On Sept. 22, the Elks Crusaders improved to 2-2 on the season with a decisive 39-0 victory over Windham. The game captains were Tanner Plourde, Braden McDonnell, and Zach O’Neil. The Crusaders found the end zone in each quarter and received touchdowns from Andrew Penkala (two), James Ference, Jaylan Pacheco, and Brendon Frost (two). The team also got PAT runs from Max Stevens, Brandon Martin, and Penkala.

The Elks once again controlled the game on the ground and received strong performances from Plourde (10 carries and three first downs), Pacheco (14 carries), Ference (11 carries), and Penkala (seven carries). Nashua also had some success in the air, with pass completions to Gabe Perrault and Ferrence (two).

The Crusader offensive line controlled the point of attack with exceptional blocking from McDonnell, Martin, O’Neil, JJ Arnesen, Josh McElligott, Tim Santerre, and Adam Paquette. Defensively, the Elks were solid from start to finish and received big days from Frost (sack and interception), Pacheco (fumble recovery), and Ference (interception).

The team also received multiple tackles from Casey McNally, Mark Lagasse, Alex Fortier, Allen Godfrey, Cole Desmond, Quincy Cotto, Plourde, Stevens, Penkala, McDonnell, Martin, and O’Neil.

The Crusader’s special teams units once again played extremely well. McElligott used his leg effectively on kickoffs and kept Windham deep in their own territory. Max Stevens returned three punts. Tom Cullerton was active on kick coverage and McDonnell, Plourde and Frost collected key tackles.

Nashua Elks 34 Manchester East 27

On Sept. 15, the Elks Crusaders earned their first win of the season. Nashua trailed 8-7 after the first quarter and led 15-14 at the half. Both teams scored again in the third quarter, with the Elks maintaining a 22-211 lead). Nashua pulled ahead for good in the fourth with two touchdowns and two critical interceptions. Nashua was led offensively by Ference, who carried the ball nine times and scored two touchdowns and an extra point.

The Elks got strong running performances from Pacheco (18 carries, four first downs, touchdown) and Plourde (nine carries and four first downs). Quarterback Andrew Penkala also had a good game and scored two rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter and hooked up with receiver Alex Fortier for a 40-yard pass completion to end the first half.

Salem Rams 19 Nashua Elks 13 (OT)

On Sept. 8 the Elks Crusaders lost a heartbreaker in overtime to the Salem Rams. The Nashua offense received strong running performances from Plourde (15 carries and five first downs), Ference (13 carries and two first downs), and Pacheco (20 carries). Pacheco scored Nashua’s only touchdown in regulation, as well as the team’s touchdown and extra point in overtime. Penkala and receiver McNally connected for a nice completion in the fourth quarter to keep a drive alive.

Grade 8 Nashua Elks CrusadersNashua 54, Manchester West Raiders 0

The eighth grade Nashua Elks Crusaders got into the win column as they rolled over the Manchester West Raiders. The Nashua offense was on track with Alex Amigo getting two touchdowns and John Champa getting three. Anthony Agor, Jacob McNamara and Kyle Reeder also had touchdowns.

The Nashua defense was stout not allowing the Raiders to get anything going and forcing fumbles recovered by Jarret Bieren and Aren Kennedy and an interception by John Champa.

Grade 5 Elks Crusaders

Windham posted an 18-12 overtime win over Nashua, battling back to send the game into OT late in the fourth quarter.

Nashua offense stalled early, but staring at a 4th-and-18 when Curtie Harris got to the corner and beat the Windham defense for an 84-yard touchdown. Jason Compo was a Force for Nashua consistently getting into the Wolverine backfield. The score at halftime was 6-0 Nashua.

In the third quarter, on first-and-goal from the 10, John Sullivan broke through the line and crushed the Windham he ballcarrier as he received the handoff for a 5-yard loss. Jason Compo and Ben Wiehl made a couple of big stops as well to halt the drive, though Nashua could not capitalize on offense.

Windham drove the field and tied the score at 6-6 before Compo blocked its conversion attempt. Nashua answered as Harris would again break some tackles and get loose for a 62-yard touchdown this time with 9:30 left in the game.

After having a deep pass attempt thwarted by Tyler Armeen, Windham eventually tied the score at 12-12 with four minutes left.

In overtime, with a first-and-goal at the 10, Alex Ortiz plowed his way for a tough 6 yards. On second down a fumbled exchange brought a 7-yard loss and Windham’s defense held.

Windham ended it with a 2-yard drive off tackle.

Nashua Elks Crusaders Flag FootballNashua Crusaders 4, Derry Demons 1

The Nashua Crusaders Flag Purple team was lead by outstanding play from Landon Levesque. Landon was all over the field, pulling flags and blocking for his teammates, in addition to scoring a touchdown. The Crusaders’ offense started fast, with two long carries by Andrew Byrne, followed by a touchdown on a long run quarterback keeper by Broden Landsteiner. Gus Smiley and Alex Petrillo provided strong defensive pressure, as they both pulled flags on Derry’s only touchdown drive. On the Crusaders’ next drive, Landon broke through several defensive players and carried the ball in to the end zone. The score was 2-1 at halftime.

In the second half, with great blocking by Landon Levesque and Dan Byrne, Colvin Levesque powered through to complete a long touchdown run. The Crusaders were able to keep the Demons from scoring thanks again to strong defense from Smiley and Petrillo. The Crusaders final touchdown resulted from a combination of strong runs by Smiley and Camden Cummings, with Smiley getting a touchdown. Petrillo and Andrew Byrne both captured flags in the Demons’ final drive to keep the score 4-1.

PAL Force football

Third grade: NPF 39, Concord 13

The NPF third grade Force conquered the previously undefeated Concord Capitols. The high-octane Force offense notched six TDs on the day with pancake-blocking by Jack Peters, Bryson Borromeo, Charlie Bellavance, Malikai Tyler, Brady Sullivan, David Simpson and Bobby Canaway.

The rushing and scoring quartet of Amaury Almonte, Derek Finlay, Toby Brown and Patrick Keegan were too much for the Capitols.

The Force defense had another good day led by monster-back Mekhi Gerrin and stout line play by Gavin Flynn, Jesse Corfield, Ryan Flynn, Jashiah Corfield, Reagan Brunet, Dylan Boutchia, Reid Lavoie, Evan Taylor and Nick Digesse.

The Capitols kept the Force secondary on their toes but Xavier Francis, Taylor Ranga, Keegan, Finlay and Almonte were too much with Finlay having the league’s first pick-six.

The third grade team has a bye this week but had an exhibition game at St. Anslem’s College, under the lights against Hudson on Friday.

Fourth grade: Manchester South 7, NPF 0

The driving rain appeared to be looming in the near distance when the fourth grade team welcomed the Manchester South Sabres to Stellos Stadium. However, the football weather gods were shining down on the field as the clouds broke and beautiful sunny day took over the stadium. Unfortunately for NPF, the gods in zebra uniforms didnt shine so brightly. Manchester South took advantage of lots of dirty laundry and won a tight game.

Manchester South used the single wing and wedge offense with some effectiveness early but most of the drives were short-lived. Strong defensive line play by Liam Finn, Keyshawn Bugg, Marcus King, Drew Sheehan, Jesse Allen and Riley Bean kept the Sabres offense in check most of the game. After thwarting a drive, the NPF offense would go onto the field. A couple of strong runs behind the stout offensive line of Rocco Ciardi, Alex Forbes, Jacob Moore, Devyn Lavoie, and Ethan Paquin opened some holes on the Sabres defense. Unfortuantely, the referees saw these holes to be much larger than intended and the drives would stall due to penalties.

Manchester South would be the first to crack the scoreboard. On a third down play, a Sabres runner looked to be pinned in by the defense but he was able to break a tackle and weaved his way down field for a touchdown. The ensuing point after attempt was good and gave Manchester the lead.

The NPF offense would go back to work. Behind quarterback Juan Torres and running backs Dylan Homsy, Keyshawn Bugg and Isaac Smith, the Force moved down field. Some strong runs by Dylan and Isaac set the team up at the 10-yard line looking to even the score. Unfortunately, the Force would turn the ball over at the 5-yard line ending a chance at tying the game.

The game would stay at 7-0 late into the fourth quarter. Strong defensive efforts from Cornerbacks, Connor Winslow and Zach Howard kept NPFs hopes of tying the game alive. Late in the fourth quarter, Matt Oliver would pound on a loose football giving the Force a chance to tie the game. NPF would drive the ball down to the Sabres 15-yard line when Isaac Smith would find the edge of the Sabres defense and race into the end zone.

Unfortuantely, the pesky yellow flags were presented once again keeping NPF from scoring. NPF would have one final chance to tie the game on 4th down from the 15. The HB option pass was drawn on the field had a few options open but the Sabres defensive end snuffed out the play before the ball was thrown effectively ending the game. NPF fought valiantly all game long and will look to get back on track as they travel to Plymouth on Sunday to take on the Huskies.

Sixth grade: NPF 26, Manchester South 2

The entire sixth grade team played well on both sides of the ball. They showed poise and extreme sportsmanship. Robbie Long, Xavier Provost and Andy Deutschlander scored for Nashua PAL. Team captains were Matthew Hallahan, Amir Ranga, Hunter Nadeau and Devin Bracetty.

Next game will be Sunday against Milford.

Seventh grade: Pelham 32, NPF 0

In the first quarter Nashua started out with some solid defense from Nevan Roy, Garrett Hillard and Tyler Gagnon before Pelham got on the board, after which James Mackenzie was able to block the point after, his first of two blocked kicks.

Justin Cardullo, Brian Montimy, Justin Cardullo Tyler Gagnon and Nevan Roy contributed offensively. Defensively, Montimy, Cardullo and Harley Ciardi played well, with Gagnon intercepting a pass. To open the second half James Mackenzie returned the kick to midfield.

Eighth grade football: NPF 34, Manchester South 6

Quarterback, Johnny Michelin made touchdown passes to RJ Jenkins (two), Sclyler Boykin (two) and Alex Mallor.

“The defense was amazing and incredible today.” PAL parent Kathy Michelin stated.

The next game will be on Sunday, against The Milford Mustangs at Milford.

PAL Force Flag FootballForce Blue vs. Bedford Red, 2-2

Cassie Allen received a handoff that resulted in a touchdown for Force Blue. Johnny Canaway had a 15 yard run. Jayce Cora made a touchdown after a 60-yard run. Michael Fiengo supported his team with some nice angles. Payton Gagnon was great a blocking for his teammates. Myles Gagnon had a good overall defensive game.

Ian Gillis blocked for the offense. Evan Linscott and Alton Williams also blocked for their teammates. Caden Poole was tough on the line against the opposing team. Jhadian Sanchez ran for 15 yards and made a tackle for a loss of yards. Jake Homsy was missed by his team.

Force Blue vs. Derry Red 0-0

Cassie Allen played well at QB with great handoffs. Johnny Canaway had an excellent angle for a tackle. Jayce Cora was a great blocker. Michael Fiengo stutter stepped to break for a run of 15 yards. Myles Gagnon made a nice tackle. Ian Gillis was great defensively with his line work.

Caden Poole, Payton Gagnon blocked for their team. Jhadian Sanchez had great angles and Alton Williams worked the defensive line. Evan Linscott chased Derry’s offense, preventing them from scoring. Jake Homsy was missed by his team.

Force Blue vs. Elks 1-0

Cassie Allen put in hard work on the center line. Johnny Canaway sacked the QB. Jayce Cora contained Hudson’s offense and scored a touch down. Michael Fiengo was a great center with great hands. Payton and Myles Gagnon’s defensive game prevented any touchdowns from

Hudson. Ian Gillis had a nice run and contained a tackle,. Evan Linscott, and Jhadian Sanchez contained the opposing offense

With Caden Poole and Alton Williams’ help, Force made the only TD of the game. Jake Homsy was missed by his team.

Force Blue vs. Norrock1 3-1

Cassie Allen worked hard on the defensive line. Johnny Canaway blocked for his team. Jayce Cora scored two touchdowns. Michael Fiengo ran the ball for first down. Payton Gagnon contained the ball. Myles Gagnon ran for 10 yards and made the second touch down of the game. Ian

Gillis was blocking and made good reads on defense. Evan Linscott ran the ball towards the end zone. Jhadian Sanchez also ran the ball 10 yards. The great offensive moves were supported by great defense by Caden Poole and Alton Williams.

Jake Homsy was missed by his team.

Force White vs. Hollis 2-0

Force started the 2013 Jamboree with a bang.! With five plays they scored their first touch down of the game. With Johnny Barry running for a first down, there followed great runs by Ryder Clancy and Jayden Turcotte. hen Johnny punched it in. On defense the Force stopped Hollis with flags pulled by Patrick Shaw, Jack Krulikowski, Johny Barry and Ryder Clancy. On their second position Jack Kruliowski and Kendric Petravicz had great runs up the right side of the field. On fourth down Damon Clark ran up the left side with great blocking from #2 Asiah Bugg for a touch down. The Force ended the game with a flag pulled by Patrick Shaw.

Force White vs. Derry 2-0

Great runs from Asiah Bugg, Damon Clark and Patrick Shaw set up Johnny Barry for a touchdown. Derry had the ball for a quick four-and-out with three flags pulled by Patrick Shaw and one from Damon Clark.

Nice blocking on the offensive line, led by Kendric Petravicz, produced great runs from Patrick Shaw, Damon Clark and a quarterback sneak from Jayden Turcotte. Jack Krulikowski had a great fourth down run for a first down. Ryder Clancy finished the drive with a touchdown run to put the game away.

Force White vs. Nashua Elks 2-0

With big blocking from Jack Krulikowski, Kendric Petravicz, and Asiah Bugg on the offensive line, Ryder Clancy, Jayden Turcotte, Johnny Barry

and Damon Clark just came up short of a first down. The Nashua Elks’ first drive was a quick four-and-out, with flags pulled by Johnny Barry, Ryder Clancy and Jayden Turcotte. On the first play of their second drive. Damon Clark faked out the Elks with a quick reverse that brought him up the left side for a touchdown. After another four-and-out. With flags pulled by Patrick Shaw, Damon Clark and Johnny Barry, Jack Krulikowski had two nice runs and Johnny Barry finished the game with a touchdown run.

Force White vs. Goffstown

Although Goffstown scored first, the Force showed they were ready to play. With flags pulled by Kendric Petravicz, Ryder Clancy, Patrick Shaw and Johnny Barry, the Force took possession and had a great run from Patrick Shaw. Then came a touchdown play from Damon Clark to Johnny Barry.

With the final seconds ticking down, the Force put the game away. Asiah Bugg came back onto the field d to the quarterback position and with one second left handed the ball off to Damon Clark, who ran up the left side with great down-field blocking to make the Force 4-0.

HOCKEY

The Cavalier Squirt Blue Team out-score opponents 20-4

Game one against Lexington/Bedford started off with Cavaliers defenseman Ethan Gaffney burying a wrist shot from the blue line.

Lexington/Bedford found itself on a power play midway through the first period and to tie the game 1-1.

Will Dodge put the Cavs back on top with an unassisted goal off the face off. Cavs defensemen Matthew MacBean got an assist by working the puck up the neutral zone boards into to Andre Ducharme who scored a backhand shot glove side.

Lexington/Bedford offense managed to get a period ending goal cutting the lead to 3-2. Second period netted three more Cavaliers goals.

The Cavaliers planted themselves down deep and peppered LB’s netminder. Dodge scored off a rebound from Ryan Bizier in the first minute of the period. Gaffney scored his second of the game with a rush through center ice.

Thomas Cahill got into the action, dumping the puck into the offensive zone with Ben Foley pushingthe puck deep to Ducharme, giving the Cavaliers a commanding lead 6-2.

Defensemen Aidan Rowe and Matthew D’Ortona, along with Forward Jack Conmy, shut down any attack Lexington/Bedford mounted.

In the third frame, R. Bizier combined with Dodge to score. Ryan Kelley was rewarded for his constant pressure on LB’s netminder with a score late in the third, assisted by Ducharme.

Goaltender Nate Bizier went two scoreless periods to post his first win of the season, 8-2.

The Cavaliers beat Tri-Valley Squirts, 12-2, in second game. Tri-Valley could not stop the offensive blitz of Ducharme (six goals, two assists), Ben Foley (two goals, two assists), N. Bizier (two goals), Dodge (one goal, one assist), Gaffney (two assists), R. Bizier, Aidan Rowe, Cahill and Kelley (one assist each).

Forechecking and puck control by forward Jack Conmy and strong defensive play by Matthew MacBean and goaltender Matthew D’Ortona were also key in the rout.