hufft wasn’t kidding when he said it would be a big rebuild for the Broncos, who have a couple of Ethan Dudley TDs on the young season and that’s it. Eyebrows were raised when Concord beat Londonderry; and then raised again when they lost to Central. They’ll be looking to get back on track led by QB Rhys Craigue plus their backs Tim Fahnbulleh and Colin Savard.

THE PICK: Concord 28, Alvirne 7. The Tide need this one badly.

SALEM (2-1) at BISHOP GUERTIN (2-0 Division I, 3-0 overall)

WHEN: 6 p.m.

WHERE: Stellos Stadium.

LAST WEEK: Bishop Guertin 48, Keene 7; Pinkerton 31, Salem 19.

LAST YEAR: Salem 42, Bishop Guertin 21.

FYI: The QB Nate Bowen-led Cards are ripping through defenses like a knife through soft butter. But Salem will be their first big test, led by QB C.J. Goss. Also, the Cards have to be aware of Salem return man Jordan Zannini who has two kickoff returns and a punt return for a TD already this season.

THE PICK: BG 21, Salem 20. Tough call. Don’t be surprised if it’s other way around.

DIVISION II

MILFORD (1-2) at JOHN STARK (1-2)

WHEN: 1 p.m.

WHERE: John Stark Regional in Weare.

LAST WEEK: Milford 20, Hollis Brookline 8; Souhegan 35, John Stark 0.

LAST YEAR: John Stark 34, Milford 6.

FYI: The Spartans got a great game last week from Jace Wilhemi and will need that again on the road. The back A.J. Bellen-led Generals will be looking to get untracked after being shut out by the Sabers.

THE PICK: John Stark 20, Milford 14. Competitive game again for the Spartans.

PELHAM (3-0) at HOLLIS BROOKLINE (0-3)

WHEN: 2 p.m.

WHERE: HBHS Stadium.

LAST WEEK: Milford 20, Hollis Brookline 8; Pelham 55, Hanover 7.

LAST YEAR: Pelham 44, Hollis Brookline 14.

FYI: The Pythons seem to be taking no prisoners, outscoring the opposition 143-15. Ouch. The Cavs are led by Jacob Velez and back Steve Nieble but need to stop the turnovers that hurt them last week. But the Pythons, led by several returnees from last year’s finalists, including QB Kevin Hardy and back Brady Williams, are very formidable.

THE PICK: Pelham 48, HB 6. Cavs just not on the same level.