Winnacunnet defense shuts down Portsmouth in 27-6 season opener

Winnacunnet defeated Portsmouth 27-6 in a high school football game played Friday night in Hampton. The defensive unit for Winnacunnet limited the Portsmouth offense to 206 total yards, including five possessions in the fourth quarter that failed to result in a first down. Although the game was tied 6-6 following a third-quarter touchdown run by Demitrius Tsakiris, Winnacunnet pulled away late. Ryder Thurlow scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns to help secure the victory. Portsmouth coach Brian Pafford noted his team struggled to convert on early field position, citing a missed 30-yard field goal and penalties as significant factors in the outcome. Winnacunnet enters the season with experience, returning eight starters from a team that reached the playoffs last year.

• 3:20 PMYahoo Sports — N.H. football: Winnacunnet defense delivers early statement against Portsmouth