SALEM — A back-and-forth affair, it was exactly what playoff football is about.

The Portsmouth/Oyster River High School football team had 6 seconds from Salem's 33-yard line to answer the Blue Devils' go-ahead touchdown in a Division I first-round playoff game on Friday, Nov. 7.

Portsmouth quarterback Andy Brown, who had accounted for four touchdowns already, heaved one last Hail Mary to the end zone, but it was swatted down as Salem held on for a 35-28 win at Salem High School.

No. 10. Portsmouth/Oyster River ends the season at 4-5, while No. 7 Salem improved to 6-3 will play No. 2 Manchester Memorial (8-1) on Friday, Nov. 14 in a quarterfinal.

"Overall, I thought we were mentally prepared," Portsmouth/Oyster River head coach Brian Pafford said. "Offensively, we executed really well,

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