Possible sanctions against the teams competing in Saturday's all-Manchester match-up add to the many storylines that highlight high school football's fifth week.

Sixth-ranked Central (3-1, 2-1 Division I) and unranked Memorial (2-2, 1-2 Division I) meet in a noon bout at Chabot-McDonough Field. The schools are being investigated by the NHIAA for their roles in approving a player's transfer from Central to Memorial.

The NHIAA is investigating whether the player transferred for reasons including athletics. If it did, it violates the association's eligibility bylaw.

“Before I attach any emotion to (this issue), I'm trying to get factual information, and that's been a problem. There's been a lot of contradictory information provided to me from numerous sources, not necessarily the schools,” said NHIAA executive director Patrick Corbin, noting the athlete whose eligibility is in question won't play Saturday. “Right now, I'm trying to reserve judgment until I find out what happened.”

Corbin said he expects reports from both schools by next week. A ruling can be expected thereafter.

- - - - - - -

FORFEITING WINS is a possible punishment for Central and/or Memorial. But, should each team's 2012 record remain intact, the outcome Saturday may have direct playoff implications.

“If we beat a team like Central that's considered to be in the thick of it, that puts us right up there,” said Memorial head coach Peter Colcord, whose Crusaders have an uphill climb after starting 0-2 in league play. “We don't feel we're out of it by any means.”

Jared Ombati rushed for 293 yards a week ago at Londonderry. Offensive linemen Nate Steele, Umear Sheikh, Spencer Duhamel, Alex Andrada and Jake Koester opened the holes.

Can those five up front flex their muscles for the second straight week?

Can Sheikh, also a physical defensive lineman, pressure Central signal-caller Riley Cote?

Can Memorial beat Central for the second straight season?

- - - - - - -

ANOTHER RIVALRY resumes Saturday night. No. 3 Pinkerton Academy of Derry (3-1, 2-1 Division I) visits Londonderry (2-2, 1-1 Division I) at 7.

The Astros own a 10-game regular-season (Mack Plaque) win streak in the series. Add two playoff wins in 2006 and 2008, and we're talking about a 12-game run dating to the 2002 season.

“I exchanged game film with coach (Brian) O'Reilly earlier this week and made the point that the rivalry has been kind of lopsided. He was quick to bring up the 2008 playoff game,” Londonderry head coach Jon Rich said of the Memorial Field Miracle, a 19-15 semifinal decision in which the underdog Lancers squandered a nine-point lead over the final 7 minutes, 10 seconds.

“One of those games can pop up at any time,” O'Reilly said.

- - - - - - -

HEAD COACH Bill Raycraft told his Windham Jaguars (4-0) in the offseason to think of their Division IV debut as a climb up a staircase. He said 18-time champion Plymouth (4-0) is at the top looking down.

“If we want to get to the top, (the road) certainly goes through Plymouth,” said Raycraft, whose Jags visit the Bobcats Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

- - - - - - -

STELLOS STADIUM is also the site for two terrific tilts. No. 4 Bishop Guertin of Nashua (3-1, 3-0 Division II) hosts No. 5 Bedford (3-1, 2-1 Division II) Saturday at 7 p.m.

The winner makes a case as the top foe for statewide No. 1 Winnacunnet of Hampton (4-0, 2-0 Division II).

The Bulldogs believe a win could persuade Bedford residents deciding between the hometown public high school and BG. Many Bedford residents for years have attended the private Catholic school.

“This game Saturday has such implications for our program,” Bedford head coach Kurt Hines said. “Not just this year, but down the line.”

No. 10 Nashua South (2-2, 1-1 Division I) and Nashua North (2-2, 1-2 Division I) kick off tonight at 7.

South, stunningly, didn't score a touchdown last week. Blitz-heavy Concord continuously pressured QB Trevor Knight in a 20-3 decision.

“We have some things we're going to try,” North head coach Jason Robie said when asked if he'll apply the same formula. “But as far as the game plan goes, you'll have to wait for Friday night.”

- - - - - - - -

Marc Thaler covers high school football for the New Hampshire Union Leader & Sunday News. He co-hosts the “N.H. Sports Show” Saturday morning on WGIR-AM 610 and the Seacoast's 96.7. Send e-mails to mthaler@unionleader.com and follow him on Twitter: @marc_thaler.