HANOVER — When the Big Green and Wildcats renew their on-again-off-again football rivalry at Dartmouth College on Saturday, a familiar face will be roving the defensive secondary for UNH.
Plainfield native Jack Stone, a two-sport standout in football and basketball at Lebanon High School before graduating in 2022, plays a mix of safety and linebacker for the visiting Wildcats. On the same night LHS is holding its annual homecoming dance, Stone will celebrate a homecoming of his own.
Stone was back in the Upper Valley with UNH as a freshman when the two teams last played in Hanover but was not playing.
Now in his redshirt junior season, Stone is coming off one of his most productive games as a Wildcat heading into the matchup with Dartmouth.
“It’s going to be a little surreal, I think,” Stone said. “It’s going to be a special moment for me for sure.”
From 2018-2021 at Lebanon, Stone was twice named NHIAA Division II West Player of the Year after demonstrating versatility as a quarterback, safety and punter as a member of the Raiders.
Through three games this season, he has amassed 10 total tackles and a sack for the Wildcats. Six of those tackles were recorded last week in a hard-fought loss against Ball State.
Chris Childs, the former Lebanon High football head coach, who coached Stone and has known him since his youth football days, said it’s no surprise that he is making an impact at the collegiate level.
“He’s a physically gifted kid that can do a lot of things,” Childs said. “He’s very humble, isn’t into the show-boating type stuff. He’s a hardworking kid that just puts his head down and goes to work.”
In advance of his return, Stone said he was appreciative of his formative years spent playing football in the Upper Valley and how it helped prepare him mentally for this part of his playing career.
“It’s just gritty football,” Stone said of his playing days in Lebanon. “You’re always in the box, you’re always trying to make tackles. … I think it definitely gets you ready for what we call here, at least, ‘gritty UNH Football.’ ”
Understandably, Stone’s parents are excited to have a chance to watch him play again in the Upper Valley.
“It’s very cool because it’s an away game for UNH, but it’s like a home game for us, of course,” said Stone’s mother, Lisa. “We’re just beyond proud of him. … I think he’s just always felt very well supported in this community, even from Hanover fans; it’s like he’s coming home.”
Stone’s father, Derek, added: “It’s great for him to be able to represent UNH and the Upper Valley in front of family, friends, and everyone who has supported him along the way.”
Stone said he and his UNH teammates, off to a 2-1 start, are feeling good heading into their matchup with the Big Green, which is playing its season opener.
“Dartmouth — at least their offense — is very similar to the first three games we’ve had,” said Stone, noting the athleticism of Big Green quarterback Grayson Saunier. “They’re going to want to get designed runs for him, going to want to use his legs. We’re going to try and hopefully contain him.”
The Big Green and Wildcats kick off at 1 p.m. at Buddy Teevens Stadium at Memorial Field in Hanover.
