H.S. Football: It's a playoff, really, for Central

WORKING WITHOUT a margin for error may be the best thing going for Manchester Central.

What better way to keep the Little Green locked in on locking up high school football's final Division I playoff spot?

A week ago, Central had to upset Pinkerton Academy of Derry otherwise Londonderry, also a winner, would've punched the ticket.

Central (6-3 overall, 5-2 Div. I) now must stop undefeated Salem (9-0, 7-0). Winning tonight's 7 p.m. finale at Grant Field is the only way the Little Green reach next week's postseason.

►Pick up a print copy of Friday's Union Leader for Marc Thaler's complete "First and 10" analysis and his weekly grid picks.

> The Union Leader’s High School Grid Chart
> Click here to visit Marc Thaler's 'Moving the Chains' high school football blog
> Click here to view our Fall 2009 High School Sports photo galleries.
> Class I Boys' Soccer: Coe-Brown, Hanover advance to final
> Class M Boys' Soccer: Hopkinton wins wild one; Gilford cruises