Tom King

It’s over a week into October, a month that probably should be renamed SportsTober.

We were preoccupied with Tom Brady last weekend, so we apologize for not mapping out your sports month.

But here we go, beginning with the start of this week:

•••

SUNDAY, OCT. 10

Your Boston Red Sox will be competing in what should be Game 3 of the American League Divisional Series vs. the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park.

Meanwhile, your New England Patriots will be looking to get their second win of the season at weak sister Houston. The Patriots really need to avoid going 1-4; as this is written, the Sox may need to win to stay alive depending on how the series is going.

•••

MONDAY, OCT. 11

The Boston Marathon? Yes that’s exactly what will be happening, postponed for the second straight year in April and moved to this one-time (hopefully) Columbus Day event. It might be a 70 degree day, which might be great for the runners. Best of luck to all the locals competing.

•••

THURSDAY, OCT. 14

The NHIAA Division I team golf championships will be held, and the only real reason this makes the list is because it’s local, being held at Overlook in Hollis. Right now, it doesn’t appear as if we’ll have a team champion or any individuals with a shot at contending.

•••

SATURDAY, OCT. 16

The Boston Bruins begin their season at home against the Dallas Stars. In a recent Associated Press look at the Eastern Conference, the B’s weren’t even mentioned. Maybe that’s a good thing.

Anyway, the NHL returns to what should be a normal setup, and all eyes will be on Patrice Bergeron leading this team, and a full season of Taylor Hall.

Ah, Saturday night will also be Pinkerton football’s second visit to Stellos Stadium in a week, taking on Bishop Guertin.

Could be interesting.

•••

SUNDAY, OCT. 17

The Dallas Cowboys come to Gillette Stadium, and that doesn’t happen too often, does it? It’s probably the most attractive game left on the Patriots schedule, unless you want to include Buffalo.

•••

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 20

The Boston Celtics open their new season with a new coach, Ime Udoka, a few new players, and hopefully a new look and new results.

They’ll be in Madison Square Garden against the overrated New York Knicks and Kemba Walker. The Knicks won’t be as good as they were a season ago, should be a great Green night.

Also that night, two girls soccer powers will clash at Stellos Stadium at 6, Bedford and Bishop Guertin. If things go according to plan, they could both still be unbeaten.

It’s the regular-season finale, so it will determine some tournament seeding as well.

And speaking of tournaments, the NHIAA Division I field hockey prelims begin. It will likely include Bishop Guertin, and possibly Nashua South.

•••

THURSDAY, OCT. 21

Thursday night high school football? Take that, NFL. In an unusual scheduling twist the Nashua North Titans and Pinkerton Astros are slated to play in Derry at 7 p.m.

It’s a very short week for the Astros, since they play the previous Saturday night.

•••

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, OCT. 22-23

History will be made. The Rivier University men’s and women’s ice hockey teams will compete for the first time ever. The Raider women will square off against Plymouth State Friday night at Conway Arena, while the Riv men on Saturday will be at New England College. These are exhibition games, but it’s the first time they’ll wear the uniforms for their school. Their official openers are Oct. 29 with a doubleheader at Conway Arena, women vs. Castleton at 4 p.m. and men vs. Southern New Hampshire University at 7. History.

•••

TUESDAY, OCT. 26

Game 1 of the World Series is slated, if weather or other variables don’t delay the two League Championship Series.

The Red Sox? Not thinking so, but anything’s possible.

•••

FRIDAY, OCT. 29

The boys soccer quarterfinals will be played in all divisions. We’ll be expecting the Panthers of Nashua South to be there; these tourney games are never easy. Last year they won late in regulation vs. Merrimack in bone chilling temps.

•••

SUNDAY, OCT. 31

Yes, Halloween has arrived. And so have the state girls soccer quarterfinals. Bishop Guertin will no doubt be playing, and you’d have to think perhaps Nashua South. In Division II, Hollis Brookline and Milford. Big day.

Ah, and the Patriots will be in La-La Land, their second trip there in a year, as they’ll be taking on Justin Herbert and the Chargers. Not easy.

From there the chill will descend on New England for a while. But enjoy the rest of

SportsTober.

Tom King can be reached at tking@nashuatelegraph.com, or on twitter @Telegraph _TomK.

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