Nashua South's Cody Jackson makes sure to protect the ball while trying to evade Merrimack's Zach Retey (87) during last year's contest in Merrimack. The two teams are back at Student Memorial Field tonight. (Telegraph file photo by TOM KING)

The season gets later, and the games get more and more important.

Welcome to Week 8 of the local high school football season. Yes, Week 8 already. And there’s two biggies: Nashua South at Merrimack plus Souhegan at Pelham. And just below those, for their potential post season chances, Keene at the Titans of Nashua North.

Here’s a capsule look:

TONIGHT

NASHUA SOUTH (4-2 Divison I, 5-2 overall) at MERRIMACK (4-2)

WHEN: 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: MHS Student Memorial Field.

LAST WEEK: Manchester Memorial 46, Nashua South 28; Merrimack 28, Dover 19.

LAST YEAR: Nashua South 35, Merrimack 0.

FYI: You’ve got one team, South, stinging from an unexpected loss to Memorial. You’ve got another, Merrimack, which recovered from a blowout loss to BG to win four straight, including three straight on the road. Shea Scott has been a touchdown maker – seven in the last two weeks – while the Panthers will try to get the Cody Jackson-Josh Tripp connection going. Merrimack will need to play the tight defense it did vs. North at home back in Week 3. Games here between these two teams are always a treat.

THE PICK: Nashua South 35, Merrimack 27. Panthers pull away at the end.

KEENE (1-5, 1-6 overall) at NASHUA NORTH (3-4)

WHEN: 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Nashua’s Stellos Stadium.

LAST WEEK: Noble (Berwick, Me.) 28, Keene 14; North 28, Portsmouth-Oyster River 21.

LAST YEAR: Keene 23,North 20.

FYI: This is a big one for North, who can potentially be in good position to make the playoffs – remember, 10 teams after the three conference winners get in for a field of 13 – with a win as it’s their final Division I game of the regular season. Titans showed great resolve in what was perhaps their most satisfying win in the Chad Zibolis coaching era. Back Collin Tinnin and QB Brayden French are Keene keys; the Titans can mix up the offense with two QBS – Brady O’Connor’s throwing and Harrison Joshi’s running.

THE PICK: North 28, Keene 13.

DOVER (1-6) at ALVIRNE (2-5)

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Alvirne in Hudson.

LAST WEEK: Alvirne 25, Timberlane 22; Merrimack 28, Dover 19.

LAST YEAR: Did not play.

FYI: What a great win for the Broncos on the road last week, led by its defense stifling Timberlane down the stretch and the offense of QB Ethan Dudley, Quintin Tetreault and Mike Landmesser. Dover managed enough offense to challenge Merrimack so the Broncos will have to start and finish fast.

THE PICK: Alvirne 26, Dover 20. Two in a row and three out of four for the Broncos.

DIVISON II

SOUHEGAN (7-0) at PELHAM (6-1)

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Pelham HS.

LAST WEEK: Trinity 23, Pelham 13; Souhegan 19, Plymouth 9.

LAST YEAR: Pelham 40, Souhegan 26 (regular season); Souhegan 14, Pelham 11 (Division II finals).

FYI: A second straight tough road test for the Sabers, who passed last week with flying colors. The Pythons, led by Luke Draper and Brady Williams, had a 13-3 lead on Trinity at halftime and got blanked, so they’ll be anxious to get back on track.To do that, they’ll have to stop Ryland Raudelunas and, thinking he’ll play after last week’s heroics, QB Mike Fiengo. Not easy.

THE PICK: Souhegan 25, Pelham 21. This one could be a classic.

MILFORD (2-5) at CONVAL (3-4)

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: ConVal HS in Peterborough.

LAST WEEK: St. Thomas 32, Milford 14; Merrimack Valley 12, ConVal 7.

LAST YEAR: ConVal 27, Milford 20

FYI: It should be another competitive game for the Spartans, who had a good first half last week vs. St. Thomas. ConVal is young, led by sophomore QB Kurt Dean, but were good enough to score 33 unanswered in the second half earlier this month vs. Hollis Brookline. Milford has been paced by Jace Wilhelmi and Gavyn Tessier,and the Spartans will give the Cougars a battle.

THE PICK: Milford 21, ConVal 20. Big win for the Spartans on the road.

HANOVER (4-3) at HOLLIS BROOKLINE (2-5)

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: HBHS Stadium.

LAST WEEK: HB 43, Pembroke 2; Hanover 28, Kennett 7.

LAST YEAR: Hanover 55, Hollis Brooline 29.

FYI: Junior QB E.J. Frechette leads the Bears, and he hit two big passes, one of 68 yards to Ray Lucas in last week’s win, plus Caleb Franklin is a tough back. Da Bears have that road win in Conway, so they’re not worried about a hostile environment.

THE PICK: Hanover 35, Hollis Brookline 21. Cavs play them close for three quarters.

SATURDAY

DIVISION I

GOFFSTOWN ( 0-7) at BISHOP GUERTIN (4-2 Division I, 5-2 overall)

WHEN: 6 p.m.

WHERE: Stellos Stadium.

LAST WEEK: Bedford 35, Bishop Guertin 28; Concord 40, Goffstown 7,

LAST YEAR: BG 28, Goffstown 20.

FYI: The Grizzlies appear on the schedule at the perfect time for the Cards, who need a win after losing close ones to South and Bedford. With their Nate Bowen led offense in full stride, they’ll get a feel good win.

THE PICK: BG 54, Goffstown 6. If this isn’t running time by the third quarter, we’d be shocked.