RallyNorth.net

HANOVER, N.H. — "We've got to finish, we've got to finish!"

That was the rallying cry on the Windham sideline in the Division 5 semifinals yesterday afternoon, and the Jaguars on the field heeded it almost perfectly in a dramatic 33-27 victory over defending state champion Kearsarge.

METHUEN — Quarterback Eric Lacroix took a moment to pick a large chunk of mud out of his facemask as he pondered the game.

"I thought we were right there," said Lacroix. "But they made the big plays when they had to, and when we needed to we just didn't."

BRAINTREE — A season that began in horrifying September tragedy, ended last night for Greater Lawrence not quite as joyously as the Reggies had hoped.

And when the season-ending 17-14 defeat ended, the Reggies had one last shout out for their fallen comrade.

NASHUA — For Timberlane, it was a genuine shot at redemption when it mattered most, in the Division 2 playoffs.

Hopes of erasing a nine-game losing streak to Bishop Guertin rose when Shawn Grenier separated a Cardinal return man from the ball on the opening kickoff, recovered by the visitors at the 31-yard line leading to a game-opening touchdown.

NORTH ANDOVER — With eight starters — including all three captains — on the injury list, a depleted Brooks School football team decided to cancel its game with Independent School League power Belmont Hill this afternoon.

BOXFORD — Losing the first-place showdown against Lynn English 13 days ago was a bitter pill to swallow. Yesterday’s fourth quarter collapse may have hurt almost as much.

Looking to end its 41 years in the Cape Ann League on a high note, Merrimack Valley Conference-bound North Andover blew a 12-0 fourth-quarter lead and lost to Masconomet, 13-12, on a Mike Tivinis 6-yard run with 18 seconds remaining.

See highlights and interviews from Central Catholic's dramatic win on Thanksgiving Day over Andover.

GEORGETOWN – Manchester Essex’s defense looked mighty suspect on the first play from scrimmage but was impenetrable after that.

The Hornets held Georgetown to just seven points in a 28-7 Thanksgiving Day victory.

LAWRENCE — Still holding the football after making the play of his life — in a game that will live forever in Central Catholic football lore — it took a moment for Matt McDermott to truly realize what had just occurred.

ANDOVER — For more than three quarters, Greater Lawrence quarterback Marcos Ortiz resembled Indianapolis Colts backup quarterback Curtis Painter — shaky, indecisive and ineffective.