Skaters and goalies gather with coaches to wrap up the recently held Nashua Park-Recreation Hockey Camp at Conway Arena. (Courtesy photo)

Nashua PAL Force Football kicked off the season with two losses and three wins. The 9U team played hard but lost 27-0 against Londonderry, while 10U fought a tough battle but ultimately lost to Derry 38-6.

The 11U squad had a strong showing with a 19-0 win over Manchester South, and 12U came out on top in a back-and-forth battle with Manchester East, 19-13 The PAL 13U team started the season strong with a huge win against the Nashua Crusaders 26-0.

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DERRY 38, NPF 10U 6

The visiting Force started the game on defense, in which Kam Lewis had multiple tackles for loss and Boden Pearson producing a key pass defense on third down.

Nashua PAL's Deion Sisay hauls in a pass despite tight coverage during last weekend's season opener. (Courtesy photo)

Pearson complemented his defense with two key fourth down runs to keep the offense moving the ball in the first half. Lewis continued to shine on defense, with four tackles for loss throughout the game. In the third quarter, James Dinardi had a key sack, followed by a beautiful diving interception by Ethan Vargas.

The fourth quarter was capped by a great defensive touchdown by Anthony Perez.

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NASHUA 11U 19, MANCHESTER SOUTH 0

Nashua 11U PAL Force opened their season with a strong defensive performance shutting out the Manchester South Sabers while Jace Gallego scored two touchdowns, making it a memorable birthday for the running back.

Nashua PAL quarterback Jacob Griffin avoids a sack during last weekend's season opener. (Courtesy photo)

Mason Bracetty also contributed with a touchdown and extra point, getting called in from the offensive line to punch it in with short yardage to gain. QB Luke Graven had a solid day with completions down field to Connor Hudson and a long pass to Leo Desfosses to end the first half.

The defensive shutout was led by Connor Long with multiple QB sacks, and Nashua enjoyed strong tackling performance by Walter Cotito-Dolloff, Cam Silva, and Julian Lopez.

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NASHUA 12U 19, MANCHESTER EAST 13

Nashua put on a show for its first game of the season. The first quarter brought big hits from Alia Brunet , Anthony Samarel, Grant Leonardi, Exandel Ortiz-Ayala, and JJ Velazquez.

Positive yards were gained by Yandel Velazquez, beautiful spot on passes by QB Jacob Griffin, As well as an early TD by Eli Gagnon. Isaiah Santiago Rondrigues swatted the ball away, ensuring Nashua kept its first quarter lead.

During the second quarter PAL Force back Deion Sisay scored a touchdown. Defensively, Nashua enjoyed exceptional tackles by Velazquez, Lucas Irwin, Samarel, Jacob Smith, and Leonardi.

The offensive team did not disappoint, as there were phenomenal blocks by Smith and Mason Clark. Gagnon and Drew Homsy, received hand offs and had great runs down field for more positive yardage. Griffin floated the ball to Velazquez who had a 30-yard gain.

The second half brought even more notable plays from both the offense and defense. Clark had a huge tackle setting the Cobras back 4 yards. Irwin and Kevin King teamed up for a big hit for another Cobras setback.

Ricky McKenzie and Sisay, had yet another reception for a second TD helping to secure the FORCE lead. Edward Gonzalez, Velazquez and Gagnon had more powerhouse stops and Clark sacked the cobra qb to end the game in victory.

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NASHUA PAL 13U 26, NASHUA ELKS CRUSADERS 0

The Force was led by Jordan Toribio’s two offensive scores. He added a third on an impressive punt return and Connor Mazzaglia recorded a pick six on the defensive side of the ball at Stellos Stadium.

Tyson Hoang and Josiah Spleen kept the Crusader defense off balance with Hoang’s elusive speedy runs and Spleen’s punishing runs between the tackles.

Adam Mansaray was effective on both sides of the ball, showing his athleticism and nose for the ball, The outside edge was effectively shut down by Armari Mills, who recorded a dozen tackles. Trevor Drouin patrolled the other edge alongside Shawn Burrus, Tyler Venezia and Cody Rochette with each recording tackles and assists. Nick Acevedo was all over the field, recording tackles, assists, blocking as needed and running for tough yards.

A potent and skilled Crusader passing attack was held in check by PAL defenders Diones Delacruz, Ben Michels, Hoang, Mansaray, Spleen, Toribio and Acevedo.

PAL’s offense line was anchored by returning centers Bishop Kearns and Aivan Garcia as well as David Theriault-Lago, Cameron Bonet, Jayden MacInnis, Sebastian Simoneau, Paul O’Brien, Vincenzo Valenta and Logan Coleman.

Special teams were solid with Connor Mazzaglia hustling and recovering a well-executed on-side kick, resulting in a turnover.

The 13U Force Team will be off this current weekend for the Labor Day holiday, and then have a bye week, returning the following week against the Hollis/Brookline Jr. Cavaliers.

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ELKS SOCCER SHOOT SET

The Nashua Lodge of Elks 720 Youth Activities Committee Soccer Shoot contest will be held on Saturday, September 10 at Main Dunstable Road Soccer Fields #4 with registration at 8 a.m. and competition at 9.

The Nashua Lodge of Elks 720 are also proud to announce a $2,500 donation to the Nashua Youth Soccer League ensuring Nashua area youth in need will be able to play soccer.

Also, in honor of longtime Elk members Al and the late Marion Savage, the NH Elks State Drug Awareness Program information trailer will be at the Soccer Shoot. Elks members will be distributing educational materials to Nashua area families to aid in the battle against drugs.

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