Granite State Challenge

Nashua South High School captured the 2026 GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE championship in commanding fashion, defeating longtime rival Plymouth Regional High School 700–415 in a fast-paced, high-scoring final. The victory marks the Purple Panthers’ third GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE title, following championship wins in 2016 and 2017.

Captain Henry L., a senior, led the Nashua South team alongside fellow seniors Eric P. and Thanasi M., and sophomore Charlie L. Senior Jerry P. and sophomore Lexie R. served as alternates. The Purple Panthers were coached by Social Studies teacher Lex Duval and English teacher Kelli Thornhill-Telerski. Nashua South High School enrolls approximately 1,635 students.

The Plymouth Bobcats were captained by junior Abe H. Team members included junior Yuriy P., freshman Olivia B., and junior Ezra A. Alternates were sophomore Leif E. and freshmen Aurora R. and Cam C. The Bobcats were coached by Drafting teacher Jay Fogarty and World Languages teacher Troy Harris. Plymouth Regional High School enrolls about 640 students from Plymouth, Ashland, Holderness, Campton, Rumney, Wentworth, Ellsworth, Waterville Valley, and Thornton. The school previously won GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE championships in 1996, 2013, and 2019.

Nashua South took control midway through the opening round and led 130–85 after Round One. Plymouth Regional stayed competitive throughout the match, including an impressive nine correct answers in the fast-paced 60-second round, but Nashua South matched the effort and continued to build its lead.

The decisive fourth round featured an extraordinary pace and scoring display. Plymouth Regional earned an impressive 230 points in the round, but Nashua South delivered a staggering 420 points — more than the winning scores in both semifinal games this season.

“I think my team played great, and it's just very difficult to beat a performance like that from Nashua South,” said Bobcats coach Jay Fogarty. “They just learned so much about being on the show. The fact that our team made it this far just blows my mind.”

“I'm pretty proud of how we came together as a team over the course of the season. Really, none of us knew each other at the beginning of the year, but we've all become friends over the course of the season,” reflected Plymouth captain Abe H. “None of us are seniors. We'll be back next year.”

“That was amazing. I cannot believe we scored that many points,” said Purple Panthers captain Henry L. “It's just really nice to see all of the practices, just hanging out together, having fun, to see that all pay off and win it all. I still can't believe it.”

“We could not be more proud of this group of kids. They are just spectacular human beings, and they work together so well,” said Nashua South coach Kelli Thornhill-Telerski. “I think when you're watching this onscreen, you only see little snippets of it, but this is truly the culmination of, for many of them, years of work that they've put in and just—wow. I'm really happy! We're very excited.”