The Bedford Bulldogs take on the Merrimack Tomahawks on Granite State Challenge

Semifinal Match

Durham, NH (May 5, 2025) – The Bulldogs of Bedford High, the youngest team competing take on the power-house team and four-time champions, the Tomahawks of Merrimack High in the second semifinal game of GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE. Viewers can watch the match on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 8:30 p.m. on New Hampshire PBS.

Playing for the Bedford High is team captain and 9th grader Matthew Ruggiero, 10th-graders Tabitha Arp and Alina Chausovsky, and 9th grader Sumedh Godavarthy.  Team alternates are 10th grader Samantha Arp and 9th grader Tristan Albano. Their coaches are Kelly Chausovsky, a Destination Imagination coordinator, and Sherry Arp, a parent. Bedford High School enrolls 1,492 students.

The Bedford team stepped into the NHPBS studios fully aware of the challenge that awaited them. “I'm just really grateful for this opportunity and can't believe that we've made it this far since our team's pretty young,” said Bedford’s Sumedh Godavarthy. “I am a pretty nervous since Merrimack is a very competitive team, but I think we just have to try our best and just treat it like every other round.”

“This is new to this entire group, and the fact that we're in this match at all is an incredible achievement,” said Bedford coach Kelly Chausovsky. “I really hope they are proud of themselves and they perform in a way that they can hold their heads up high.”

The Merrimack High School team is captained by 12th grader Erin Murray accompanied by 12th grader Liam MacIsaac, 12th grader Maeve LaRock and 11th grader Avis Clever. The team’s two alternates are 12th grader Hikari McDowell and 11th graders Lauren Murby. and  Bridget Clark. The team is coached by chemistry teacher, Dr. Sara Campbell, and physics teacher, Liz Dumais. Merrimack High enrolls 1,087 students.

“I'm already pretty proud of our achievements and I'm really impressed with how our team has done so far,” said Merrimack team captain Erin Murray. “No matter what happens, I'm really happy with us.” 

“All of the matches this year have been very, very close and very competitive, said Merrimack coach Dr. Sara Campbell. “So, I think we're looking for a good match. We just want to try and play our game and play It our way.”

Bedford High takes on Merrimack High in the second semifinal game of GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE airing on Thursday, May 8 at 8:30 p.m. on NHPBS. You can also stream it on the PBS App, the NHPBS YouTube channel, or online at nhpbs.org/gsc.

Test your knowledge with GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE online quizzes, and more at the GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE web page, or try your hands at daily brain teasers on the GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE Facebook page.

GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE is funded by lead sponsor Unitil with additional funding from Bangor Savings Bank, Safety Insurance, NEA New Hampshire and Aroma Joe’s.

About Host Jon Cannon: GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE is hosted by Bow High School teacher Jon Cannon.  Cannon has a long history with GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE. You might say he grew up with the game.  He was a member of the Belmont High team when he was in high school, was a member of the NHPBS GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE crew when he was in college at UNH and was the coach of the Bedford High GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE team.

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TV Schedule

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  Thursday, 5/8 at 2:00 P.M. on EXPLORE
  
  

• bedford high v. merrimack high
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  Thursday, 5/8 at 8:30 P.M. on NHPBS
  
  

• superchallenge championship
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  Thursday, 5/15 at 8:30 P.M. on NHPBS
  
  

• plymouth regional high v. prospect mountain high
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  Thursday, 5/22 at 8:30 P.M. on NHPBS
  
  

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