These teams can score points, but can either one play defense?
That's the big question Saturday in the Division 1 state championship game when No. 1-seed Salem (10-1) hosts No. 2-seed Nashua North (9-1), a pair of teams that score quickly and keep right on scoring. Salem averaged 35.1 points in Division 1 games and Nashua North was even better, averaging 36.9.
Both teams were not consistent defensively, however. Salem was strong early on, but has slipped a bit lately, while Nashua North gave up 49, 54 and 48 points in consecutive weeks but has improved recently, beating Pinkerton 24-14 and Manchester Central 26-19 — the same team that piled up 45 points on Salem the week before.
Still, if the playing conditions are adequate, I don't see how North's defense can have improved enough since losing to Salem, 54-33, back on Oct. 17. Unless the Blue Devils turn the ball over, the Salem defense will be effective enough to make sure that Max Jacques and Co. will not be denied.
PICK: Salem 41, Nashua North 35
SATURDAY'S OTHER GAME
Pingree (7-1) vs. Brooks (7-1)
These teams, who scrimmaged in the preseason, appear quite equal. However, assuming that Jordan Johnson is recovered from his concussion, I can't pick against the Green and White.
PICK: Brooks 26, Pingree 20
Season record: 128-41
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