Nashuatelegraph.com: Sports | Web Feeds

Foul! Study says hoop refs try to even the score

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:46:00 EST

They don’t all need glasses. But if you always suspected basketball referees are biased – well, you’re right, according to a couple of professors who’ve studied the matter. Refs favor the home team, the academics say. They’re big on “make-up” calls.

Mauer near-unanimous pick as AL MVP

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:10:00 EST

NEW YORK – Joe Mauer sat behind a table on a podium in a conference room at the Metrodome when Justin Morneau shouted out the last question of the day. “Are you finally going to buy dinner now?” Morneau said to his teammate from the audience, one MVP to another. Mauer became only the second catcher in 33 years to win the American League Most Valuable Player Award, finishing first in a near-unanimous vote Monday.

Bergeron helps Bruins top Blues

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:00:25 EST

ST. LOUIS – Patrice Bergeron had four assists, two on power-play goals and another short-handed, to help the Boston Bruins beat the St. Louis Blues 4-2 Monday night for their first three-game winning streak of the season. Milan Lucic got the go-ahead goal midway through the second period and Marco Sturm scored short-handed midway through the third for a two-goal cushion on Boston’s 20th shot against Chris Mason.

No more pigskin for Huskies

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 06:57:01 EST

BOSTON – Northeastern University is ending its football program after 74 seasons because the investment required to make it competitive was too high. The school announced the decision Monday after president Joseph Aoun and the board of trustees endorsed on Friday the recommendation by athletic director Peter Roby after a two-year review of the Boston school’s sports programs. Roby said an investment of “tens of millions of dollars” to replace or upgrade spartan Parsons Field would be required to help make the football program competitive with others in the Colonial Athletic Association. “I think everybody in higher education is faced with the dilemma of competing priorities and investments,” Roby said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Still looking for key win

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:00:31 EST

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Hey, it’s always fun to pick on the Little Sisters of the Poor. But now it’s time for the New England Patriots to get ready for the big boys, because those are the games that can define them, especially at this time of year. At least that’s what Patriots coach Bill Belichick always tells his team, and right now is no exception.

Nashua football doing just fine

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:00:35 EST

Is this the golden age of high school football in Nashua? Old timers will yell “blasphemy’’ and they are probably right. It’s unlikely we’ll ever see 12,000 people at a high school game, like the crowds who would show up for the big ones at Holman Stadium during the Buzz Harvey Era in the 1940s, 1950s and early 1960s. High school football was the biggest topic in town then, subject to daily debates in the coffee shops and diners.

Ryan letting emotion take control

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:59:10 EST

The crying game just continues for the New York Jets. They’ve tried everything over the years, and it just hasn’t worked since Joe Namath’s stunning backup of his Super Bowl guarantee. Only problem was, that was some 40 years ago. Bill Parcells bolted the Patriots for the land of Gang Green and didn’t last.

Pats finish the job against Jets

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:40:18 EST

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots moved forward on Sunday against a New York Jets team that probably would rather be living in the past. Indeed, these were two teams on different flights. The Patriots recovered from the sting of last week’s late loss to the Colts with a 31-14 thumping of the reeling Jets (4-6) at Gillette Stadium, the same Jets team that started out the season 3-0 with one of those wins over New England back in the second week of the season.

KG’s jumper beats Knicks in overtime

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:55:00 EST

NEW YORK – Paul Pierce carried the Celtics all game while the rest of the Big Three struggled. So when it came time for the winning shot, of course Pierce would take it. That’s what the New York Knicks seemed to think, anyway. Instead, Pierce swung it to a wide-open Kevin Garnett, whose jumper beat the overtime buzzer to give Boston a 107-105 victory Sunday.

Undefeated season will be hard for Cardinals to follow

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:04:15 EST

How do you follow up an act that was the best ever? That’s the challenge that awaits the Bishop Guertin High School football program. Things will be remarkably different for the Cardinals next year, although they will enjoy the fruits of their dominant 12-0 championship season for a while, capped off by Saturday’s 31-0 win over Winnacunnet in the Division II final. But eventually, the reality of losing 34 seniors will hit.

Johnson wins 4th straight NASCAR championship

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:55:00 EST

HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Jimmie Johnson was chasing much more than a championship. He was also chasing NASCAR history. The most dominant driver of this decade won a record fourth consecutive championship Sunday night at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where he raced hard to finish fifth when 25th-place would have gotten the job done.

Patriots hope second verse isn’t same as the first

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:59:16 EST

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots can wrap up the AFC East today. Not officially, of course, but a win over the New York Jets sends yet another division rival deeper into the abyss. What’s it going to take to get that done?

Martin is sole driver with a chance to overtake Johnson

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:43:00 EST

HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Of the first 31 drivers to complete a qualifying lap Friday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, none could match the blistering pace set by Mark Martin. With his fast lap of 172.678 mph, Martin shot to the top of the starting grid for today’s NASCAR finale.

NFL Preview Capsules

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:59:16 EST

Capsule previews for Week 11 around the NFL. All times Eastern. TODAY Steelers (6-3) at Chiefs (2-7), 1 p.m.

Local College Football Wrapup

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:00:02 EST

DURHAM, N.H. – Chad Kackert scored on a 5-yard run to cap a 10-point fourth quarter for New Hampshire in a 27-24 win over Maine on Saturday. The Wildcats (9-2, 6-2 Colonial Athletic Association) rallied from a 17-10 halftime deficit to clinch the CAA north division title.

Kids Wrapup: Soccer, Gymnastics, Basketball, Swimming, Lacrosse

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:00:18 EST

Classics win fall soccer championship The New Hampshire Classics girls U11 team won a NHSA fall state championship. The Classics won the U12 8v8 Division I title, taking the final game 1-0 over Nashua World Cup on a goal Haley Goff. Other team members include, Anna Garrison, Molly Redman, Lauren May, Gaby Goumas, Stephanie MacMillan, Lauren Phelps, Grace LaChance, Natalie Kelley, Jadyn McDonough, Brooke Shatney and Samantha Sarro GYMNASTICS The New England Gymnastics Training Center of Hudson competed in the second Annual Turkey Shoot Invitational in Bow. The Level 4 and 5 teams each took home the third-place scarecrow trophy.

Kids Hockey Wrapup

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:00:33 EST

Flames beat Panthers to win Tier 2 state title The Manchester Flames Midget Major 2 hockey team won the Tier 2 New Hampshire state championship, beating the Nashua Panthers Pro Ambitions in the final, to qualify for the national championship in Rochester, N.Y. After securing the top seed in the regular season, the Flames opened the playoffs with a 7-2 win over the Hollis Cavaliers. Derek Wyman scored twice while Ethan Siemiesz, John Garrity, Bryson Bilodeau, Jake Valluzzi and Dan Smith also tallied for the Flames.

Razorbacks head to New England Championship

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:19:00 EST

They have nicknames like “Diggy,” “Oakie,” “Shwabie,” Cheech,” and “Hammer“ As a TEAM, they are described by their coaches as disciplined, focused, driven and the occasionally affectionate “U-G-L-Y.” After beating Salem in the state championship game on November 14th, this relentless unbeaten squad of 4th-graders beat the Nipmuc Warriors (central Massachusetts) and now advances to Meriden, CT for a chance to be crowned American Youth Football New England Regional Champions on November 21st. The first step in the Pelham/Windham Razorback New England Championship run took place in Bedford, NH on a raw, wet and windy Saturday against the Warriors. To give you one an idea of how bad the weather was, New Hampshire rescheduled all their high school games from Saturday to Sunday.

Kelly thrives title game’s spotlight

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:08:42 EST

If you’re looking for a Most Valuable Player in Bishop Guertin’s Division II championship win over Winnacunnet of Hampton on Saturday, you might not need to look any further than trainer Jerry Holland. It was Holland’s work on Mike Kelly that paid dividends after the Cardinals speedster scored three touchdowns in what became a 31-0 rout. Remember, Kelly missed last week’s semifinal win with a bad ankle, and that ankle wasn’t getting any better early in the week. “Tuesday or Wednesday, I didn’t think he was going to be able to go,” Cardinals coach Tony Johnson said.

Titans can’t wait for Turkey Day

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:00:39 EST

Like any team following a close loss, especially in a game as monumental as a championship, members of the Nashua High School North football team will play back Saturday’s 28-21 loss to Salem in their minds for months. They’ll think of all the game-changing moments in a contest that had dozens of them, and they’ll play the “if only” game. Head coach Jason Robie and his coaching staff will probably do the same thing. It’s the inevitable component of a game in which a decision – like going for a first down on fourth-and-two – can be debated for months.

North’s dream season ends

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:09:22 EST

SALEM – Jason Robie got everything he wanted Saturday in the Division I football title game. Well, almost everything. The Nashua High School North football team successfully ran a ball-control offense. The Titans’ defense stepped up to the task of holding Salem’s running game in check.

Bishop Guertin wins 2nd straight Division II title

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:09:36 EST

NASHUA – Now the debate can begin, and it may not even be much of one. Was the 2009 Bishop Guertin High School football team the best the school has ever had? “Yes,” BG head coach Tony Johnson could finally say after the Cardinals capped their 12-0 season with a 31-0 win over Winnacunnet of Hampton in Saturday’s Division II final before a Stellos Stadium crowd of about 3,000. “This team was a little bit different, a little bit special, for really one reason.

NASCAR-Sprint Cup-Ford 400 Lineup

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:40:00 EST

Ford 400 Lineup After Friday qualifying; race today At Homestead-Miami Speedway Homestead, Fla. Lap length: 1.5 miles (Car number in parentheses) 1. (48) Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 173.

Just another day at Grant Field for coach Rozumek

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:59:16 EST

The last time Salem High School won a football championship, Adam Rozumek played a key role in the victory, tossing a pair of touchdown passes in a 13-7 victory over Londonderry in the 1995 Division II title game. The Rozumek name is big in the Salem-Lawrence (Mass.) area. His uncle, David Rozumek, who grew up just over the border in Lawrence, is Salem’s athletic director – and a former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker who was a collegiate standout at the University of New Hampshire.

Magic top C’s for 4th straight win

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:01:00 EST

BOSTON – Vince Carter scored 26 points, Rashard Lewis had 16 points and 10 rebounds, and the Orlando Magic beat the Boston Celtics 83-78 Friday night. Dwight Howard grabbed 15 boards and Mickael Pietrus added 14 points for Orlando, which won the rematch of last season’s Eastern Conference semifinal for its fourth consecutive victory. Paul Pierce scored 21 for Boston, which has lost three of its last four, and three of five at home. Kevin Garnett scored 13 points with 11 rebounds, and Ray Allen had 15 points for the Celtics.

Bergeron boosts B’s over Sabres

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:01:00 EST

BUFFALO, N.Y. – It had been over three years since Patrice Bergeron scored an overtime goal. The one he netted on Friday night could turn into a rallying point for the Boston Bruins.

A day of firsts for Titans vs. Blue Devils

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:00:56 EST

It’s a record-breaking year for the Nashua High School North football team, culminating in today’s first title game in school history. The second-seeded Titans take on the top-seeded Salem Blue Devils in a noon showdown at Grant Field in Salem. North, in just its sixth season, has set all kinds of school records for offense this year. But to understand the rich tradition of Salem football, you only need to delve into the 33-page statistical game report compiled by Salem attorney and Blue Devils television broadcaster Bernie Campbell.

BG is all business

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:01:10 EST

The accolades have come all year. Opponents have left the field dazed and amazed. Indeed, the Bishop Guertin High School football team appears to be one for the ages. A team that seems poised to take its place as perhaps the very best in school history.

Correction

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:00:44 EST

Nashua High School North’s mascot is the Titans. Due to an editing error, the mascot was incorrectly identified in a story on Page 21 of Thursday’s Telegraph.

Warriors won’t sneak up on Cardinals in D-2 final

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:01:25 EST

Tony Johnson doesn’t mince words when his opponent, third for Saturday’s Division II title game at Stellos Stadium, Winnacunnet High School of Hampton, is mentioned. “Tough team,” the Bishop Guertin High School head football coach says without hesitation. “They’ve got a lot of experience, got a lot of tough kids, and they’re peaking at the right time.” Boy, are they ever.

Bergeron’s shootout goal gives Bruins 4-3 win

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:46:01 EST

ATLANTA – The Boston Bruins finally figured out how to win a game after 60 minutes were up. Patrice Bergeron had the only goal of the shootout after Michael Ryder scored twice in regulation, lifting Boston to a 4-3 victory over Atlanta that snapped the Thrashers’ four-game winning streak Thursday night. Boston halted a three-game slide, which included an overtime loss and another that went to a shootout. “We have lost several games in shootouts,” Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask said.

There’s no crying in picking games

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:01:37 EST

Yes, Rex Ryan was in tears this past Monday. So was yours truly after looking at his results from this past Sunday. As the HC of the NEP would say, “Not what we’re looking for.” The record is what it is – lousy.

High School Football Playoffs

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:01:49 EST

DIVISION I SEMIFINALS Salem 44, Pinkerton 28 Nashua North 27, Man. Central 19 FINAL Saturday No. 2 Nashua North (8-1) at No. 1 Salem (8-1), noon DIVISION II SEMIFINALS Bishop Guertin 38, Alvirne 0 Winnacunnet 17, No.

Patriots know these Jets are no pushover

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:02:03 EST

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – For crying out loud, if you think the New England Patriots were scuffling after their latest loss, how about the New York Jets? After losing their fifth game in last six tries, Gang Green appears in chaos. Rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez decided to read a bizarre post-game statement to reporters.

Flynn a force on both sides of BG’s line

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:02:16 EST

The blow was so crushing, it’s surprising there still isn’t an imprint of the Alvirne High School defender on the Stellos Stadium turf. If Bishop Guertin High School two-way lineman Mike Flynn was looking to make an impression on the opposition, as well as any college coaches in the stands, mission accomplished. His block paved the way for quarterback Steve Cuipa’s touchdown run in the Cardinals Division II semifinal romp last weekend. But it was a perfect example of the combination of speed and power the Cards have displayed all season long, as well as how Flynn, a 5-foot-11 senior from Bedford, has improved in the last year.

Titans, Blue Devils have plenty of offensive weapons

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:02:31 EST

It isn’t the Division I final anyone was picking back in August, but when the Salem High School Blue Devils and Nashua High School North Titans square off for the championship on Saturday at Grant Field, there’s no logical argument that they aren’t the two best teams. Each team has lost just once. The top-seeded Blue Devils’ one blemish came against Manchester Central, in a regular-season finale that meant a lot more to the Little Green than to Salem. Second-seeded North’s only loss came at home against Salem when the Titans didn’t have junior Andre Williams, who has gained close to 1,200 yards rushing and is a key member of their defense.

Short-term memory is key for Pats

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:01:37 EST

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – It’s called short-term memory loss. The New England Patriots may not feel they have to forgive, but the command is definitely that they have to forget. Yes, purchase a bunch of rearview mirrors to put the frustration of head coach Bill Belichick’s fourth-down call on Sunday night behind them, and move ahead to this Sunday’s AFC East rematch with the New York Jets.

Nashua North’s offensive line is taking care of business

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:59:34 EST

Of all the pleasant surprises for the Nashua High School North football team this fall, one tops the list as far as head coach Jason Robie is concerned. He was pretty confident in his skill players on offense. He envisioned Andre Williams emerging as one of the state’s premier running backs. He saw the quarterback combination of senior Dylan Brodeur and junior Brandon Karkhanis being a potential two-headed monster for opposing defenses.

Fall 2009 High School All-State Selections

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:01:50 EST

SOCCER BOYS CLASS L First Team Josh Vlasich, sr., F, Exeter; Jimmy Petruccelli, jr., F, Exeter; Mike Wanelik, sr., F, Pinkerton; Peguy Ngatcha, so.

Nashua’s athletic director resigns

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:59:27 EST

For the third time time this decade, the city of Nashua will be searching for a new athletic director. After a year and a half on the job, current Nashua Athletic Director Peter Casey has resigned, effective next month, to take a job working for the University of Massachusetts Lowell as the manager of the Tsongas Arena. “I’m very disappointed,” Nashua Superintendent of Schools Mark Conrad said early Wednesday evening. “He’s done a great job for Nashua, building our programs.

Celtics rebound with win over Golden State

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:55:00 EST

BOSTON (AP) – Rajon Rondo scored 12 of his season high-matching 18 points in the third quarter and the Boston Celtics rebounded from a two-game skid with a 109-95 win over the short-handed Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. Paul Pierce, who missed a day of practice with a sore left knee, scored 19 on 7-of-12 shooting. Playing without a wrap on the knee, Pierce made a 3-pointer after the Warriors ended the Celtics’ 12-0 run with a pair of free throws in the third quarter. Pierce’s 3 made it 70-57.

Patriots’ assistant says boss unaffected by critics

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:37:01 EST

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – When defensive coordinator Dean Pees returned to work after New England’s stunning loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Bill Belichick was preparing for the Patriots’ next opponent. The coach was seemingly unaffected by the wave of criticism stemming from his fourth-down gamble. “As far as I can see right now, it’s business as usual,” Pees said Tuesday.

NHIAA FOOTBALL Championships

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:00:46 EST

DIVISION I FINAL Saturday No. 2 Nashua North (8-1) at No. 1 Salem (8-1), noon DIVISION II FINAL Saturday No. 3 Winnacunnet (6-3) at No.

Davey, Prophet enjoy reunion at Conn. College

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:00:53 EST

The friendship began on the soccer field when they were 7 years old, playing together in the Nashua Cobras program. As both players progressed, they moved on to the Bedford Classics and went their separate ways, Erin Davey playing for a girls team and Trevor Prophet with the boys. Davey, a standout in both soccer and ice hockey, went to Proctor Academy. Prophet, who plays soccer and tennis, spent his high school years at Milton Academy.

Now’s the time for neutrality

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:00:58 EST

With all this talk of changing the divisions of New Hampshire high school football, it’s time for the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association to go all the way and make one more major move. It’s time to move all the championship football games – yes, all six of them – to neutral sites. Last weekend is a perfect example as to why. Two days before the games were to take place, the NHIAA made the call to postpone everything that was supposed to be played on Saturday to Sunday because of the risk of poor weather.

BG coach uses track techniques to make football players faster

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:00:32 EST

It really shouldn’t be surprising what Bishop Guertin High School football coach Tony Johnson looks for first in a football player. After all, Johnson attended the University of Rhode Island on a track scholarship as a sprinter. And with this incredible Cardinals squad (11-0), it seems like he has a team full of them. “As a football team,” Johnson said, “I want speed over size anytime.

Committee should consider consolidation

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:59:59 EST

It’s time for the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association to send a message to its football committee. The kind of message a parent might send to a child after looking over a hurried homework assignment. Something like: “Get back in that room and don’t come out until you’ve come up with something better than this.’’ Because after the attempt two weeks ago to make everyone happy, they came up with a six division plan more watered down than a cup of Coke at Fenway Park.

Who needs defense?

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Any fans of defense should have stayed away from Sunday’s Division III high school football championship in Amherst. Sure, there were big defensive plays from both Souhegan and Portsmouth, but it was the offenses of both teams that certainly stood out. Between the two of them, Souhegan (506 yards) and Portsmouth (586) combined for more than 1,000 yards of offense and a combined 78 points, a record for a Division III championship game. The individual performances were impressive.

Wall leads Kentucky past Miami, Ohio

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:58:00 EST

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky freshman John Wall scored 19 points – including the game-winning jumper with 0.5 seconds remaining – to lift the fourth-ranked Wildcats to a 72-70 win over Miami of Ohio on Monday night. After Miami’s Kenny Hayes hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 70 with six seconds left, Wall raced down the floor and pulled up from the wing.

Belichick: Call gave team best chance to win

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:00:07 EST

All you need to know about New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is that he will do whatever he feels it takes for his team to win and spare no feelings toward that end. So yes, on fourth-and-2 from the New England 28-yard-line, it’s likely he would go for it again. “I thought it was our best chance to win,” Belichick said Monday, repeating his words of late Sunday night. “I thought we needed to make that one play and then we could basically run out the clock.