Can someone from Keene's camp please explain what happened to the Blackbirds in Week 8?

One week after knocking off NHIAA football's No. 1 team, these birds were grounded by a sub-.500 foe.

“What happened?” Keene head coach John Luopa said Saturday when asked about Friday night's stunning 36-14 loss at Manchester West. “The main things were penalties and turnovers.”

Keene (6-2 overall, 4-2 Div. II) lost four fumbles, including two in the red zone. The Blackbirds, co-owners of the state's No. 4 ranking, coughed up the football inside the 10-yard-line on one of those trips deep into West territory.

Penalties were also problematic. Keene was flagged for 100-plus yards in infractions.

“It was just an undisciplined job by our kids after being so disciplined the week before. Huge letdown,” said Luopa, whose normally stout defense was shredded by West quarterback Zach Ziemba (four rushing touchdowns, passing TD).

The simple explanation: Keene entered overconfident. Luopa's club previously celebrated a 20-7 win against Winnacunnet of Hampton.

“After watching how we played (on Friday), I'd say (overconfidence) played a factor,” Luopa said.

Then again, West (4-4, 3-4 Div. II) may just pose a tough matchup. The Blue Knights are 2-0 against Keene with second-year head coach Jim Lauzon calling the shots.

A year ago, West erased a 10-point halftime deficit with 21 unanswered points. The second-half surge led to a 28-17 win.

“I know as a coaching staff we definitely didn't overlook West,” Luopa said. “We knew they had some offensive talent and could score some points.”

Keene's chances of securing a home-field playoff game took a hit. As for team confidence, Luopa is left to wonder.

“I guess I'll let you know in the next two weeks,” Luopa said, “and hopefully the next four.”

- - - - - - -

TITLE-CONTENDING Goffstown (5-3, 5-1 Div. III) doesn't exactly come to mind when considering the state's most balanced teams. The Grizzlies, perhaps unfairly, are mostly associated with offense and standout quarterback Connor Benjamin.

“It takes a whole effort. We cannot depend on just offense,” Goffstown head coach Justin Hufft said after Friday night's 30-28 comeback win at muddy Milford. “We found that out early in the season. Hopefully, we're a little better balanced now.”

Four Grizzlies — in addition to Week 8 sparkplug Ashton Florence — that Hufft lauded for their immense efforts: Ryan Pinard (blocked punt), Connor Wynn (fumble recovery-TD), Pete Shea (run-stuffing linebacker) and Christian Marquis (interception).

- - - - - - -

LACONIA'S SACHEMS (3-5 Div. IV) played their final home game on the field they've used for decades.

Head coach Craig Kozens said the team will open Bank of New Hampshire Stadium, a turf facility, on July 15, 2013.

“They broke ground last week and made a 30-foot cut into the hillside behind the visitors' bench,” said Kozens, whose club beat longtime rival Kennett of Conway, 21-6, on Friday night. “The current field will become a parking lot and practice field.”

Kozens said 11 seniors dressed for the 2012 home finale. The group included Jackson Weeks (OL/DE), Graham Nyhan (TE/DE), Ronnie Hurley (OC) and David Mahoney (RB/LB), all instrumental in leading Laconia through a trying campaign.

- - - - - - -

LIGHTNING SUSPENDED Friday's Division IV game between Windham (6-1) and host Kingswood (0-7). The game will resume in Wolfeboro today at 1 p.m., with the title-contending Jaguars leading, 20-6.

The Jags must make their second 90-minute trip in three days. Head coach Bill Raycraft said the situation is “a little frustrating.”

Raycraft said he plans to rest certain starters when play resumes with 8 minutes, 26 seconds left in the first half. He politely declined to provide names.

“We're really going to start preparing for Trinity (of Manchester),” he said.

- - - - - - - -

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.