Spent a good amount of Thursday night, getting a feel on the game from both coaches, Pinkerton’s Brian O’Reilly and Londonderry’s Jon Rich.
The Astros, 3-1 overall and 3-0 in Division 1, travel to the Lancers, 4-0 and 3-0, for a Saturday night clash.
The rivalry is gigantic, has been for decades. And now, the entire state will be watching as the teams collide, with no other games going on.
Here are the projected starting lineups.
Londonderry offense
TE Kevin Hale
TE Jake Finnegan
G Kevin Garrabrant
C Tom Manley
G Alex Deyeso
T Sean Ryan
T Matt Hamilton
FB Gary Glines
QB Conor McKinney
HB Anthony Terenzi
FL Alex Lambert
Defense
NG Josh Nitso
DT Glines
DT Deyeso
DE Brandon Edgerly
DE Terenzi
LB Hale
LB Bill White
LB Finnegan
S Jason Silva
CB Adam Bardwell
CB Josh Roberts
Pinkerton offense
C Thor Johnson
RG Matt Crowe
LG Ali Bahremand
LT Chris Trieb
RT Ryan Raymond
TE Colton Desmarais
SE Sean Allen
QB Ryan Simpson
FB Chris George
HB Eric Guinto
HB Colby Verge
Defense
DL Raymond
DL Ben Proulx
DE Mike Mazzola
DE Zach Tulley
LB George
LB Dennis Stevens
LB Bahremand
CB Mark Maguire
CB Desmarais
S Verge
S Kyle Brand
Sizing up the matchups
Londonderry offensive line vs. Pinkerton defensive line: Londonderry’s big, averaging about 240 a man. They pack it in tight, much like Salem did. Penetration and speed often neutralize the size advantage. Pinkerton has to find a way to get its quicker front men like Ben Proulx, Zach Tulley and Mike Mazzola into the backfield. Advantage: Londonderry.
Londonderry backs vs. Pinkerton linebackers: Brian O’Reilly said it best, four different leading rushers in four weeks for the Lancers. There’s just a lot of talent out there, with plenty of game-breaking ability in the likes of McLaughlin, Terenzi, Lambert and Glines. Advantage: Londonderry.
Londonderry QB and receivers vs. Pinkerton defensive backs: Even on defense, Astro Mark Maguire has home run potential. Colby Verge is a threat to take any turnover back for 7. The Lancers, partially because they haven’t needed to, haven’t played the vertical game yet. Advantage: Pinkerton.
Pinkerton offensive line vs. Londonderry defensive line: The Astros just haven’t gotten it done enough consistently in the two tough ones. The Lancers held Salem to 96 yards on the ground. Enough said. Advantage: Londonderry.
Pinkerton backs vs. Londonderry linebackers: Eric Guinto is a difference maker, you just can’t dispute that. He might be the best player in the state as a junior. Advantage: Pinkerton.
Pinkerton QB and receivers vs. Londonderry DBs: Part of the Pinkerton edge here is O’Reilly’s willingness to air it out and actually go for the big play. The 40-yarder to Colton Desmarais broke Salem’s back last week. Look for more attempts at the game-breaker Saturday night. Advantage: Pinkerton.
Special teams and intangibles: The speed on both sides makes this one a tossup. Each club has thoughts on a state title. Whoever makes the big play here wins. Advantage: Even
OK folks, time for you to decide. Or let’s let the players decide it, on the field, of course.
See you Saturday night at Lancer Park. Get there early, or you’ll be parking at Mack’s Orchard.
Great cider, by the way.
