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SALEM, N.H. — The Salem defense seems to enjoy playing its best in the second half. For the second straight game and third in a month, the playoff-bound Blue Devils (7-3) shut out their opponent after halftime, which last night resulted in a 30-13 victory over Londonderry. In three other games, Salem allowed just one score in the second half. “We know we have to pick it up (after halftime) and we usually do,” said outside linebacker Mike Downing. “I thought we played really well (in the second half) but we have to play a lot  better next week against Pinkerton (Division 1 semifinals, starting at 1 p.m.).” Salem’s defense held Londonderry standout Sean O’Gorman (32 carries, 168 yards and two TDs for the game) to 54 yards in the second half and, taking into consideration plays for negative yardage, 37 yards of total offense. With Salem ahead 22-13 early in the fourth quarter, Downing made a pivotal tackle to help contain the Lancers and preserve the Blue Devils’ lead. On first down, he blasted through the line and sacked Londonderry quarterback Dylan Cole for a 15-yard loss.. Two plays later he knocked down a pass, forcinf the Lancers to punt and not threaten again. “The defense is still a work in progress, but it’s getting better every week,” said Salem coach Jack Gati. “That’s what you’re looking for. “We made a little adjustment at halftime to stop their wide runs and it worked Michael (Downing) was a big part of that.” Also playing particularly well up front was senior linebacker Kevon Dembkpski, Daniel Stacy and Chris Fancy. Offensively, Salem rode the back of senior star Jerickson Fedrick. He scored on a 62-yard jaunt on the third play of the game and finished the game with 211 yards and three TDs on 22 carries. Abner Rodriguez chipped in with a touchdown and 27 yards rushing. For Londonderry, Sean O’Gorman rushed for 168 yards and two touchdowns despite not playing in the first quarter. Michael Wiedenfeld (7-66) also ran the ball hard.for the Lancers, who also played much better in the second half, holding Fedrick to 33 yards on right carries. But, by then, the damage was already damage.

LONDONDERRY — After an 0-7 start, Londonderry has won two straight.

The Lancers held on last night for a 27-25 win over Memorial (4-5). The visitors had a chance to tie it.  Cody Dalton (16 of 24, 269 yards, 3 TDs) connected with Steve Dwight on a 15-yard score with 16 seconds left but the Crusaders missed on the 2-point try.

Londonderry Sean O'Gorman carried 27 times for 153 yards, but Londonderry football lost 36-6 to Nashua South yesterday.

The Lancers lone score came in the second quarter when O'Gorman rushed in from two yards out with 4:22 remaining before halftime. 

LONDONDERRY — Last night, the Lancers had the services of a 2010 Eagle-Tribune All Star for the first time this season. But despite Sean O’Gorman’s contributions, Londonderry remained winless.

See highlights and interviews from Pinkerton's win over Londonderry.

DERRY — By late in the third quarter, when Ryan Coombs set up to return a punt, he knew the ball would not be coming his way.

“I think they learned their lesson and started kicking it out of bounds,” he said with a chuckle.

NASHUA — Mistakes and missed opportunities were costly for Londonderry last night in a 36-20 loss to Nashua North.

Although the Lancers outgained the Titans in total offense, they lost two fumbles and had two passes intercepted while North didn't turn the ball over once. Also, North helped its cause by converting four of five fourth down situations.

MILFORD, N.H. — In its season opener, Londonderry opened quickly and finished ferociously.

In between, however, the Lancers were stagnant.

As a result, Division 1 Londonderry dropped a 13-6 decision to Division 3 Milford.