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SALEM — Behind huge performances by dynamic running backs Tommy Ahlers and Aidan McDonald, Salem High entered the postseason with a bang on Friday night.

Ahlers ran for 176 yards on just five carries and McDonald added 125 rushing yards on six carries as the Blue Devils rolled past Merrimack 54-14 on Friday night in the regular season finale for both teams.

Emily Hood scored a season-high three goals, two on breakaways, leading No. 5 Pinkerton to a 4-2 victory over Merrimack in the Division 1 first round. Hannah Sippel added the other goal for the Astros, who next host No. 13 Dover in the Division 1 quarterfinals on Sunday (2 p.m.)

MERRIMACK — Windham had its best offensive performance of the season but couldn't overcome a 27-7 halftime deficit and fell to Merrimack 48-27.

The Jaguars, led by quarterback Sam Dunham (22-85)  AJ Fox (7-58) rushed for 240 yards. Dunham also rushed for a touchdown and passed for two scores,one to Fox for 30 yards and another to Cole Peterson for four yards.

DERRY— Following a tough home loss last week against archrival Londonderry, Pinkerton bounced back on Friday night with a dominating victory over Merrimack. The Astros were without star running backs Jacob Albert and Jack Mackiernan, allowing for junior sensation Cole Yennaco to step up and take control of the ground game. 

Sophia Quinlan and Kaylee DiMarino each scored and Lyndsay Troisi stopped four shots at Salem field hockey blanked Merrimack, 2-0. 

PLAISTOW — Timberlane gave up its first points of the season ... but only after the Owls stormed to a 40-0 lead late in the first half. The 3-0 Owls performed a rarity with seven different players scoring one touchdown: four on the ground, one through the air, one on a punt return and one on an interception.

Landan Villenueve scored the game's lone goal, and a defense led by Adam Freiburger, Noah Sands, Reilly Beaulieu and Ryan Dvelbis made it stand up as Pinkerton beat Merrimack 1-0

Junior twins Bella (4) and Sophia Keogh (1) combined for all five goals as Timberlane soccer tripped Merrimack, 5-2. Coach Jeff Baumann said, "Bella was able to get in behind them and got some breakaways. She's very poised. On the last goal, she made her move at the 18 and hammered it into the upper corner. They are both very talented."

Junior Emily Plante won both the 100 and 300 hurdles to pace Salem over Merrimack, 72-63.

Merrimack tied it with a run in the bottom of the seventh but Pinkerton finally prevailed 7-3 in an 11-inning marathon. Max Lukeman (5 innings, 1 run, 2 hits) got the win in relief of Tom Rioux (6 innings, 1 hit, 2 runs, 0 earned). Cole Yennaco (3 hits, 3 RBI, 2 runs) and Lorenzo Corsetto (2 hits, 2 RBI) starred offensively.