RallyNorth.net

2006 record: 15-3-2, lost Class L final

Returning starters (6): Kenny Kolbeck, Jr., defense; Jordan Ward, Sr., forward; Josh DiPirro, Sr., forward; Peter Drivas, Sr., midfield; Jon Wood, Sr., midfield; Marc Siragusa, Jr., defense

NASHUA, N.H. | His ability to score touchdowns duly noted, Pinkerton Academy senior Mike LaRocque is a man of many talents.

Take assessing his Astros football team after last night's 33-0 dispatching of Nashua North.

They are akin to NASCAR drivers trapped behind the wheel of a '79 Olds Cutlass ...

World class jockeys forced to ride mules...

Naval aviators piloting single-engine Cessnas.

But heading into their senior seasons | with opening games less than a week away | Salem's Hal Landers, Pinkerton Academy's Peter Mazzola and Londonderry High's Craig Enos are right where they want to be, leading their respective clubs into what all three feel could be championship seasons.

2006 record: 12-0, won Division 1 championship

Returning starters (10): Tom Olivier, Sr., TE/LB, 6-1, 175; Mike Rottler, Sr., OL/DL, 5-9, 235; Josh Lane, Sr., OL/DL, 6-2, 275; Zach Smith, Sr., WR/DB, 6-0, 180; Steve Eurieck, Sr., WR/DB, 5-10, 170; Peter Mazzola, Sr., QB/DB, 5-11, 170; Mike Crupi, Sr., RB/LB, 5-9, 195; Bobby Dattilo, Sr., RB/DB, 5-7, 150; Mike LaRocque, Sr., RB/LB, 5-11, 190; Colby Verge, Jr., RB/DB, 6-1, 190

NASHUA, N.H. | Pinkerton Academy has displayed sheer dominance over its opponents this season, which is the mark of a great football team.

Last night the Astros demonstrated another characteristic of a great team | resilience.

DERRY | All season long, the recipe for Pinkerton's success has been to score early and often, and then watch its opponents struggle to play catch-up.

The Astros once again executed that strategy en route to a dominating 27-7 victory over Salem in the Division 1 state championship yesterday before a crowd of about 3,000 fans. It is the second consecutive state crown for the Astros, who also finished their remarkable season with a perfect 12-0 record.