St. Paul's Football Embarks on New Era in NEPSAC Independent B

CONCORD, N.H. — September 2025 —

This year marks a turning point for SPS football. With the NEPSAC (New England Preparatory School Athletic Council) moving to a new classification structure—three classes (A, B, and C) with groupings within them—teams have been realigned, traditional leagues (notably the Independent School League, or ISL) have been disbanded for the purposes of football, and schools have been placed into the class/group that best fits their competitive identity. 

In this new landscape, SPS has joined NEPSAC Class B, more specifically called Independent B, which is composed of many former ISL schools, SPS, Kingswood, and Trinity Pawling.  For SPS, this represents a departure from the Evergreen League in favor of a structure that restores old rivalries and increases competitive opportunities.  

"Joining Independent B connects us back to the roots of prep school football in New England," said Head Coach Craig Vandersea. "Our players will get to experience the energy of traditional rivalries that have defined Big Red football for generations."

A Schedule of Historic Matchups

The 2025 schedule is highlighted by a string of contests against schools with deep ties to SPS:

• Belmont Hill – SPS opens on the road vs. one of the most tradition-rich programs in the region, this game promises the physicality and intensity that define prep football.

• St. Sebastian's – Known for its explosive passing attacks, Seb's presents a showcase challenge for the SPS defense.

• Milton Academy – A classic ISL matchup that returns as an early-season test of the Big Red's toughness.

• Tabor Academy – Always athletic and fast-paced, the Seawolves provide a measuring stick for SPS's ability to control tempo.

• Buckingham Browne & Nichols (BB&N) – With Division I talent frequently on the roster, and a team SPS has faced twice in recent Bowl Games, BB&N offers the Big Red a prime-time stage to shine.

• Dexter Southfield – A newer power in prep football, Dexter represents a new rival that SPS has battled in some of the best football games in program history.  While Dexter is in Class A, SPS is excited about this A vs B crossover battle. 

Rekindling Old Rivalries

For St. Paul's alumni and supporters, the season represents more than just a new league—it's a return to familiar battles that once defined autumn Saturdays. As a former member of the ISL, SPS competed for decades against Milton, Belmont Hill, Seb's, and others, creating storylines that still resonate with generations of graduates.

"This schedule is amazing when you look at these names on our grid.  These are powerhouse programs with rich histories and each game feels like a Bowl Game. " said Athletic Director Chris Smith. "The tradition of SPS football is intertwined with these schools, and being back on the same field with many of our old ISL friends brings a sense of history and excitement that will lift our community.  This time around though, we have more championship banners hanging at our field than we did when we last played these schools."

Looking Ahead

With renewed rivalries and high-stakes competition, the Big Red enter the season eager to prove themselves in their new home. A strong showing in Independent B could pave the way for postseason recognition and position SPS among the top programs in NEPSAC Class B.

"This is a statement year for us," Coach Vandersea added. "We've built our program to be ready for this challenge, and our players are hungry to compete."

As the lights come on at St. Paul's this fall, the Big Red step into a league that feels both brand new and steeped in history—a bridge between tradition and opportunity, and a stage where the next chapter of SPS football will be written.