MANCHESTER – Central High School football head coach Ryan Ray and senior quarterback Riley Cote are on the same page this season.

Their goals are the same, and they both know the obstacles that lie ahead will take a lot to overcome.

The Little Green started their quest for a state championship in an exhibition game on Friday, Aug. 31, with a commanding 32-0 victory over Timberlane Regional.

Ray understands that Friday's contest was just the first step in a long season. The focus is still the same.

“Get better every game, be competitive every game and win every game,” said Ray.
Central dominated the Owls with attacks on both sides of the ball.

The Little Green defense showed why they are one of the stronger points in the program by continually shutting down any offensive momentum for Timberlane.

“The defense stepped up in the game. They were able to complete the shutout over a very competitive Division II Timberlane team,” said Ray.

Cote completed the game with four touchdown passes and 239 passing yards.

“Our defense was really good. Our defensive energy kind of produced our offense,” said Cote, who admitted that his offense took a little while to warm up.

Once Cote and the offense got going, however, they looked nearly unstoppable.

Along with Cote, Troy Pelletier, David Weekley and Hector Velez led the offensive strike against the Owls, as Ray believes they will all season. Abe Madra also scored on a long Cote pass.
While pleased with the win, both Ray and Cote see plenty of room for improvement.
“I need to be more consistent and lead the team in a better way,” said Cote.

Ray agreed.

“We just got to work hard and realize that we're not as good as we think we are. We just got to be competitive and work hard every week to try and attain our goals,” said Ray.

Central will open its Division I season on the road against Concord on Friday, Sept. 7.

It will be a true test for Cote and the high hopes surrounding the Little Green.

“My main goal is to win a state championship and to help my team in any way possible to do so,” said Cote.

Central did not look past Timberlane and they are not looking past Concord.

Going forward, Ray said he hopes the Little Green will not overlook any opponent this season, with every game holding as much importance as the one that precedes and follows it.

It is a level of focus that will come in handy as the preparation grows strenuous week after week.
“Every Division I game is a tough game no matter who we're playing and that's how we play,” said Cote.