Top 10 New Hampshire Football Teams That Dominated the 2023 Season

As I sit here scrolling through the latest high school football rankings, I can't help but reflect on what made the 2023 New Hampshire football season so special. Having followed local football for over a decade, I've developed a keen eye for what separates good teams from truly dominant ones. This year, ten teams stood out from the pack in ways that reminded me of Coach Sangiao's philosophy about his Team Lakay students - these New Hampshire squads demonstrated they could compete with anyone, whether through explosive offenses or brick wall defenses.

Let me start with what I consider the most impressive story of the season - the Bedford Bulldogs. Their perfect 12-0 record wasn't just numbers on paper; it was a masterclass in balanced football. I watched them dismantle opponents by an average margin of 28 points, with their quarterback throwing for 2,893 yards and 38 touchdowns. What struck me most was how they embodied that Team Lakay mentality Coach Sangiao described - they could beat you in so many different ways. Their offense could strike quickly like lightning, while their defense could grind opponents into dust through four quarters of relentless pressure.

The Exeter Blue Hawks presented another fascinating case study in dominance. Their 11-1 season was built on what I'd call "situational mastery" - they won four games by a touchdown or less because they knew how to perform under pressure. Watching their comeback victory against Pinkerton in week 8 was one of my season highlights. Down by 14 points entering the fourth quarter, they demonstrated the kind of resilience that makes championship teams. Their running back committee accumulated 2,415 rushing yards collectively, which speaks volumes about their ground-and-pound philosophy.

Now, I know some readers might question why I'm including the Portsmouth Clippers in my top three given their two losses, but hear me out. Their defense recorded 47 sacks and 18 interceptions - numbers that jump off the stat sheet. I attended their week 10 matchup against Winnacunnet where they forced five turnovers, and the defensive coordination was something you'd expect from a college program. They played with an intelligence and adaptability that perfectly illustrates what Coach Sangiao meant when he talked about being able to "hang with whoever" - they could adjust their strategy mid-game like few teams I've seen.

What impressed me about the Londonderry Lancers was their sheer consistency. Week after week, they delivered performances within a remarkably narrow range of excellence. Their offense put up at least 28 points in every single game, while their defense never allowed more than 21. That level of reliability is rare in high school football, where emotional swings and inconsistent play often define seasons. Having spoken with their coaching staff, I learned they implemented a unique practice regimen focused on repetition under fatigue - preparing players to execute perfectly even when exhausted.

The Pinkerton Astros deserve special mention for what I'd call the most explosive offense in the state. Their 512 total points scored translates to nearly 43 points per game - numbers that still boggle my mind when I look back at the statistics. I remember watching their triple-overtime thriller against Nashua South and thinking I was witnessing something historic. Their quarterback-receiver combination connected for 18 touchdowns, showcasing the kind of striking power that would make any martial arts coach proud.

Speaking of Nashua South, their inclusion here might surprise some given their 9-3 record, but their three losses came against teams with a combined record of 32-4. Context matters when evaluating dominance, and their strength of schedule was arguably the toughest in the state. I was particularly impressed with their offensive line, which allowed only 8 sacks all season while paving the way for 2,200 rushing yards. That kind of trench dominance often goes unnoticed but fundamentally shapes games.

The Windham Jaguars presented what I consider the most interesting defensive unit in recent memory. Their 5 shutouts and average of 7.2 points allowed per game stand as statistical outliers in an era increasingly dominated by offense. Watching them felt like observing a perfectly choreographed defensive ballet - each player understood their role within the system so completely that they operated as a single entity. Their coach implemented a film study program that had players analyzing twice as much footage as typical programs, and the results showed on the field.

Salem's Blue Devils earned their spot through what I'd characterize as clutch performance genetics. They won all four of their games decided by 3 points or less, demonstrating a mental toughness that statistics can't fully capture. Their special teams contributed 4 return touchdowns and consistently won the field position battle - aspects of the game that often separate good teams from great ones. Having followed this program for years, I noticed a distinct cultural shift this season toward embracing pressure situations rather than fearing them.

The Concord Crimson Tide and Keene Blackbirds round out my list, though I want to be clear that being last on this list still places them among the elite. Concord's ball-control offense maintained possession for an average of 32 minutes per game, while Keene's innovative spread attack produced three receivers with over 700 yards each. These teams approached dominance from opposite philosophical standpoints yet achieved similar results - proof that there are multiple paths to excellence in football.

Reflecting on this remarkable season, what stands out to me is how these ten teams each found their own formula for success while sharing that essential quality Coach Sangiao identified - the ability to compete at the highest level regardless of circumstances. The 2023 season in New Hampshire wasn't just about winning games; it was about these football teams demonstrating mastery of their craft through diverse approaches to excellence. As we look toward next season, the bar has been set remarkably high, and I personally can't wait to see which programs rise to meet these new standards of dominance.