Man. West's young mentor makes mature move

Much has been made over the age of Jim Lauzon, Manchester West's first-year head football coach.

Lauzon is 22 years old. He's the youngest head coach in the Granite State.

That's what made a particular act of maturity rather impressive.

Before talking wins and losses, play-calling strategy, or even West's need to increase its number of participating student-athletes, Lauzon made it known that he was thankful.

Some of the state's well-known coaches, Lauzon said, played a role in his hiring.

Lauzon, just five years removed from playing for West, thanked St. Anselm College defensive line/special teams coach John Trisciani, who started Trinity's rebuilding process prior to joining the Hawks.

Others on the list included the head coach's father, Shawn; current Bishop Guertin mentor Travis Cote, West's previous leader; and Milford head coach Keith Jones, who has "given me advice, all the way through," Lauzon said.

"When coaches like that support you, it makes you feel good about yourself, more confident," said Lauzon, quick to note he doesn't lack confidence in his coaching abilities.

Lauzon said he is working with 67 players, freshmen through seniors. He said West fielded 49 players a year ago.

"Numbers are up. Energy's been up," he said. "It's a long season. We haven't competed for a playoff spot in a long time."

For folks keeping score, West last reached the playoffs in 2007. The third-seeded Blue Knights lost to No. 2 seed and eventual champion Pinkerton Academy, 34-7, in the Division I semifinals.