Freshmen Beat Winacunnet 4-0

The freshmen game against Winacunnet Wednesday afternoon came as a surprise to many, as a mix up had some believing, for good reasons, that this match was scheduled for Thursday. But, two teams, two officials, and a program adjustment to accommodate the other Hanover squad’s practices, all resulted in the opening whistle going off at 4:00.

To calm the waters, after Coach Johnson’s inspirational traditional pre game haiku, the boys trotted out to the pitch and delivered another good effort,  a never-in-doubt win, 4 – 0.

The first half showed how well this team of freshmen can defend and move the ball in the attack. We peppered their fine goalie, Hayden Mador, with a barrage of shots that were either just off the mark or saved by their keeper.  Early on, Peter Burnham began the game of his life with a angled shot from the far left wing that just glanced off wide, opening the gates for multiple Hanover shots on goal, both from close range and from distance, with Peter’s fine shot followed by tries from the undeniable force that is Eli Stack, a blazing Pat Osborn close range attempt under pressure, and many more attempts from a variety of offensive sources. Especially noteworthy was a Clay Kynor try as he moved up from the back line that was just knocked away at the goal.

Despite the offensive display, and because of the stingy, skilled defensive play from midfield to the backs, the score at half was knotted at zeros. The tone had been set though, and it seemed destined that we would erupt in the second 40 minutes.

And we did. Stack fought through some traffic to bang goal number one, while the play of Hanover’s strong and cagey backs turned away any thought of Winacunnet getting things even. Ethan Ross, who is improving every game, along with Judd Alexander, Carl Gemunden, Brendan Brigham, Kynor, Tristan, the smooth Noah Pikelny, and Andrew Chen, along with strong midfield support, held up the shutout for Carter Auch, who met the few shots on goal with agile, aware saves.

Then came more. Eli Bush laid in a well-placed corner kick, which Nolan Gantrish expertly headed into the strings, and this match was unofficially over. We were displaying the collective speed and grit that defines this group, as Winacunnet, with much less depth on their bench, was sucking air.

Peter Burnham topped off his strong day by launching, towards the end of the last 40 minutes, a shot from the far left side that banged onto the top bar, clocked the goalie hard in the nose, and squirted in for the third score of the game. David Stoffel’s goal in the last few minutes finished of the scoring for the final score, Hanover 4, Winacunnet 0.

This was another in a string of wins for the freshmen that are complete team efforts. Everyone contributes, communication is strong, and every player played well and hard again. Way to go, boys! This club is worth coming to watch, even if you son is part of a different team.

Satisfaction emanated from the players and coaches, as we all are watching a group that is hitting their stride. Next up is Bishop Guertin this Saturday at home on the HHS turf, starting at 11a.m. Come and join the party!