Wildcat Game(s) of the Week

September 27, 2019

The Wildcats are now half-way through the regular football season while the cheerleaders are busily preparing for their upcoming local competitions.  The Londonderry Wildcats are the largest youth football and cheerleading organization in NH supporting 3 flag football teams and 6 tackle football teams from 8U (2nd graders) through 13U(8th graders); and cheer squads with athletes in kindergarten through 8th grade..

This weeks game(s) of the week will highlight the Wildcat 13U and 9U tackle football game action

13U – Wildcats vs. Razorbacks

Are you afraid of the dark?  Under the lights at LHS Varsity field the 13U Wildcats sporting their new black game jersey’s hosted the perennial power Pelham Razorbacks in 8th grade football action.  These 2 teams have a history, as they advanced through theAYF football levels, having played each other in regular season games and playoffs.  These games are usually close and tonight would be no exception.

Like two prize fighters the teams slowly tested each other under the lights last Saturday at LHS.  Pelham taking the opening kick off on their first series facing a 4th and 2 decided to go for it.  The Pelham back took the hand-off in the backfield and was immediately stopped for a loss by Wildcat #24 Charlie Lantz.  The Wildcats would fair no better.  On their opening series facing a 4th and short – the Cats were stopped by the Pelham defense.  And so set the tone of the game.

Nearing the end of the first quarter Pelham, again facing a 4th down decided to go for it in the air, but an alert Wildcat #10 Jake Perron batted down the ball to give possession to Londonderry.  Taking advantage of the Pelham mistake Londonderry struck quickly.  Wildcat QB #1 Cam Brutus completed a 34 yard pass to #20 Cam Chambers that put the ball on the Pelham 25.  From there Jake Perron would run the final 25 yards and the early Londonderry lead.

Starting way back on their own 6 yard line the Razorbacks ground out a long 10+ minute drive scoring on a short TD run with just over 2 minutes left in the half.  Wildcat #2 Quinton Delorey would stop the Razorback EP run to keep the score tied at 6.

On the next series it would take Londonderry 18 seconds of game time to pull ahead.  After covering up the Pelham kickoff on their 36 yard line Wildcat QB Cam Brutus would connect with #20 Cameron Chambers for a 64 yard pass and run play to pull ahead 12 to 6.  In youth football in recognition for the skill and effort it takes to make a kick after TD, AYF awards 2 points for the effort.  Wildcat Jake Perron would connect on the kick and the 2 critical points to put Londonderry ahead 14 to 6.

With just over 2 minutes in the half Pelham would find lightening on their own long run from scrimmage taking the ball all the way down to the Londonderry 21 yard line.  Forcing the ball down to the Wildcat 9 Pelham hit a wall.  That wall would be Wildcat #75 Tyler Miles.  On a 3rd and goal from the 9 Ty would slam the Pelham back forcing a fumble quickly scooped up by Wildcat Jake Perron on the 10 yard line to give the ball back to Londonderry with just 2 seconds left in the half.

Disaster was averted when Londonderry’s long pass attempt was intercepted by Pelham and with time running out Wildcats Quinton Delorey and #14 Conor Williams stopped the return on the 5 yard line to preserve the Londonderry 14 to 6 halftime lead.

The Londonderry defense was stout on the day.  Wildcat #34 Michael Thistle led all tacklers with 8 solo tackles ( 4 for a loss), and a QB sack.  Wildcat #5 Seth Doyon would have 4 solo tackles and Ty Miles would also record 4 solo tackles (3 for loss) to go along with his forced fumble.

Both teams would again change possessions to start the 2nd half.  Cam Brutus on the Wildcat second possession of the half would connect to #7 Sam Melia on a 50 yard pass to the Pelham 9 yard.  But the excellent opportunity would slip away after several penalties and then a Razorback interception would give the ball back to Pelham.

Would Pelham get back into the game or would the Cats hold on for the victory – select the link below for final game details and a story on the Wildcat 9U squad.

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By Jim Loiselle | Posted in Sports, Youth 0 to 6, Youth 10 to 18, Youth 6 to 10 | Tagged , | Comments off

Wildcats vs. Wolverines – Nutfield Trophy

September 6, 2019

Nutfield Trophy Game………….the Mack Plaque battle starts here

Londonderry Wildcats 12U  vs  Derry Wolverines Jv.

In the preliminary game the Londonderry Wildcat 12U (7th graders) football team took on the Derry Wolverines Junior Varsity.  The Wildcats play in the American Youth Football League (AYF).  AYF is a national association that in NH is a 26 town league that competes for state, regional, and AYF national championships.  The Wolverines are part of the Northeast Jr. High School Football League that consists of 15 teams from NH and Massachusetts and is not part of a regional/national affiliation.

Trading opening possessions the tempo was controlled by #8 Sam Ogden of Londonderry.  Ogden knocked down a Derry 4th down pass attempt to give the ball to the Wildcats.  From there Ogden (below with #30 Dean Kidder) completed two quick passes including a 19 yard TD pass to Kidder and the Wildcat 6 to 0 lead to end the first quarter.

The Wolverines would quickly answer striking on a 47 yard TD run and with the successful point after TD run would lead 7 to 6.

The Londonderry defense kept rising to the challenge.  On the next Derry series #11 Zachary Ventura would record his first fumble recovery of the night to go along with his 3 solo tackles.  From mid-field #22 Tyler Knapp would take the ball to the 21 yard line, and on the next play Tyler would take Sam Ogden’s pass to the 6 yard line.  From there Sam would punch it in from 6 for the Wildcat 12 to 7 lead.

Just as quick though Derry would answer on the next series with a 47 yard TD run taking back the lead 13 to 7.

The Cat defense would hold strong for the game.  Leading all tacklers was #44 Ethan Vago (above center with #87 Titchen, #21 Jacob McClory, and #42 Paul Binder) with 6 solo tackles, one for loss.  Kameron Titchen would record 5 solo tackles with 2 for a loss.  #99 Cody Gray and #91 Dillon Tufts would each record 4 solo tackles.  Dean Kidder would record 3 solo tackles and a QB sack to end the first half with the 1 point Derry lead.  Below #27 Devin Boles gets the tackle.

The Wildcats would open the 2nd half moving the ball behind a Sam Ogden pass to 27 Devin Boles to the Wolverine 14, but a Derry interception on the 5 yard line would stall the drive.  On the next series Dean Kidder taking advantage of Zachary Ventura’s fumble recovery would score on a 25 yard TD run untouched up the middle putting the Cats ahead 18 to 12 to end the 3rd quarter.

Taking over to start the 4th quarter the Wildcat pass rush would flush the Wolverine QB from the pocket and he would fling a long pass down to the Londonderry 1 yard line.  From there Derry would push it in for the 19 to 18 lead with 5 minutes left in the game.

The teams would change possessions twice with the Wildcats getting the ball back with 22 seconds left deep in their own territory as the game ended with the slimmest of a Derry win 19 to 18.

It was BLACKOUT NIGHT at the game – with players and cheerleaders (D14 Cheer bottom)  wearing their new black uniforms and the crowd wearing their ‘Are You Afraid of the Dark’ blackout t-shirts.  Below the Wildcat fans fill the stands at LHS.

 

Nutfield Trophy Game

Played since 1993 and last won by the Wildcats in 2015, who would win the Nutfield Trophy Game in 2019.  Derry holds a two game edge in the all-time series.  Would Londonderry bring the trophy home or would it stay safe in the hands of the Wolverines.

WOULD THE TROPHY STAY IN DERRY – OR WOULD THE TROPHY COME HOME TO LONDONDERRY – SELECT THE LINK BELOW FOR THE REST OF THE STORY

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By Jim Loiselle | Posted in Around Town, Sports, Youth 0 to 6, Youth 10 to 18, Youth 6 to 10 | Tagged , | Comments off

Chairman Chronicles for 2019 Londonderry OHD

August 20, 2019

Once in a while, I need to do the Chairman Chronicles for Old Home Day.  This year is one of those years.  It was a pleasure once again to serve with such great people and volunteers who work tirelessly, with no fanfare, to make sure that everything works and goes without a hitch.  We hope that this was accomplished this year, and without further eloquence, here is the five-day event in a “Nutfield” – sorry, in a nutshell.  Get it?

Wednesday night was a first in the 20 years of running OHD, and it worked out perfectly.  The senior barbeque at the Lions was such a success and the Concert on the Common, with the Beach Boy tribute band All Summer Long, was groovy.  Cathy Blash, the Town’s Senior Center Director, planned and presented a perfect evening.  She coordinated purchasing the food, flowers, and all of the special upgrades to make this a fun event for our seniors in the community. They loved it and the laughter flowed.  You nailed it Cathy.

Thank you to LPD. They served the food to our seniors along with Senator Sharon Carson and Town Manager Kevin Smith.  To the Londonderry Police Department, YOU ROCKED OLD HOME DAY.  Thank you so much for your service and commitment to the community you serve.

And thanks to Stephen and Julie Lee.   They came up with an idea of taking Concerts on the Common through Old Home Day.  With less volunteers over the years, the committee jumped on it.  Could anyone ask for a better end to senior night?

Thursday night, the Kidz had their fun.  Bounce houses, wild animals, local PTA’s, clowns and so much more.  Once again Dan Lekas planned the event, and he did a great job.  Dan does his work behind the scenes, much like everyone else on the committee.  He cares about the community and wants everyone to just have a good time.  Some of the best pictures we get that night are of children and families crossing the street and heading over to the Lions parking lot.  Those beautiful shiny red trucks put such a smile on every child’s face, and the parents too. It just makes you feel like home.  Londonderry Fire, thanks for all you do and all of the hard work you put in for the entire weekend.  YOU ROCK, and the new firehouse is striking and befitting of the department and Londonderry.

Friday dawns and the weather has cooperated.   The Londonderry Police and Fire versus the Derry Police and Fire softball game is a hit.  LONDONDERRY WINS! Manchuka plays to a large crowd and the fireworks are just awesome. I can’t remember ever saying, “I can’t believe I’m actually getting tired of watching fireworks.”  The finale just blew us away.  If you left early to beat the traffic – mistake, big mistake.  Thanks to the ground crew from the school district.  You guys just quietly do your job.  We still think you should have turned on the irrigation system on the field to move the youth along so you could have gotten home earlier.

Saturday, at the crack of dawn, the committee is at work for the big day.  Thanks to Kristen Ducharme for putting all that work into the baby contest so Londonderry could crown our new Little Miss and Little Master.  Did you know that the baby contest has been around for over 25 years? Before the committee took the tradition over, it was run by the Women’s Club.  When they no longer wanted to do it, OHD felt it could not be lost.  Members of the committee stepped in and it has been under OHD ever since.  We were going to end it one year but the outcry from the community stopped that decision.

The parade.  The history of the many volunteers that have run the parade.  Hard work to the core.  Thankful for everyone that took the task on.  There is only a handful of us.  Maybe we should come up with a patch?   No one can understand unless they have done it.  Great parade and so thankful for seven bands this year.  The best part was three out of the seven were from our local high school rivals. Londonderry, we are always proud, but you’ve got some competition coming your way.  Bedford and Pinkerton band directors are both graduates of the Londonderry Lancer Music program.   What a living legacy to the retired leader of the band.

We did have a few politicians.  Only problem was Bill DeBlasio was supposed to have his own spot in the parade.  He changed has mind and decided to march with the Democrat contingent.  The parade organizers had no idea that this had happened.  When his security detail didn’t move, they got an earful.  A dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. You’ve entered Londonderry Old Home Day Parade.  All worked out in the end, and it gave us the best laugh of the day.

The parade ends.  Weather still cooperating.  And what to my wandering eyes should appear? A Fire Chief waiting for the Police Chief to show up for the Strong Man contest.  For a while there, we thought it might be a forfeit.  However, Chief Hart showed up and did we get a show.  Chief O’Brien, our money was on you all along. But nobody expected what Councilor Butler would do.  Jim Butler, the strongman of Londonderry!

The mystery of the empty time capsule still riddles us all. I think it was Colonel Pillsbury (Civil War Fame) and Miss Peabody Row, with a pipe, in the Derry Public Library. Nobody has a “clue” what happened there.  It was stored in the library sometime after being sealed in 1969. Did you know that Clue, the board game, is 70 years old this year?

The events on the common, wildlife encounters and of course our champion BINGO caller, Bob Ciarletta.  Mary Wing Soars with Sings.  Just everyone on the committee you are all special people.  Without you this great event would not happen.

Thanks to Londonderry Lancer, John Mortimer and Millennium Running for putting together a new tradition at Old Home Day.  The Boot Scootin’ Boogie 5K and Brewfest was a new high energy event to close out Saturday, and Old Home Day. It rocked!

On a final note, we could probably find a quote from someone with a much more eloquent tongue.  However, all of us are really happy with how it all turned out. We don’t know if it was the intention of the article published in a local newspaper to hurt Old Home Day or to be helpful.   Consequently, it did do something positive and amazing.  It brought a community that, through the daily hassles of life, cell phones, play dates, back to school, and anything else in between, made us all realize that we have a common goal.  Be happy; life is good in Londonderry.  No matter what you think or as hokey as it looks – Old Home Day is Londonderry.  It is the single most binding event for over 120 years in this community.

As the chairman, I do not speak for any member on the committee.  However, I do appreciate everything they do. The giving of their time. The volunteers that show up year after year.  The organizations that participate and care about the event as much as we do.

Londonderry, it was a blast!  See you next year!

And from Mr. Reed Paige Clark III – Carry On.

 

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By admin | Posted in Announcements, Around Nutfield, Around Town, History, Londonderry Landmarks, Music, Outdoors, Public Meetings, Schools, Seniors, Youth 0 to 6, Youth 10 to 18 | Tagged , , | Comments off

KCT’s School of Rock hits the Derry Opera House

May 21, 2019

There is no shortage of musical theatre choices in the Londonderry area and should a child want to be part of a troupe, they really have their pick of some very quality programs. One of the best, though, that has stood the test of time, is Kids Coop Theatre, Inc. that presents four productions a year at the Derry Opera House.  The latest in the offerings is School of Rock which will be presented Friday, May 24th at 7pm and Saturday, May 25that 1 and 7pm.

Eric Bourque as Dewey Finn

Eric Bourque as Dewey Finn

School of Rock is based on the movie of the same name, which tells the story of an unsuccessful rock star, Dewey Finn, played by Eric Bourque, who ends up as a substitute teacher at an upscale prep school.  What ensues is pure fun, as he transforms his otherwise straight laced students into a rock and roll sensation set to win at the Battle of the Bands.   The theatre troupe is so successful because of the attitude of the directors and actors involved. Often older siblings recruit their younger siblings (children must be 8 to be part of the company and age out at 18) as is the case with Leo, Kaylee and Rowan Gifford and Julian and Lily Barrett.

actors in School of Rock

Ensemble of KCT's School of Rock

Rowan Gifford, the middle sibling, began with KCT first and encouraged her sister to come.  She explained that KCT has great directors; they are flexible and the kids get along.  “If it’s the kids first show, there is a lot of patience.  The actors really want to do theatre; it is not something they are forced into and it shows.”  As soon as Leo turned 8 he tried out for the show and was cast as Tony Morgan, a student.  Rowan is playing Ms. Gordon, a teacher and Kaylee is playing a parent, Mrs. Mooneyham.

The Students!

As the older, more experienced sibling, Lily has been in 10 shows with Kids Coop.  She said her brother, Julian had tried to get into other shows, but having only just turned 8, was unable to do so.  In this show he is a policeman, and Stanley, the record shop owner and, most excitingly, has lines!  Lily said of her brother, “He loves to sing and I really wanted to encourage him to have this experience.” Another sibling duo is Brandon and Brianna Marks.  As middle schoolers, and being among the older members of the company, Brandon and Brianna are terrific examples of why this troupe works.  Everyone is kept busy, allowing for the fun to happen in the learning of the dances, songs and blocking. Playing the lead is Eric Bourque, who has grown in his abilities over the 14 shows he has been a part of.  He has had many

Eric Bourque as Dewey Finn

supporting character roles, but of late has stepped into the more challenging lead roles.  He was most recently in Newsies and Sister Act.  He has stayed with KCT through all the shows because of the friends he has made along the way.  He says he sees himself in the 8 year olds who join, and wants to be a part of their success.   While Joey Cain doesn’t have any siblings in this show, he is no stranger to sharing the stage with any one of his talented brothers, all who have exhibited their abilities in Kids Coop productions over the years.  As the youngest, Joey has been able to work with the group in over 16 shows, including this one.  He likes playing more challenging roles, as he did when he played Pugsly in the Addams Family, but finds the ensemble to be more relaxing. There are many other veteran Kids Coop players, such as Emily Powers, and Joshua Ozaroff, Logan Young and Isabella Charlebois as well as Martin Dormer.  Each one of the players in the cast bring something special. They all deserve a shout out and a chance to show the audience what they can do.  Join them for some fun and song this coming weekend.   Tickets are available on line at www.kids-coop-theatre.org/ or at the door.

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By MWS | Posted in Around Town, Music, Performing arts, Youth 10 to 18 | Comments off

Wildcats Super Bowl Champions – Perfect Season

November 1, 2018

Congratulations to the New Hampshire regular season and NH Super Bowl Champions the Londonderry Wildcat 8U tackle football team (3rd graders).  The Wildcats had an amazing season.  In seven regular season games they outscored their opponents 205 to 7 including victories over Nashua, Salem, and a 21 to 7 win over the Derry Demons.

Competing in the NH 8U Super Bowl the Wildcats roared through the competition outscoring their opponents by a combined 67 to 0.  For the season the Wildcat 8U football had a combined undefeated record of 10-0 having outscored their competitors by a total of 272 to 7.

Wildcats today…………Lancers tomorrow

Today Lancers…………yesterday Wildcats

Members of the LHS Varsity football team show off their Wildcat/Lancer pride by wearing ‘throwback’ Wildcat football jersey’s.  Most of the LHS football and cheer teams were former Wildcats and the Wildcats are the primary feeder program to the LHS Lancers.

Good luck Lancers against Pinkerton Saturday.  The Wildcats and all of Londonderry will be rooting for you.

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By Jim Loiselle | Posted in Sports, Youth 10 to 18, Youth 6 to 10 | Tagged , | Comments off

Wildcat Season in Full Swing

September 29, 2018

The Londonderry Wildcats Londonderry’s home for football and competive cheerleading is half-way through their 2018 season already.  Wildcat cheer squads and AYF football teams started their preseason at the end of July and have already completed 4 of their 8 regular season games.  Wildcat cheerleaders will soon start their competitve cheer season competing in several local NH events and state/regional competitions in the coming weeks.  From there they may advance, as they have in the past years, to national events this December.

The Wildcats are one of the largest youth football and cheerleading organizations in New Hampshire with over 200 Londonderry families currently participating.  The Wildcats alone support the largest AYF flag program with over 50 kids in kindergarten and first grade on 4 teams.  Some of the flag players pictured below in a game against the Demons of Derry and in 11 years vs. Pinkerton!!


The football teams have faced squads from all over NH so far this season; from Keene to the west and Sea Coast to the east including local foes Pelham, Derry, Hudson, Nashua and Manchester.  Though it’s too early to speak of playoffs several Wildcat teams are in the playoff hunt.  From there the Wildcats stock 6 tackle football team with kids in the 2nd through the 8th grade.  On the cheer side from Tiny Mite cheerleaders (grade 1 and K) through Division 14 (8th graders), cheer for  football teams at games and compete in meaningful local/regional events with little or minimal travel.

This past week 4 of the 6 Wildcat tackle teams ventured to Bedford in a Cats vs. Dogs show down.

The age old battle between dogs and cats took the form of football games this past weekend as the Wildcats of Londonderry squared off against the Bulldogs of Bedford.   The Wildcats and Bulldogs would battle all day to answer that age old question, who’s better – dogs – or cats.  Follow along to see who reigns supreme…Select the LINK below to follow along with game stories and great action pictures including a SURPRISE visitor to the Wildcats.

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By Jim Loiselle | Posted in Sports, Youth 0 to 6, Youth 10 to 18, Youth 6 to 10 | Tagged | Comments off