Astro Pop: Pinkerton dominates Bedford

Pinkerton Academy may have more uncommitted college-level players on its roster than any other high school team in New Hampshire, and that talent edge was clear when the Astros beat Bedford 40-7 in a Week 2 matchup. Bedford, which beat Pinkerton in last year's Division I championship game, trailed 19-0 at halftime and 40-0 after three quarters. Here are five players with college ability who made significant contributions to Pinkerton's victory:    Why a college program hasn't locked up Spellman yet is a bit of a mystery. He's a halfback/defensive back who's an impact player on both sides of the ball, and he also contributes on special teams. Spellman rushed for 194 yards and three touchdowns on seven carries during the victory over Bedford, and also completed an 18-yard halfback pass. He set the tone for the Astros by scoring on a 70-yard run on Pinkerton's second offensive play. He also showed his speed by pulling away from several defensive backs near the end of a 56-yard run in the fourth quarter. His second TD came from 4 yards away. Spellman is an exceptional athlete.     Ingraham likely picked up additional college interest when he was selected as the MVP among linemen during a showcase held at Division II Franklin Pierce University last summer. He's a superior athlete -- he also played the Pinkerton basketball team that won the state title last March -- with good footwork. He's one of the main reasons the Pinkerton offense generated five rushing touchdowns against Bedford. Ingraham has put on good weight since last season, and his lean frame is another attribute that should make him attractive to college coaches. Pinkerton coach Brian O'Reilly: "Elliot is 6-5, 265 and he's skinny. He'll be playing at the next level."     Yaun is a player who's still under the radar, largely because he's in the Class of 2029 and the Astros have so many talented older players this season. Yuan did a good job promoting himself on the college camp circuit last summer, and last year became the first Pinkerton player to start on the offensive line as a freshman in Brian O'Reilly's 50 years as Pinkerton's head coach. He turned in a strong game at left guard against Bedford, but his strength and athleticism also stood out when he was playing defensive line. His biggest play on defense came in the third quarter, when he recorded a sack after Bedford went to its two-minute offense. Yuan will likely be a coveted lineman next season.     Although [player_tooltip player_id='2110118' first='Brady' last='Spellman'] overshadowed everyone else on the Pinkerton offense, Ball also had a productive game in Pinkerton's Wing-T attack. He carried the ball eight times for 74 yards and a touchdown before the Astros pulled their starters midway through the third quarter. His touchdown came on a 43-yard run that helped the Astros take a 26-0 lead on their first drive of the second half. Ball, who is also a middle linebacker, was just as impressive on defense. He spearheaded a Pinkerton defense that held Bedford to 25 yards of offense and one first down in the first half.     Nettles didn't have a starring role in Pinkerton's victory, but he was another Pinkerton player who turned in a strong two-way performance at tight end and on the defensive line. The Astros didn't thrown often, but Nettles hauled in an 18-yard catch to pick up a first down in the opening quarter when the game was still competitive. Another play he turned in that may have gone unnoticed by many was some extra effort while blocking on Pinkerton's third touchdown. That play-to-the-whistle mentality allowed the ball carrier to find the end zone when it appeared he would be stopped short of the goal line. Nettles is a player to monitor as the season progresses.

Pinkerton Academy may have more uncommitted college-level players on its roster than any other high school team in New Hampshire, and that talent edge was clear when the Astros beat Bedford 40-7 in a Week 2 matchup. Bedford, which beat Pinkerton in last year's Division I championship game, trailed 19-0 at halftime and 40-0 after three quarters. Here are five players with college ability who made significant contributions to Pinkerton's victory: