New Hampshire's Top 5 Public HSFB Programs of the Past 5 Years (2021–2025)

Public Schools Top 25 | National Series — Part 29/50New Hampshire is one of the more straightforward states structurally—but once you get into it, there are a few unique quirks that matter a lot for rankings, especially when you’re comparing programs across divisions.The NHIAA runs four divisions in football, split strictly by enrollment:Division I – 21 teams (largest schools, 951+ enrollment)Division II – 16 teams (601–950)Division III – 13 teams (406–600)Division IV – 8 teams (under 405)So unlike some states we’ve covered, this is a clean, linear system—no public/private split, no competitive balance formula. Just enrollment.But that also means something important for this ranking:👉 The gap between divisions is real.A Division I title carries significantly more weight than Division IV simply because of depth, path, and number of teams.Before we get into the rankings, we have to address the biggest outlier in the state:Pinkerton AcademyPinkerton is officially an independent (private non-profit) academy, but it functions as a public high school for multiple towns in southern New Hampshire.It is a “public academy” (a New England model)Public school districts send their students thereIt competes in NHIAA as a public programIt is also the largest high school in New Hampshire by a wide marginSo for the purpose of this series—where we’re focusing on on-field reality and competitive structure—👉 Pinkerton is included as a public programAnd in Division I, they are a major factor.With that, here are the top 5 public HSFB programs of the past 5 years in New Hampshire.🥇 1. BedfordThe Division I standard🏆 3× Division I State Champions (2022, 2023, 2025)There’s no debate here.Bedford owns this era of New Hampshire football at the highest level. Three Division I titles in four years is the best résumé in the state, period.Even more impressive—they beat:Londonderry twice in title gamesPinkerton in 2025👉 They didn’t just win—they consistently beat the other elite programs.Verdict: The most dominant top-division program in the state over the past five years.🥈 2. LondonderryThe model of consistency🏆 2021 Division I Champion🥈 3× Division I Runner-up (2022, 2023, 2024)Londonderry might be the most consistently relevant program in New Hampshire.4 Division I title game appearances in 5 yearsPlayed Bedford twice and Pinkerton once in those lossesThey only have one title—but in a state this small, getting to the D-I title game four times is elite consistency.Verdict: If you value sustained excellence at the highest level, Londonderry is firmly No. 2.🥉 3. PelhamThe most versatile winner in the state🏆 Division III Champion (2021)🏆 Division II Champion (2022, 2023)🥈 Division II Runner-up (2024)Pelham has the most unique résumé in the state.They:Won a title in Division IIIMoved up and won back-to-back Division II titlesStayed elite with a runner-up finish in 2024That’s 3 titles + 1 runner-up in 4 years, across multiple classifications.The only thing keeping them from No. 2 is simple:👉 It wasn’t done in Division IVerdict: The most successful program outside Division I—and one of the most impressive runs in the state.4. SomersworthThe small-school dynasty🏆 3× Division IV State Champions (2021–2023)You won’t find a more dominant stretch at any level in New Hampshire.Somersworth:Won three straight titlesControlled Division IV completely during that spanBut here’s the reality:Division IV has only 8 teamsThe playoff path is much smallerSo while the dominance is undeniable, the strength of field is not comparable to Division I or IIVerdict: A true dynasty—but limited by classification size.5. Pinkerton AcademyThe Division I power with a shorter window🏆 Division I Champion (2024)🥈 Division I Runner-up (2025)Pinkerton’s case is simple:👉 High-level success in Division IThey:Won the state title in 2024 (over Londonderry)Made it back to the title game in 2025 (lost to Bedford)And because they compete in the largest classification, that résumé carries real weight.The only reason they’re not higher:The window is shorter than the teams above themVerdict: Peak Division I success earns them the final spot.🚨 Just Outside the Top 5