D3 Championship Prediction

After two upsets this past weekend we have ourselves a championship game with the 3 and 4 seed taking part in it. Goffstown is hot out of an explosive 54-53 overtime win over perennial powerhouse Souhegan of Amherst while Portsmouth is coming off of a defensively dominant 7-0 victory over #2 seed Milford. "Defense wins championships" is something that every forum poster that grew up playing sports heard from their coaches, no matter what sport they played. That being said, I will be going with Portsmouth winning this game. Portsmouth has the athletes to contain Connor "Superman" Benjamin as well as a dominant defensive line lead by Kurtis Leonard and Rick Holt. 56-22 was the result of the last time these two teams met in Portsmouth, but I expect it to be far closer this time. Benjamin will get his yards and touchdowns but the Donovan Phanor Nate McFarland tandem will once again blow down the Goffstown Defense like pigs against straw.

Game MVP for each side:

Connor Benjamin, Goffstown: Benjamin is probably the state's best dual threat quarterback. Not only can he throw the ball with great command, but he can also pack quite the hit when he lowers his shoulder on opposing linebackers and defensive backs when trying to run the ball. Expect to see Benjamin have a strong game saturday

Rick Holt, Portsmouth: Holt has had the biggest outcome on Clipper games ever since he took the field his sophomore year. Also a very talented pitcher for Portsmouth, expect to see Holt show why he belongs in division one college football next year.

Final Score Prediction: Portsmouth: 24 Goffstown: 10

Agreements? Disagreements? Please share your thoughts/opinions

I think it'll be a great game - even go to OT where the 2 point try by Goffstown fails - perhaps 28-27 Portsmouth... Hard to pick against Portsmouth - they stymied Milford's offense. For a point of reference - I think the last time Portsmouth had this many injuries was their last year in D2.

Surprised no one has said anything about ALL 3 championships happening on the Seacoast (Exeter, Winni, and Ports) - 4 if you count Somersworth/D5.

Would the Seacoast fans prefer to have gone to St. A's/Grappone Stadium this weekend? Talk about changing home field advantage (Pinky, Bedord, and Goffstown)