Marauders End Season With 3-2 Loss to Exeter in Playoffs

Hanover's outstanding season ended on Saturday with a hard fought and ultimately heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Exeter in the NHIAA Division One Quarterfinals at rain-soaked Merriman-Branch Field.  The Marauders led 1-0, gave up two quick goals at the end of the first half, and spent the rest of the match battling from behind to come form behind.  Exeter and Hanover traded second half goals, and the loss kept the Marauders from the semifinals for the first time in their five-year tenure in Division One. Hanover's final record was 14-3.

For long stretches, Hanover looked like the better team.  They dominated the first 20 minutes of the match, outshooting Exeter 10-2 and earning an amazing nine corner kicks. Trailing throughout the second half, the Marauders continued to play well for most of the time.  Exeter was talented and opportunistic, however, and took advantage of some defensive lapses with superb shotmaking, earning a home game in the semifinals as they sought to make Coach Jim Tufts' 40th season a memorable one.

Hanover started the game well, wining most of the midfield battles and controlling play for long stretches.  They earned their first corner kick in the seventh minute, and Jake Acker got a header on goal from his favorite spot at the far post.  Casey Starr's lead pass to Henry Kahl earned another goo look, and 12 minute into the match Acker hit a hard shot from long distance that forced Exeter goalkeeper Caden Blazek to make a good save.  Three minutes later, Acker got open again on a corner, but missed connecting on a shot that dribbled wide of the post.

The corner kicks kept coming, and 16 minutes into the game, the Marauders opened the scoring on a play following a corner.  Charlie Adam's serve missed connecting with Will Smith in the box, but a well-positioned Griffin Johnson collected the ball on the right flank and immediately fed it into the corner for Jake Acker, who chased it down and made a stupendous cross with his off foot from the corner arc that went perfectly to the far post, six yards out.  Blazek came off his line to punch the ball away, just as Sam Strohbehn closed on him, with his momentum taking him into the next.  The ball went straight to David Seigne, whose well-timed late run put positioned him perfectly positioned for a driven header inside the post for a 1-0 lead.

Hanover continued to dominate. Two minutes after the goal, Will Smith collected a clearing pass 30 yards out and launched a lefty laser that shrieked past the upper left corner, missing the goal by less than a foot. Less than a minute later Sam Strohbehn, a dominant force at midfield all game, fed Seigne in the corner, who launched a centering worm-burning centering pass that eluded Blazek at the near post but went harmlessly through the box. A minute later Strohbehn's long lead pass just missed springing Adams for a breakaway.

Hanover kept hammering.  Strohbehn narrowly missed connecting on a near post run on corner kick number #6.   Corner kick number seven two minutes later screamed through the box, but never found a runner.    Less than a minute later, Acker was WIDE open at the far post on corner kick eight as Exeter Coach Tufts moaned his disapproval from the sidelines.  With 15 minutes to go in the half, Exeter had done nothing offensively.  Finally, Hawk Striker Jack Guida broke loose on a run to goal, but he was soon surrounded by a swarm of tacklers.

With ten minutes left, the Hawks woke up a bit more.  Guida headed a harmless ball over the bar from 12 yards out, and then Exeter earned their first corner of the match after a good tackle by Adam Pikielny on Josh Rubin at the far post.  The dangerous Quinn Mantegari got the ball on a good near post run, but Will Smith was there to block his shot.

Even after that flurry, Hanover continued to press. Charlie Adams hit a long through ball to Henry Kahl, who nearly connected with Casey Starr with another long through ball, and then corner kick number ten -   Ten!  -  produced several dangerous crosses through the Exeter box.  With the clock winding down toward two minutes the Marauders were given a free kick 30 yards from the Exeter goal, and Strohbehn's shot on goal was easily saved by Blazek.  38 minutes had been played, and Hanover looked ready to run away with the game.

Blazek punted the ball to midfield, and the Marauders missed two chances to control it.  The ball fell to midfielder Ian McAleer, who lofted a first-time pass the a breaking Mantegari, who won a stride for stride battle with Sam Pitch and ripped a left-footed shot from close range past Pat Logan to tie the game.    The Marauders were shaken, but almost immediately got the ball into the Exeter end and earned a free kick.  Henry Kahl's serve was perfect, and Sam Strohbehn got to the ball on his near post run and headed it toward to the corner, only to be saved by Blazek with a reflexive kick save.

One the ensuing goal kick, the Marauders once again had the ball elude them on missed headers, and Jacob Gould fed a streaking Chris Scamman, who was wide open in the right side.  Scamman drove in the penalty area, eluded a tackle, and drove a pass to Rubin at the far post.  Rubin cooly one-timed a ball back to the six, and superb midfielder Hunter Smith made no mistake with his finish.  Fifteen seconds and one last Hanover corner kick later, and the half ended with the Marauders trailing 2-1.

Having trailed several times during the season, and Marauders didn't panic, and after five perfunctory minutes of the second, Hanover nearly tied the game.  Will Smith collected a clearing pass on the left flank and his a right-footed cross that found Griffin Johnson right in front.  Johnson took a tough and then hit a shot over the top, just over an onrushing Blazek. The next five minutes were all Hanover. Strohbehn, who was masterful at winning balls, beating defenders, and always finding the right time to pass, ripped a hard shot from the edge of the box that was saved by Blazek.

Then, against the run of play, Exeter scored a third time.  A ball was played into a soft spot behind the Marauder midfielders and in front of the back four, and it was collected by Hunter Smith, whose chipped pass eluded Pych's attempt to head it and found Mantegari, who was covered, but not enough to prevent him from finding the side netting inside the left post.  Once again, Exeter had punished a brief opening with superb play, and they led 3-1.

Impressively, Hanover refused to panic or fold.  Led by Strohbehn, they continued to play good soccer, and patiently pushed for the first goal that they needed, not worrying about a second.  They earned  a corner kick, and Liam Collins' superb serve found Will Smith's head in the box.  The ball popped high, but as it came down it eluded Blazek and was headed under the crossbar when it was clearly handled by Jake Gould.  (One of the reasons for the delay in this account of the game was for the chance to see the game film and the photo by Lars Blackmore, which clearly shows that ball being learned out of the goal by Gould's upraised hand.)  Hanover kept playing, and Sam Strohbehn nearly hit the rebound back into the goal for the second time on the same play.

Hanover kept playing, and kept pushing.  As Exeter retreated increasingly into their end, Hanover brought out their long-range cannon, feeding the Hawk clearing passes back to Pat Logan, whose long serves kept Exeter under continuous pressure. As the clock wound under five minutes, Griffin Johnson hit a long cross from the right and once again David Seigne was in the right place at the far post, hitting a volley that forced Blazek to make a spectacular kick save. As the clock wound under four minutes, Will Smith hit a long ball into the box.  Blazek came out to punch it away, pressured by Johnson, and the ball fell to the feet of Adam Pikielny, who calmly volleyed it into the next for his first career goal.

Hanover had crawled back into the match, but time and their luck ran out, and the season was over. Gutted, the Marauders nevertheless had the class and maturity to congratulate the elated Hawks, headed home to Bill Ball stadium for the semifinals, and a match with Timberlane.  Hanover heads home, too, and when the sadness dies a bit they will be able to look back on a stellar season full of highlight-reel moments and some significant victories.

The Marauders will graduate sixteen seniors, who led this team in every respect. There were players who played less in this final game, or not at all, but who played a lot this season, and more than usual.  Some of them were the team's most improved players.  They will be sorely missed.  There are also a number of talented underclassmen, and their time will come next season.  It's too soon to speculate on that, but this blog won't take being dormant well, and will be heard from.

There were many reasons for Hanover's success this year.  The players prepared well for many months prior to the season, and worked hard throughout it.  They were supported by  a phalanx of parents whose contributions to the program are too numerous to mention, but which unquestionably made the Marauders better.  Finally, and significantly, Hanover had an amazing collection of coaches.
Cerebral soccer Zen Master Brett Wanner, Technical Guru Eric Jayne, apple-cheeked and apple crunching, and Goalie God Toby Niles, whose influence made Hanover a defensive power. During tournament time, the staff swelled with the inclusion of Yosef Osheyack and Willie Johnson, and they also chipped in importantly.

There are celebrations yet to come, most notably the Four Team Celebration on November 9th.  You won't want to miss the music recital!  It's been a week since we posted here, but we hope many of you have stayed patient and kept looking.  There is more to come before we close the books.  Thanks to all for being part of this program.

Freshmen Finish With Successful Scrimmage

The boys had their last gathering in freshmen uniforms Monday afternoon, with the temperature dropping all the way until the final whistle. Highlights included Will Blinkhorn’s first goal, a second half first timer from defensemen Ethan Ross, another first time goal from the irrepressible Nick Kim, and another one of the many goals this season from Latham Allison, along with some practice PKs to give the girls some game condition practicing heading into their playoffs that start Thursday.

The final score was 4 – 0, as the HHS girls had a little trouble with our team speed.

It’s been a great season. These guys have shown a great blend of desire to better themselves, while being freshmen and enjoying it. Trying your best and having fun playing sports; that’s the balance, that’s the goal.

All soccer gear from the school should be laundered, folded, bagged and labeled with the player’s name, and turned in to Coach Grabill in the HHS Gym during Activity Period on Wednesday. Thanks in advance.

Three more years!

Reserves Defeat Cardigan 4-2 to Finish Season 12-3-1

All's well that ends well.  What would start with a substantial defeat at home field on an idyllic August afternoon would end with a victory on away pitch against a perennial victor in simply miserable conditions.  

  The game began as the temperature dropped and the rain increased. The term warm-up seemed ironic in this weather.  Hanover and Cardigan soon showed they came to play, though. Cardigan proved they were a still a strong squad with skill and good ball movement under the direction of former Hanover Coach Rob Edson. They managed to get the first goal on a shot that just found the inside post and bounced in.   Hanover stayed in it, though, and the perpetually attacking Andrew Enelow attained possession and made an assist to Alec McDevitt keenly lurking on the right flank, who made a smart run to the far post and finished.  The first half would show no real advantage to either team.  Hanover's defense kept Cardigan at bay, and its deep bench continued to press with good play from all 27 players including Chris Lee, Caleb Calloway, James Roth, and Oliver Minshall who just missed the goal outside the post from shot inside the eighteen.   The score would remain tied for the half thanks in part due to formidable wall on a free kick that included Alex Roth taking a hard shot to the gut. This earned him the respect of his teammates such that his name would would be included in the cheer coming out at half-time.

  The second half started off rocky with sequence of events that resulted in a Cardigan goal.  A missed pass, and a mistaken assumption of stoppage of play led to the defense and keeper letting up which Cardigan capitalized on and scored.  Hanover remained undaunted and played on.  As the game wore on, this pressure would lead to a foul at the top of the box.  Theo Sparks was chosen to take the kick.  Realizing he had some room to work with, he made a clinical chip over the wall and keeper just under the net and out of reach of the keeper.   This opportunity would once again present itself even further way from the goal, and with ice in his veins, Theo executed a perfect chip for the lead.   Even though Hanover had the lead, the game was far from over.  Cardigan continued their attack forcing Eric Seltzer, who after standing for almost a hour and half in what could be considered ideal hypothermic conditions had just enough feeling in his hands to make the critical grabs.   With four minutes remaining, all the seniors: Aidan Connolly, Wilson Rimberg, Avery Wallis, Daniel Wilson, Dimitri Somoff, Harry Olszewski, and Tenzing Rumrill with a supporting cast of other classes including Mal Flynn, Ian Surat-Mosher, and Theo took to the field to take the win home.  This would be cemented from a goal from two Reserve veterans  Aidan Connolly and Tenzing Rumrill.  Aidan won possession of a loose ball on the left flank and made a great thru ball for Tenzing to run onto.  Tenzing with the maturity of a finisher realized his quickest and best opening would have to come from his left foot, uncorked the final goal of the season into into the corner of the net.   

   Even though not all the players were mentioned in this post, it was a pleasure coaching all of them this season and see them go from a group of players and sometime strangers to a unified team standing triumphant on the cold, muddy pitch that Saturday afternoon.  

- Coach McEwen

Game and Practice Schedule Oct. 24-29

Monday, October 24

                                               

Reserve Uniform Return – HHS Gym                                                            Activity Period

Freshman Scrimmage vs. Varsity Girls – HHS turf                                        3:30 p.m.

Varsity Training - HHS Turf                                                                            5:15 - 6:45 p.m.

Tuesday, October 25

JV Uniform Return – HHS Gym                                                                    Activity Period

Varsity Training – HHS Turf                                                                          3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 26

Freshman Uniform Return – HHS Gym                                                         Activity Period

Varsity Scrimmage vs. Lebanon – HHS Turf                                                   6:15 p.m.

Thursday, October 27

Varsity Training – HHS Turf                                                                          6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, October 28

Varsity Training – HHS Turf                                                                          3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday,  October 29

Varsity Playoff Game – HHS Turf                                                                 2:00 p.m.

Freshmen Tie Cardigan 1-1 in Season Finale

It was soggy, raining, and chilly Saturday afternoon as the freshmen boys faced Cardigan Mountain at their place on their Parent Weekend. It was a rugged match pitting two fine teams facing off in difficult conditions. Players had to adjust the way they played, except for a few that started out like John Wayne – True Grit.

Joey Perras started strong in goal, to be described more later, and Carl Gemundan was maybe the player who, from the start, did not let  the weather faze him. When he finally came off at the end of the first half, after being congratulated, he grinned and proclaimed, “This is real soccer weather Coach!”

Hanover fell behind early, on a series of passes from close range that Joey had to react to in the slop, whereupon a savvy opponent slid in the only Cardigan score of the slightly shortened, game. But, before long, all of our boys started to get their mojos on, as they rose to the realization that this was a time for tough, gritty soccer. We started to control possessions, and several good tries just missed. One by one, led by Carl and Joey’s inspirational play, and Mr. Grit himself, Eli Stack, along with strong midfield play of the usual suspects, Will Blinkhorn, Lathan Allison, Toño Correa, and Anthony Maynes, we came more and more into solid team play.  The back line held strong, with Carl, Ethan Ross, Judd Alexander, and Tristan Meyer being especially effective. Pat Osborne, found himself at forward as the minutes rolled on, and spread out the defenders to create opportunities for himself and others.

Peter Burnam, who has shown that right when you aren’t noticing him, he uses his lightning bolt left foot to find the net with authority, did it again as the half began to wind down. Much like his last big goal a couple of weeks ago, he came streaking into space down the left side, took one touch after gathering a perfect Stack feed, and unleashed a strike from 30 yards, with seven minutes remaining, that tied the game at 1-1.  

Nobody on the bench or coaching staff thought that would be the last goal, but it was. The rain kept coming, and after a short halftime, the second half half was on. Their occasional strong shots were denied by Joey, who ended the game with five sweet saves, while we missed by an eyelash multiple times, most notably when Quincy McBride clanked the crossbar with a ringing shot that had everyone groaning.

Judd Alexander anchored the middle of the defense in the second, with Carl playing top notch defense all day. As the second half wore on, the conditions deteriorated, and less chances occurred for both team, and the slippery battle became more of a 60 yard game than running the full field. Tristan played a powerful second half, and Latham just got stronger as the clock ticked on. Amane Matsuoka came in with determined effort, and made some fabulous runs up the middle, but was clogged up as he got close to any possibilities for shots. Clay Kynor took a huge shot to the chest from an out of control Cardigan Mountain forward, without drawing a foul, but drawing the respect of all. Nolan Gantrish, who “loves soccer in the rain,” made the most of his minutes.  Anthony and Toño just kept digging in. Pat played the second half possessed with mud power, and the team pulled together collectively to all contribute to an exciting, well played, tough game against a quality team.

It ended in a draw, but if there is such a thing as a satisfying tie, this was it. It was a bonding way to finish a great regular season. We’ll be seeing these boys for three more years of soccer in one form or another, which will be a great ride.

Monday is a wrap, in a friendly in house rivalry against the strong varsity girls. Both teams will enjoy that, but also both of them will want to come out on top. Come and watch Monday at right after school. See you then.

Laundered uniforms are due back to Coach Grabill by Wednesday. The question is, will all that mud wash out?

I’d like to thank Willy Johnson for holding this team together so well. He knows how to coach, and how to treat the kids so they learn and have a lot of fun playing this great game. They love him! It was a joy to be his assistant in my first year in the program.

Finally, coming soon is the state tournament for the outstanding varsity. Saturday on our turf, at 2:00, for the only game at home, with the opponent TBA. For some of you, it will be the last chance to see those boys on their hopeful march forward. Bring it on!

Go Mauraders!

Coach Matt Starr

Big Games on the Final Sub Varsity Weekend

Al three subvarsity teams close the season with a bang this weekend.  Dress warmly!

The Reserves and Freshmen go to Cardigan on Saturday.  Busses leave at 1:00 for 3:00 games. It's a short trip and a weekend, so you are on your own for snack and drinks.  Please bring food for the Cardigan food drive.  Wear white uniforms, but bring your maroon short just in case.

Reserves, please bring your uniforms to school on Monday and turn them in to me in the gym on Monday.  They should be washed, folded, bagged and labelled.  This is very important.

JV leaves for Nashua Tournament at 6:30 Sunday morning.  Parents will provide snacks, but there will also be concessions there.  Wear maroon uniforms, but bring your white shirt.  JV uniforms get turned on on Tuesday.

Freshmen play the Varsity girls on Monday on the turf RIGHT after school.  Wear Gold practice jerseys and white shorts and socks.  Freshman uniforms get turned in on Wednesday.

We will send invoices for unreturned uniforms on Friday.  We need all game and practice gear returned.  Freshmen and JVs all have practice shorts that must be returned.

Play your best this weekend.  Highest priority is representing the school well.  There will be many eyes on you this weekend.  Good luck!

Reserves Hold Off Sharon Academy, 3-2

Wednesday was a postcard day for a match. The Reserves rolled onto the campus of Sharon Academy past the yurts in the front yard and the sugaring shack onto a field etched into one of the many hills in Vermont.  Hanover opened up dominating Sharon's half of the field.  So much so that there was enough comfort of put in our third string goalie: Matt Abilozek moved back from center defense to spell Andrew Enelow.  This pressure would continue for the first half, and eventually produce a goal from Gabe Loud.  He won a ball up front, and made his way through a number of defenders and got loose a shot that bounced off an opposing player and the goalie and into the goal.  That would be it for the half.

  In the second half, Hanover resumed the attack which yielded a second goal on a nice ball from Andew to Gabe, who eluded a defender and placed a shot in the lower corner of the net.  Sharon though, had taken some cues from other leagues and tournaments as seen on TV.  They parked the bus and waited for the counter-attack.  This would be prove to rather effective when in a moment of miscommunication in the Hanover backfield they would pounce on the ball and put in it the net.  Hanover answered once again with Gabe who received a pass from the midfield and in a similar fashion made his way past a defender and found the back of the net for his third hat trick of the season.

 Hanover wasn't out of the woods yet when Sharon once again moved on a counter-attack and netted a goal.   Hanover would continue to create chances and dominate the midfield, making runs, and effective crossing passes from James Roth, Henry Bernard, and Alec McDevitt.  The interior midfield started to realize what the defense was doing and began to take dangerous shots at the top of the box from Theo, Vinzent, and Daniel Wilson who unleashed a left-footer just over the bar with a few minutes remaining.  The defense held despite some personal changes and Matt Abilozek found his goalie hands well in time to make some critical loose ball saves in the box to hold for the win.   All in all it was a disciplined performance from Hanover where they could of lost composure on a few occasions, but didn't.  Now on to Cardigan, for a full-team reunion at 3:00. Bus leaves at 1:00.  Please bring non-perishable food items for the Cardigan food drive!

Freshmen Rally to Beat Salem 2-1

A warm afternoon belied the late October calendar date, as the Hanover freshmen took on the Salem Blue Devils Wednesday on a sun drenched home turf. Our boys, riding a six game winning streak and sporting a 9 -1 -1 record going into this last home game, came to send the enthusiastic crowd of parents and classmates home smiling. Mission accomplished, with a hard fought 2 – 1 win.

Crisp play marked the first 20 minutes, with the Marauders dominating the time of possession that led to a number of shots that usually came in traffic and were unable to get through. As the half progressed, Salem’s game improved, and they started to make things happen with a series of quick counter attack.

Then, at the 25 minute mark, on a defensive lapse, a corner was justly awarded to the Blue Devils, who placed a good ball to the front of the goal line where a no-doubt-about-it header gave them a 1 – 0 lead, which held up until the half time whistle.

The second half started in a similar way to the first, with our boys keeping the JV-infused Salem squad on their heels until Toño Correa slid a ball through traffic to the able foot of Latham Allison, who took his touch and found the room he needed to smoke a 25 yard low screamer inside the left post, tying things at 1 goal apiece with 30 minutes remaining.

Each team was creating chances now, with the keepers both playing well. Carter Auch held fast, coming off his line adeptly and wrapping up 3 balls between the posts, highlighted by a diving, parallel-to-the- ground save at 60 minutes to keep things even.

It just seemed like a matter of time before our freshmen took the lead, and indeed it was. Ethan Ross launched a free kick from 25 yards with almost perfect trajectory that barely soared over the top bar, and everyone groaned and tipped our caps to Ethan’s effort. Fresh legs rotated in continuously. Eli Stack ripped one from a tough angle that just missed wide. Will Blinkhorn settled things constantly, slowing down the play in a way that allowed strings of sharp passing and solid possessions.

The hammer was about to strike, though.  With 13 minutes remaining, it happened. Nolan Gantrish expertly slid the ball to Amane Matsuoka, who moved the ball into space and blasted one in, over the leaping goal tender, for the lead at 2 – 1 with time winding down.

The Blue Devils would not give up though, and their next corner kick led to a second spectacular Carter save, but they kept coming. The back line play of Judd Alexander, Carl Gemunden, Tristan Meyer, Noah Pikelny, and Brendan Brigham kept it safe enough with smart, long clearances, and the boys trotted off with a satisfying, challenging win against an older team.

The home schedule is now finished, with one more game remaining against the excellent Cardigan Mountain club. As far as away games go, it couldn’t get much closer. Come and bid adieu to the 2016 freshmen at CM Saturday at 3:00.  Bus leaves at 1:00.  Please bring food items for the CMS food drive!

See you then!

Reserves Drop a 4-2 Decision to Souhegan on Saturday

The first freezing morning of year started off in contrast to hazy days of preseason for the long ride down to Souhegan last Saturday.  Due to a pit stop on the way, the team had only a few minutes to warm up.  That didn't daunt them though as Moritz's presence was instantly felt on the pitch. He easily won the midfield with Lucas and Theo playing a hardworking defensive and deep lying attacking midfielder to start the game.  This allowed him to win possession and make a driving run toward the box and and finish for a goal with ease.

    

Souhegan was a very well coached team. As Gabe said "It's never good when the coach has a British accent." They answered with a breakthrough the line that just got past Andrew.  They added another quickly with well played cross off a run to the far post. Hanover hung there and continued to pressure.  So much that Henry Bernard managed to get tripped up in the box. Theo was chosen to take the kick where he stepped up and coolly put the ball in the net. This day would be one of unlucky breaks and bounces.  One of those bounces would be few minutes before the half where the ball found Deveon's hand while he was looking the other direction in the penalty box.  Souhegan promptly converted the penalty.

Going into the half, Hanover knew they could play with these guys.   The second half opened with Hanover winning the midfield, and created some real chances with Moritz and Eric up front.  This would become tested though when Theo would be taken out of the game with an injury.  Hanover hung in there though with strong runs from Eric Seltzer, Ian, and Moritz, and Vinzent.  On the left side, the Roth brothers locked down the midfield and defense as well created some attacking runs.  The second half would continue to be a back and forth affair until the ever hard working Deveon  would roll his ankle and have to helped off the field and spend the rest of the game sitting on the injury cart.  In the confusion after changing center backs Souhegan broke the middle once again for another score.  There was another chance later for Hanover with those forwards really pressing the back line that created some dangerous corners.  

Even though it was a loss, it was not without some highlights.I know this Reserve team is talented, but I don't know if I ever seen a player execute a Maradona move with such ease that I almost didn't see it, as well make an opposing player trip on his own legs.  It was also quite a site turning around seeing the two captains on the injury bench while one of them was trying to help another of our top scorers Henry Bernard stretch his injury.   Sitting next to this them was another sub asking to go back in while holding ice on his knee.  Rather than a woeful sight it showed resolve and grit on Hanover's part.  Next up for the young guys is Sharon Academy on Wednesday.

Marauders Beat Salem 3-0; Close Regular Season at 14-2

Hanover finished their regular season with a flourish, exploding for three goals in the second half to break a scoreless tie and beat Salem 3-0.  With the win, the Marauders concluded with a 14-2 record, the best regular-season mark for the program in three years.  They clinched third place and a first-round bye in the NHIAA Division One playoffs, and will host a quarterfinal match on Saturday, October 29th at 2:00 p.m.

Casey Starr scored twice to pace the Hanover offense, and reached the 10-goal mark.  Junior Sam Pych, who scored in the season opener against Londonderry, tallied his second goal of the year in a moment of symmetry.

It took the Marauders a while to settle into the match on Salem's small, slick pitch, and they also showed great restraint in handling the earnest efforts of a referee who lost his way to the recreational league he was scheduled to officiate and ended up witnessing his first-ever Division One game.  The first half was scoreless, and the Marauders almost conceded the first goal.  Moments after Casey Starr's far post finish was just wide, Salem Striker Josh Fichera broke in alone on the Hanover goal but was stuffed with a great save by Patrick Logan.  Salem tried continually to spring Fichera, and he was offsides four times, nevertheless challenging the Marauder defense.

Hanover had a few more close calls as they began to get comfortable.  Liam Collins sent a wonderful volley form the left flank to Charlie Adams, who headed just over the bar.  With seven minutes to play, Salem goalkeeper Anthony Bellomo made a nice save on another bid by Starr, who was coming closer and closer to finding the back of the net.

The Marauders were calm and confident at halftime, and felt that things would break their way in the second half.  It turns out they didn't have to wait very long.  In the first minute, a nice buildup gave Marcus Helble an open shot from eight yards out, but his scoring bid went straight into Bellomo's breadbasket.  Hanover continued to dominate territorially, and eleven minutes after the interval Starr and David Seigne converged on a loose ball in the box, and Starr got the final touch and gave Hanover the only goal they would need.  Minutes later, Liam Collins' search for his first varsity goal almost bore fruit, when his screaming volley from a Henry Kahl cross. It was the third game in a row the Collins had claimed at least one assist, and gave him a season total of six.

Ten minutes after the Marauders broke the ice they emphatically doubled their lead. Liam Collins drove a corner kick into the box, and Sam Pych was well-positioned for a a rebound, blasting it into the back of the net.  Less than four minutes later, Starr claimed his 10th goal, converting a wonderful feed from Kahl, who tied Charlie Adams for the team lead in assists with ten.  Hanover stayed hungry.  Sam Strohbehn drove a beautifully flighted free kick just over the bar, and as substitutes poured off the bench, the offensive quality continued (or maybe even improved?).  Charlie Adams had a great crack on goal after a pass from Nico Mayo-Pushee, and Sander Macaulay, who played superbly at midfield, lined up a long shot  from way out that had a great chance of doing some damage.

Ben Sobel, Roger Danilek, Simon Kahan and Benjamin Parrado continued their strong play on defense, allowing Logan to record his 7th shutout of the campaign.  Hanover's eight clean sheets surpassed last year's regular season total by two, just one more way in which this season's accomplishments have allowed this year's team to stand strongly alongside its Division One predecessors.

Hanover's regular season is over, but the NHIAA season has several days to run, and it will be a while until the Marauders figure out who their quarterfinal opponent on October 29 may be.  Of course, all of the contenders will first have to survive an opening round game against a lesser seed.  If form holds completely, though, the betting here is that it will be the Exeter Blue Hawks making the trek to Hanover for the second time in three years.  More on that later.  The Marauders will train for three days, take the entire weekend off, and then get together on Monday for a post-season doubleheader on the turf.  First, the Marauder Freshmen will take on their arch rival, the HHS girls' Varsity at 3:30.  Then the boys' Varsity will host Lebanon in a working scrimmage at 5:15.  These former bitter rivals, now longstanding friends and mutual fans, who give each other the chance to work hard on restarts, and do some fine tuning as they head into a precious week of preparation.

The Marauders have come a long way since August, and put together an impressive resume.  There is much about which they can be very proud.  But there's still an upside.  As well as this team has played on occasion, every one of them knows that they can do more.  If they can find the stamina, and intelligence, and unselfishness required to build on the solid base of this regular season, there is long way that they can still travel together.  The journey continues.  Stay tuned.