As the high school football season kicks off, Pinkerton Academy has been named the top team in the initial Union Leader High School Football Power Poll. This recognition comes after the Astros finished as the Division I state runner-up last season, falling to Bedford High in the championship match.
In the preseason rankings, Pinkerton Academy secured 67 points, placing them ahead of Bishop Guertin, which garnered 60 points. The Astros received five first-place votes from a panel of seven New Hampshire sports media members who consistently cover high school football. Bishop Guertin and Bedford each received the remaining votes, with Bedford, who went unbeaten last season under the leadership of coach Zach Matthews, starting this season ranked seventh under new coach Tom Babaian.
The Union Leader Power Poll has been a staple in New Hampshire high school football since its inception in 2008, providing weekly rankings of the top 10 teams across all divisions. This year's preseason poll features a lineup dominated by Division I teams, with Pinkerton and Bishop Guertin leading the pack. Following them in the rankings are Winnacunnet, Manchester Memorial, Salem, Londonderry, Bedford, and Windham. Concord and Exeter are tied for the ninth position, showcasing the competitive landscape of high school football in the state.
As the regular season commences this weekend, fans can look forward to three exciting matchups featuring top-10 teams. On Friday night, Pinkerton will host rival Salem, while Manchester Memorial travels to Exeter, and Windham will take on Concord at the Edward Cross Training Complex in Pembroke. These games promise to set the tone for the season ahead and could shake up the early rankings.
The significance of the preseason poll cannot be understated, as it not only highlights the teams to watch but also builds anticipation among players and fans alike. With the season now underway, teams will be eager to prove themselves and potentially climb the rankings as they vie for the coveted state championship.
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