Souhegan football now headed in right direction
AMHERST – It’s no secret that John Lohnes helped talk his Souhegan High buddy and hoop standout Max Leonard to try football this season.
Nobody needed to coax Lohnes back into the Saber football fold.
Lohnes heard first-year coach Robin Bowkett was a “spread offense” guy.
And that’s all he needed to hear.
“I played as a freshman, but I took sophomore year off to focus on school and driver’s ed,” said the junior Lohnes, a high honor roll student.
“I knew a new coach was coming in, bringing in the spread offense with him. It’s been my favorite offense forever. I’ve been running it since I was really young.”
Lohnes has been huge, throwing a pair of TD passes in back to back victories, which turned a 1-2 start into a season of promise for the Sabers.
Suddenly, there is talk of potential playoff berths and maybe a run. But first, Souhegan has to take care of the regular-season business, starting Friday at home against Sanborn Regional.
“We talked about it after the loss to Windham,” said Lohnes. “We know we have to go 5-2 to be sure of a playoff berth. We have to make sure
that happens.”
After a year away from the game, Lohnes missed it. But he also wasn’t sure he’d ever be back. Having such a quality senior class – both as people and as players – helped make the decision to return an easy one.
“I missed the camaraderie, the brotherhood and stuff, I knew this would be a fun time,” Lohnes said. “These seniors have always been a tight-knit group. I always played up to play with those guys. I came and I worked my hardest, trying to be the best for the team. We all have one goal in mind. So far it’s worked out pretty well.”
Lohnes thought there might be issues. He was after all, taking away the glory position from a pair of athletes who split time there a year ago – Palmer Belowski and Anderson Geffrard.
“You know both of those guys are my friends, and they were great about it,” said Lohnes.
“Best of all, it worked out for the team. They’ve moved to other positions and they’ve played great, helping the team a lot.”
Lohnes, who plays lacrosse goalie in the spring, is hoping to ride this season as long as he can.
“Like I said this is a special group,” he said. “I really love playing with these guys.”
Sanborn (2-3) vs. Souhegan (3-2)
WHEN: Friday, 7 p.m.
WHERE: At Amherst
LAST WEEK: Souhegan 35, Manchester West 0; Sanborn had a bye
LAST YEAR: Sanborn 28, Souhegan 21
FYI: Can the Sabers contain Sanborn beast Chris Hanna? Two weeks ago, Pelham High couldn’t when it counted and the Indians picked up a season-saving 17-6 win. You have to figure the Sabers remember the ride to Kingston last year and not being able to stop Sanborn when it counted in that one. If the Sabers can slow the Indians’ running game down a little, expect Souhegan to rack up the points.
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