Concord Monitor
Valley News
Monday, November 5, 2007
Varsity wins 3rd State Championship in a Row, Nov 4
Hanover Wins Class I Title Over Bow, 1-0
The Hanover boys made history Sunday night, beating Bow 1-0 to win their third consecutive Class I title. In the process, the Marauders closed out an 18-0-2 undefeated season, Hanover’s first since 1993. In addition securing the first “three-peat” in Hanover High soccer history the Marauders notched the 14th state title in 48 years. No other New Hampshire high school has won more than 13, and Hanover is tied with five other schools for the fifth-best total in the country.
Hanover beat Bow in the finals for the second time in three years, and did it with a suffocating defense that set several NH high school records. The Marauders allowed only 4 goals in 20 games, breaking the all-time record of five, now jointly held by the 1993 Hanover teams and this year’s Moultonborough Academy Class S runner-up. It was Hanover’s 17th shutout of the season, tying the mark set by Gilford High School in 1999.
Hanover’s undefeated streak is now 27 games, dating back to October 2006. That’s the fifth-best streak in NH high school history. The third-best was established by the Marauders in 1992-1994, a skein of 46 which includes the back-to-back 19-0-0 seasons of 1992 and 1993. In addition to allowing .20 goals per game, the Marauders scored a total of 80, a tidy average of 4.0 per game. Only the 1968 team, which scored 93 goals, had a higher total.
The Championship game against Bow was not about records, and perhaps that’s one of the reasons that the Marauders were able to succeed against their most determined opponent of the season. The Falcons had a better won-lost record over the past three seasons, and they were hungry for their first Class I title to validate years of soccer success. The showed no fear from the opening whistle, and showed the ability to press the Marauders as no team had this season.
Hanover was ready. Angus Kennedy and Aussie Cyrus were dominant at midfield, not only defending well but holding the ball long enough to organize a more coherent attack than the Falcons. The Marauders were the better attacking team, and knocked on the door several times. They outshot Bow by an 8-0 margin, and came increasingly close on several restarts. Casey Maue continued his torrid postseason play, and was a constant threat in the Falcon penalty area. Yosef Osheyack, bloodied in a hard but clean collision, shook off the cobwebs and narrowly missed a short-range shot with Maue just off target in an attempt to slot home the rebound. Cyrus, Matt Wetherell, Cal Felicetti and Eric Jayne all had good shooting opportunities at the top of the penalty area. Finally, with six minutes left in the half, the Marauders collected the only goal that they would need. Angus Kennedy hit a long free kick from the right side, and Casey Maue was first to the ball in a scrum in front of the Bow goal. The ball caromed off Maue’s moosh and popped back into the air, where Casey and a rejuvenated Eric Barthold got their heads on it simultaneously, and floated over stranded Falcon keeper Al Grip, settling in to the back of the net. Barthold was credited with his 10th goal of the season, and the Marauders had a lead they would never relinquish.
Everyone at Exeter’s Bill Ball Field knew that Bow would come out at the start of the second half with fire in their eyes, and they didn’t disappoint. The Falcons collected four shots and three corner kicks in the first ten minutes, and several of the scoring chances were perilously close, especially a long-range free kick by Bow’s Kyle Geddes that Marauder goalie Ben Harwick barely pushed by the far post. Another close-range Bow blast just cleared the crossbar.
When they needed composure the most, the Marauders reached down and found an ample measure. Regaining control of the match, they took the attack back to Bow, and put on a dazzling display of attacking football. Maue had a close-range shot cleared off the line, and Barthold hit a long-range blast that Grip grabbed as it was headed to the upper ninety. Aussie Cyrus continued his midfield mastery, and orchestrated several dangerous chances, including another near-miss by Osheyack, now feeling very comfortable in Cory French’s borrowed number 22. Hanover got some key minutes off the bench from midfielders Henry Caldwell and Paul Burchard and striker Eric Jayne. All of them proved that they were ready for prime time
As the clock wound down to the final ten minutes, it became clearer that Hanover would be faced with the task of holding a 1-0 lead, something they had failed to do not once but twice earlier in the season, against both Souhegan and Lebanon. Bow’s potential to erase the lead was significantly more dangerous, but with the game on the line, the Marauder defense had its finest hour. Cal Felicetti and Matt Wetherell had been flawless all game, and they stood even taller in the waning minutes. Kennedy was planted in the middle of the fray, marshalling his troops and coolly clearing the ball without a mistake. Bow had every opportunity, but without a Hanover mistake or mis-kick they were going nowhere. As the seconds ticked off, Kennedy relieved the pressure with a final full bike, and the Hanover bench, crammed beyond the allotted limit, erupted onto the field to celebrate history.
In the end, it was all about the seniors. Every one of the 12 had a critical role to play, on or off the park, and every one showed the leadership and fortitude to make a championship happen. Eight of them started, nine of them played, but every one owned a share of the title. Working hard every day in practice, doing so when playing time was not a sure thing, and in several cases doing so after overcoming nagging injuries took the sort of rare courage that inspired teammates and coaches. When you’re looking for the small things that make a difference in putting a team over the top, look no further than the contributions of Erik Barth, Dylan Riessen and Oliver Horton. On any other Class I team they would start, and star. Thankfully, they are Marauders.
There will be other accounts of this magic season forthcoming, some by scribes better positioned and infinitely more qualified to offer perspective. None will be more grateful than this typist. Thanks for the insight, dedication and defensive genius of Coach Alex Kahan, and the consistent excellence of young-at-heart Coach Mike Callanan, whose 49-1-0 JV record this past three years continues to be reflected in the varsity’s success. Thanks to all of the coaches who have labored in the vineyards with these young men, helping them learn the tactics and techniques that manifested themselves this year. Lighting coaches Chris Cheney, Chris Kennedy, Alex Kahan and Chris Lincoln deserve major props, as do Touchline coaches Mark Alloway and Dustin Burnett. The latter helped forge the steel of this team in the cauldron of the Richmond Gym at lunchtime.
There can never be enough thanks for the parents, whose support for their sons over the years has been immeasurable, and which increased exponentially in this season of scoreboard duty, snack shack responsibilities, photojournalism, web hosting, laundry, chauffeuring, and who knows what else. In the end, all of that and more will get you a flower, a photo op and a sweaty hug. More than worth it.
It was wonderful for a team this deserving to win out, mostly because it made it easier for the coach, who would otherwise have had to explain (and would have done so successfully!) that this was a great season win or lose. This team’s true triumph went beyond wins, losses and records. This was a team which established a culture of inclusion, unselfishness and genuine respect for each other and the game. They had bullseyes on their backs from day one and never buckled under the oppressive weight of expectations based on history. They took their responsibility as role models seriously, both in the school and in the community. These are the exemplars that parents in the Upper Valley want for their young sons. This team understood that community membership brings the responsibility to make a difference in helping others, and gladly gave their time to help. This was a team that once again put sportsmanship and fair play first on their agenda every day. Whether or not they win another ward for this is moot. They have consistently honored the game. They deserve their place among Hanover’s greatest teams.
The Hanover boys made history Sunday night, beating Bow 1-0 to win their third consecutive Class I title. In the process, the Marauders closed out an 18-0-2 undefeated season, Hanover’s first since 1993. In addition securing the first “three-peat” in Hanover High soccer history the Marauders notched the 14th state title in 48 years. No other New Hampshire high school has won more than 13, and Hanover is tied with five other schools for the fifth-best total in the country.
Hanover beat Bow in the finals for the second time in three years, and did it with a suffocating defense that set several NH high school records. The Marauders allowed only 4 goals in 20 games, breaking the all-time record of five, now jointly held by the 1993 Hanover teams and this year’s Moultonborough Academy Class S runner-up. It was Hanover’s 17th shutout of the season, tying the mark set by Gilford High School in 1999.
Hanover’s undefeated streak is now 27 games, dating back to October 2006. That’s the fifth-best streak in NH high school history. The third-best was established by the Marauders in 1992-1994, a skein of 46 which includes the back-to-back 19-0-0 seasons of 1992 and 1993. In addition to allowing .20 goals per game, the Marauders scored a total of 80, a tidy average of 4.0 per game. Only the 1968 team, which scored 93 goals, had a higher total.
The Championship game against Bow was not about records, and perhaps that’s one of the reasons that the Marauders were able to succeed against their most determined opponent of the season. The Falcons had a better won-lost record over the past three seasons, and they were hungry for their first Class I title to validate years of soccer success. The showed no fear from the opening whistle, and showed the ability to press the Marauders as no team had this season.
Hanover was ready. Angus Kennedy and Aussie Cyrus were dominant at midfield, not only defending well but holding the ball long enough to organize a more coherent attack than the Falcons. The Marauders were the better attacking team, and knocked on the door several times. They outshot Bow by an 8-0 margin, and came increasingly close on several restarts. Casey Maue continued his torrid postseason play, and was a constant threat in the Falcon penalty area. Yosef Osheyack, bloodied in a hard but clean collision, shook off the cobwebs and narrowly missed a short-range shot with Maue just off target in an attempt to slot home the rebound. Cyrus, Matt Wetherell, Cal Felicetti and Eric Jayne all had good shooting opportunities at the top of the penalty area. Finally, with six minutes left in the half, the Marauders collected the only goal that they would need. Angus Kennedy hit a long free kick from the right side, and Casey Maue was first to the ball in a scrum in front of the Bow goal. The ball caromed off Maue’s moosh and popped back into the air, where Casey and a rejuvenated Eric Barthold got their heads on it simultaneously, and floated over stranded Falcon keeper Al Grip, settling in to the back of the net. Barthold was credited with his 10th goal of the season, and the Marauders had a lead they would never relinquish.
Everyone at Exeter’s Bill Ball Field knew that Bow would come out at the start of the second half with fire in their eyes, and they didn’t disappoint. The Falcons collected four shots and three corner kicks in the first ten minutes, and several of the scoring chances were perilously close, especially a long-range free kick by Bow’s Kyle Geddes that Marauder goalie Ben Harwick barely pushed by the far post. Another close-range Bow blast just cleared the crossbar.
When they needed composure the most, the Marauders reached down and found an ample measure. Regaining control of the match, they took the attack back to Bow, and put on a dazzling display of attacking football. Maue had a close-range shot cleared off the line, and Barthold hit a long-range blast that Grip grabbed as it was headed to the upper ninety. Aussie Cyrus continued his midfield mastery, and orchestrated several dangerous chances, including another near-miss by Osheyack, now feeling very comfortable in Cory French’s borrowed number 22. Hanover got some key minutes off the bench from midfielders Henry Caldwell and Paul Burchard and striker Eric Jayne. All of them proved that they were ready for prime time
As the clock wound down to the final ten minutes, it became clearer that Hanover would be faced with the task of holding a 1-0 lead, something they had failed to do not once but twice earlier in the season, against both Souhegan and Lebanon. Bow’s potential to erase the lead was significantly more dangerous, but with the game on the line, the Marauder defense had its finest hour. Cal Felicetti and Matt Wetherell had been flawless all game, and they stood even taller in the waning minutes. Kennedy was planted in the middle of the fray, marshalling his troops and coolly clearing the ball without a mistake. Bow had every opportunity, but without a Hanover mistake or mis-kick they were going nowhere. As the seconds ticked off, Kennedy relieved the pressure with a final full bike, and the Hanover bench, crammed beyond the allotted limit, erupted onto the field to celebrate history.
In the end, it was all about the seniors. Every one of the 12 had a critical role to play, on or off the park, and every one showed the leadership and fortitude to make a championship happen. Eight of them started, nine of them played, but every one owned a share of the title. Working hard every day in practice, doing so when playing time was not a sure thing, and in several cases doing so after overcoming nagging injuries took the sort of rare courage that inspired teammates and coaches. When you’re looking for the small things that make a difference in putting a team over the top, look no further than the contributions of Erik Barth, Dylan Riessen and Oliver Horton. On any other Class I team they would start, and star. Thankfully, they are Marauders.
There will be other accounts of this magic season forthcoming, some by scribes better positioned and infinitely more qualified to offer perspective. None will be more grateful than this typist. Thanks for the insight, dedication and defensive genius of Coach Alex Kahan, and the consistent excellence of young-at-heart Coach Mike Callanan, whose 49-1-0 JV record this past three years continues to be reflected in the varsity’s success. Thanks to all of the coaches who have labored in the vineyards with these young men, helping them learn the tactics and techniques that manifested themselves this year. Lighting coaches Chris Cheney, Chris Kennedy, Alex Kahan and Chris Lincoln deserve major props, as do Touchline coaches Mark Alloway and Dustin Burnett. The latter helped forge the steel of this team in the cauldron of the Richmond Gym at lunchtime.
There can never be enough thanks for the parents, whose support for their sons over the years has been immeasurable, and which increased exponentially in this season of scoreboard duty, snack shack responsibilities, photojournalism, web hosting, laundry, chauffeuring, and who knows what else. In the end, all of that and more will get you a flower, a photo op and a sweaty hug. More than worth it.
It was wonderful for a team this deserving to win out, mostly because it made it easier for the coach, who would otherwise have had to explain (and would have done so successfully!) that this was a great season win or lose. This team’s true triumph went beyond wins, losses and records. This was a team which established a culture of inclusion, unselfishness and genuine respect for each other and the game. They had bullseyes on their backs from day one and never buckled under the oppressive weight of expectations based on history. They took their responsibility as role models seriously, both in the school and in the community. These are the exemplars that parents in the Upper Valley want for their young sons. This team understood that community membership brings the responsibility to make a difference in helping others, and gladly gave their time to help. This was a team that once again put sportsmanship and fair play first on their agenda every day. Whether or not they win another ward for this is moot. They have consistently honored the game. They deserve their place among Hanover’s greatest teams.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
3-PEAT
Hanvover won their 3rd State Championship in a row, beating Bow 1-0 in Exeter this evening.
CONGRATULATIONS TO COACH GRABILL AND ALL THE PLAYERS!!!!!
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Keeping Track of Time
Thanks to Kristin Shaw and Kevin Peterson for running the scoreboard during home games this season.
Thanks to the Concession Crew
This was the first year that the Friends of Hanover Soccer have taken on the task of offering concessions at home games. At the beginning of the season, the Friends of Hanover Soccer were asked to contribute to the purchase of the "Snack Shack". After offering concessions at 3 regular season games and 2 playoff games, Friends of Hanover Soccer were able to almost pay off the initial contribution towards the purchase of the shack. Next year concessions should be a revenue source for the Friends of Hanover Soccer.
Many parents were extremely generous in providing baked goods and chili for sale at the concession stand. Thank you very much for this.
Additionally, many parents were very giving of their time during the games to work at the concession stand. Again thank you very much for this as well.
Finally, Celeste Wetherell and Amy Stephens did a great job organizing the concessions. Major Props to them.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Last Home Game for Class of 2008
Matt Wetherell
Sam Peterson
Dylan Riesssen
Oliver Horton
Casey Maue
Cal Felicetti
Ben Harwick
Angus Kennedy
Aussie Cyrus
Erik Barth
Eric Barthold
Paul Burchard
NASHUA TELEGRAPH Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Marauders shut down Cavaliers
Class I Boys Soccer semifinals: Hanover 2, H/B 0
By GARY FITZ, Telegraph Staff
gfitz@nashuatelegraph.com
EXETER – Before Tuesday night's Class I boys soccer semifinal against fifth-ranked Hollis/Brookline, Hanover High School coach Rob Grabil made sure his team knew exactly what it was up against.
"I told them this was a Hollis team that beat Souhegan 6-1 in the season opener,'' Grabil said. "We played them at home in the midseason when they had some kids out.
"I warned the team, this is not the Hollis team we saw that day. Hollis is a well-organized, well-coached team, and I think you saw that out there tonight.''
Grabil's team heeded the warning, and the Marauders went out and did what they've done all season, completely shutting down the opposing team's offense en route to a 2-0 win to advance to the Class I final on Saturday.
It was still just 1-0 in the final two minutes before Hanover scored a late goal to add a cushion. But the Marauders (17-0-2), who have given up just four goal all season, marked talented Cavaliers midfielder Owen Hawkins tightly and otherwise completely shut down the Hollis attack.
"They have a lot of speed and transition is what their game is all about,'' Hollis/Brookline coach Scott Zarba said. "There isn't one player on that team that doesn't know what he's going to do with the ball before he touches it.
"We did run for the last 35 minutes and challenge them, but when we did get inside the 18 they just cluster.''
Against a smothering defense which began the season with 11 straight shutouts and hasn't allowed a goal in their last five games, it took 33 minutes for Hollis to get its first shot on goal. It was struck from 25 yards out by Ryan Rodgers and was caught just inside the left post by Hanover goalkeeper Benjamin Harwick. It would turn out to be the Cavaliers' best chance of the game.
Hanover struck first 13 minutes into the game when Henry Caldwell slid home a feed from Austin Cyrus. The Marauders wouldn't get on the board again until Casey Maue headed home a lose ball in front of the Hollis net in the final minute.
The loss ended an eight-game Cavaliers winning streak, which came after they dropped four of five matches during an injury plagued midseason stretch.
"It was a great run,'' Zarba said. "We had our share of injuries, but we developed some depth and the kids really stepped up.''
Zarba singled out the play of midfielder Kyle Walton, and defenders Aaron Landolt and Brett Angevine, who helped neutralize a high-powered Hanover offense that has outscored opponents 79-4 so far.
So in Saturday's final it will be the state's stingiest defense against its most prolific goal scorer, second-seeded Bow's Ryan Obolewicz, whose three goals against Souhegan in Tuesday night's other semifinal game him 31 on the season.
Class I Boys Soccer semifinals: Hanover 2, H/B 0
By GARY FITZ, Telegraph Staff
gfitz@nashuatelegraph.com
EXETER – Before Tuesday night's Class I boys soccer semifinal against fifth-ranked Hollis/Brookline, Hanover High School coach Rob Grabil made sure his team knew exactly what it was up against.
"I told them this was a Hollis team that beat Souhegan 6-1 in the season opener,'' Grabil said. "We played them at home in the midseason when they had some kids out.
"I warned the team, this is not the Hollis team we saw that day. Hollis is a well-organized, well-coached team, and I think you saw that out there tonight.''
Grabil's team heeded the warning, and the Marauders went out and did what they've done all season, completely shutting down the opposing team's offense en route to a 2-0 win to advance to the Class I final on Saturday.
It was still just 1-0 in the final two minutes before Hanover scored a late goal to add a cushion. But the Marauders (17-0-2), who have given up just four goal all season, marked talented Cavaliers midfielder Owen Hawkins tightly and otherwise completely shut down the Hollis attack.
"They have a lot of speed and transition is what their game is all about,'' Hollis/Brookline coach Scott Zarba said. "There isn't one player on that team that doesn't know what he's going to do with the ball before he touches it.
"We did run for the last 35 minutes and challenge them, but when we did get inside the 18 they just cluster.''
Against a smothering defense which began the season with 11 straight shutouts and hasn't allowed a goal in their last five games, it took 33 minutes for Hollis to get its first shot on goal. It was struck from 25 yards out by Ryan Rodgers and was caught just inside the left post by Hanover goalkeeper Benjamin Harwick. It would turn out to be the Cavaliers' best chance of the game.
Hanover struck first 13 minutes into the game when Henry Caldwell slid home a feed from Austin Cyrus. The Marauders wouldn't get on the board again until Casey Maue headed home a lose ball in front of the Hollis net in the final minute.
The loss ended an eight-game Cavaliers winning streak, which came after they dropped four of five matches during an injury plagued midseason stretch.
"It was a great run,'' Zarba said. "We had our share of injuries, but we developed some depth and the kids really stepped up.''
Zarba singled out the play of midfielder Kyle Walton, and defenders Aaron Landolt and Brett Angevine, who helped neutralize a high-powered Hanover offense that has outscored opponents 79-4 so far.
So in Saturday's final it will be the state's stingiest defense against its most prolific goal scorer, second-seeded Bow's Ryan Obolewicz, whose three goals against Souhegan in Tuesday night's other semifinal game him 31 on the season.
Manchester Union Leader Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Bow, Hanover set up I boys' soccer final
By JOHN HABIB
Staff Sports Writer
EXETER – Ryan Obolewicz wasn't kidding when he said Bow was a second-half team.
The senior forward tallied a hat trick, including two of his team's three second-half goals, as the second-ranked Falcons ousted 11th-ranked Souhegan of Amherst, 4-2, in the semifinals of the Class I boys' soccer tournament last night at William Ball Stadium.
Bow (17-1-1) will return to Eustis Field on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. to meet two-time defending state champion Hanover (17-0-2), a 2-0 winner over fifth-ranked Hollis-Brookline. Bow, searching for its first Class I title, and Hanover did not meet in the regular season.
Bow and Souhegan were deadlocked at the intermission, but the Falcons took control of the game after scoring two goals in a span of 56 seconds for a 3-1 cushion. The goals came off the feet of Obolewicz and senior forward Dorian Hohm with 25 minutes left.
"It seemed after we scored those goals that they (Souhegan) started to let up a little bit,'' said Obolewicz, who now has 30 goals this season. "It's hard for any team to come back down by two in the second half. We seem to play stronger as the game enters the second half.''
Obolewicz, who scored Bow's first-half goal just 9:02 into the contest, supplied the Falcons with a 4-1 bulge at the 55:19 mark. Tim Eagan answered a minute later for the Sabers, but it was too late.
"Bow outworked us in the second half,'' said Souhegan coach David Saxe, whose team played shorthanded over the final 60:44. Souhegan senior Mathieu Bemis was ejected from the game for arguing a call after his infraction awarded Bow a penalty kick.
Bow's Kyle Geddes missed the net on the spot shot, keeping it a 1-0 game. Souhegan did manage to tie the game before halftime on a goal from junior forward Michael Peret, but Saxe said playing the game shorthanded took its toll.
"It makes it tougher on a bigger field and after a while we started to get tired,'' said Saxe. "Bow has a nice aggressive team and Obolewicz is a tricky little player who is tough to defend. He's going to be a solid player on a collegiate team.''
Bow will be severely tested by Hanover, which pitched its 16th shutout of the season. The Marauders have allowed four goals this season, none in three post-season games.
Junior forward Henry Caldwell, on an assist from junior Yosef Osheyack, gave Hanover the early lead just 13:10 into the match. The insurance goal came in the final minute off a corner when Casey Maue rammed his team-leading 13th goal into the cage for the clincher.
"Hollis was very competitive and all the credit goes to my team for being ready against a quality opponent,'' said Hanover coach Rob Grabill. "We were very patient, waiting for our opportunities, and we didn't hand them anything.''
Hanover contained senior forward Owen Hawkins, one of the key players this season for the Cavaliers, who were held to one shot on goal.
"Hanover marked him and didn't let him turn all night,'' said Cavaliers coach Scott Zarba, whose club ended its campaign at 14-5.
By JOHN HABIB
Staff Sports Writer
EXETER – Ryan Obolewicz wasn't kidding when he said Bow was a second-half team.
The senior forward tallied a hat trick, including two of his team's three second-half goals, as the second-ranked Falcons ousted 11th-ranked Souhegan of Amherst, 4-2, in the semifinals of the Class I boys' soccer tournament last night at William Ball Stadium.
Bow (17-1-1) will return to Eustis Field on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. to meet two-time defending state champion Hanover (17-0-2), a 2-0 winner over fifth-ranked Hollis-Brookline. Bow, searching for its first Class I title, and Hanover did not meet in the regular season.
Bow and Souhegan were deadlocked at the intermission, but the Falcons took control of the game after scoring two goals in a span of 56 seconds for a 3-1 cushion. The goals came off the feet of Obolewicz and senior forward Dorian Hohm with 25 minutes left.
"It seemed after we scored those goals that they (Souhegan) started to let up a little bit,'' said Obolewicz, who now has 30 goals this season. "It's hard for any team to come back down by two in the second half. We seem to play stronger as the game enters the second half.''
Obolewicz, who scored Bow's first-half goal just 9:02 into the contest, supplied the Falcons with a 4-1 bulge at the 55:19 mark. Tim Eagan answered a minute later for the Sabers, but it was too late.
"Bow outworked us in the second half,'' said Souhegan coach David Saxe, whose team played shorthanded over the final 60:44. Souhegan senior Mathieu Bemis was ejected from the game for arguing a call after his infraction awarded Bow a penalty kick.
Bow's Kyle Geddes missed the net on the spot shot, keeping it a 1-0 game. Souhegan did manage to tie the game before halftime on a goal from junior forward Michael Peret, but Saxe said playing the game shorthanded took its toll.
"It makes it tougher on a bigger field and after a while we started to get tired,'' said Saxe. "Bow has a nice aggressive team and Obolewicz is a tricky little player who is tough to defend. He's going to be a solid player on a collegiate team.''
Bow will be severely tested by Hanover, which pitched its 16th shutout of the season. The Marauders have allowed four goals this season, none in three post-season games.
Junior forward Henry Caldwell, on an assist from junior Yosef Osheyack, gave Hanover the early lead just 13:10 into the match. The insurance goal came in the final minute off a corner when Casey Maue rammed his team-leading 13th goal into the cage for the clincher.
"Hollis was very competitive and all the credit goes to my team for being ready against a quality opponent,'' said Hanover coach Rob Grabill. "We were very patient, waiting for our opportunities, and we didn't hand them anything.''
Hanover contained senior forward Owen Hawkins, one of the key players this season for the Cavaliers, who were held to one shot on goal.
"Hanover marked him and didn't let him turn all night,'' said Cavaliers coach Scott Zarba, whose club ended its campaign at 14-5.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Varsity vs Hollis Brookline, Oct 30, Semifinals
HANOVER TOPS HOLLIS TO RETURN TO THE FINALS
The Hanover boys earned a return ticket to the NHIAA Class I Finals with a workmanlike 2-0 victory over Hollis-Brookline. Junior Henry Caldwell led the attack for the Marauders, scoring the winning goal at the 13-minute mark and then setting up the clinching goal in the final minutes with a corner kick that Captain Casey Maue headed home for his team-leading 13th goal.
The victory kept Hanover undefeated through 19 games and vaulted them into the Championship game against Bow at 4:30 on Saturday at Bill Ball Stadium at Exeter High School. The Marauders are 17-0-2 on the season, and earned their 16th shutout of the campaign by blanking Hollis-Brookline.
Hollis-Brookline entered Tuesday’s semifinal after overturning a strong Oyster River team in overtime, and they showed both athleticism and good organization. Hanover slowly established a territorial edge, and generated the first good scoring chance at the ten minute mark when Matt Wetherell headed a Ben Rimmer corner kick over the bar. Soon afterwards, Coach Grabill removed leading scorer Eric Barthold to rest his sore foot, inserting Caldwell on the left flank. The versatile junior wasted little time making an impact, ripping a left-footed rocket from 15 yards just inside the near post for 1-0 lead.
Hanover kept probing the Cavalier defense, with Yosef Osheyack making a number of dangerous runs and the midfield duo of Aussie Cyrus and Angus Kennedy keeping a firm hold on the center of the park. Hollis-Brookline managed its only real shot on goal 15 minutes from the end of the half when midfielder Ryan Rodgers hit a challenging shot from well outside the box that forced Marauder goalkeeper Ben Harwick to make a diving save. Although no more shots found their way through, Hanover looked tentative as the half ended, and the 1-0 lead looked precarious.
Grabill challenged his troops to play more aggressively after the interval, and they responded magnificently in the first 15 minutes of the second half, buzzing in and around the Hollis end of the field, and re-establishing an edge that wore the Cavaliers out. Hollis goalie Sean Hamilton was forced to make several tough saves to keep the game in hand, and his teammates were unable to muster much in the way of a counterattack.
Hanover stayed calm as the clock wound down, and with a few minutes to play Angus Kennedy made a great run into the Hollis box, blasting a left-footed drive over the bar. Not to be outdone, Maue finished off the match inside the two-minute mark, taking advantage of his near-post position to stretch his scoring streak to six games. In seven NHIAA playoff games over two seasons, Maue has scored in six of them including two straight semifinals.
Hanover heads back to Bill Ball Stadium for a Saturday showdown with second-seeded Bow, 4-2 victors over Souhegan in the other semifinal. The Falcons will have revenge on their minds, remembering their 1-0 loss to the Marauders two years ago in the Class I Final at Stellos Stadium. They bring a 17-1-1 into this year’s final, with a 2-I loss to Oyster River as the only loss on their ledger. “This is what the finals are all about,” commented Grabill. “The two best teams in the state going at it with everything on the line. We’re anticipating our biggest challenge of the season, which means that there is a good chance we’ll have the opportunity to play our best soccer of the year. That’s what we have been working hard and hoping for. We can’t wait.”
The Hanover boys earned a return ticket to the NHIAA Class I Finals with a workmanlike 2-0 victory over Hollis-Brookline. Junior Henry Caldwell led the attack for the Marauders, scoring the winning goal at the 13-minute mark and then setting up the clinching goal in the final minutes with a corner kick that Captain Casey Maue headed home for his team-leading 13th goal.
The victory kept Hanover undefeated through 19 games and vaulted them into the Championship game against Bow at 4:30 on Saturday at Bill Ball Stadium at Exeter High School. The Marauders are 17-0-2 on the season, and earned their 16th shutout of the campaign by blanking Hollis-Brookline.
Hollis-Brookline entered Tuesday’s semifinal after overturning a strong Oyster River team in overtime, and they showed both athleticism and good organization. Hanover slowly established a territorial edge, and generated the first good scoring chance at the ten minute mark when Matt Wetherell headed a Ben Rimmer corner kick over the bar. Soon afterwards, Coach Grabill removed leading scorer Eric Barthold to rest his sore foot, inserting Caldwell on the left flank. The versatile junior wasted little time making an impact, ripping a left-footed rocket from 15 yards just inside the near post for 1-0 lead.
Hanover kept probing the Cavalier defense, with Yosef Osheyack making a number of dangerous runs and the midfield duo of Aussie Cyrus and Angus Kennedy keeping a firm hold on the center of the park. Hollis-Brookline managed its only real shot on goal 15 minutes from the end of the half when midfielder Ryan Rodgers hit a challenging shot from well outside the box that forced Marauder goalkeeper Ben Harwick to make a diving save. Although no more shots found their way through, Hanover looked tentative as the half ended, and the 1-0 lead looked precarious.
Grabill challenged his troops to play more aggressively after the interval, and they responded magnificently in the first 15 minutes of the second half, buzzing in and around the Hollis end of the field, and re-establishing an edge that wore the Cavaliers out. Hollis goalie Sean Hamilton was forced to make several tough saves to keep the game in hand, and his teammates were unable to muster much in the way of a counterattack.
Hanover stayed calm as the clock wound down, and with a few minutes to play Angus Kennedy made a great run into the Hollis box, blasting a left-footed drive over the bar. Not to be outdone, Maue finished off the match inside the two-minute mark, taking advantage of his near-post position to stretch his scoring streak to six games. In seven NHIAA playoff games over two seasons, Maue has scored in six of them including two straight semifinals.
Hanover heads back to Bill Ball Stadium for a Saturday showdown with second-seeded Bow, 4-2 victors over Souhegan in the other semifinal. The Falcons will have revenge on their minds, remembering their 1-0 loss to the Marauders two years ago in the Class I Final at Stellos Stadium. They bring a 17-1-1 into this year’s final, with a 2-I loss to Oyster River as the only loss on their ledger. “This is what the finals are all about,” commented Grabill. “The two best teams in the state going at it with everything on the line. We’re anticipating our biggest challenge of the season, which means that there is a good chance we’ll have the opportunity to play our best soccer of the year. That’s what we have been working hard and hoping for. We can’t wait.”
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Directions to Semifinal Game at Exeter High School on Tuesday, Oct 30
Directions to Exeter High School - From Hanover High School(See First Map Above)
Go South on Lebanon St, continue through light at COOP Food Store
Lebanon Street becomes Rt 120
Continue on Rt 120 South to I-89Turn left to merge onto I-89 S
Continue to follow I-89 S
Take the exit onto I-93 S toward Manchester/Boston
Go through Toll Booth
Stay to the right and follow signs to Boston/ I-93S
(See Second Map Above)
Merge left onto RT-101 E toward Seacoast/Portsmouth
(See Third Map Above)
Take exit 8
Turn left at end of ramp onto N Rd
Turn right onto Epping Rd/Rt 27
Proceed approx 1.2 miles to school on left
Varsity vs Merrimack Valley, Oct 26, Quarterfinals
Hanover Ends Home Season With Big NHIAA Win
The Hanover boys played their last home game of the season Friday and left Merriman-Branch Field in spectacular fashion, pouring eight goals past a good Merrimack Valley team in an NHIAA quarterfinal match that sends the Marauders to Exeter for a Final Four appointment with Hollis-Brookline on Tuesday.
Senior co-Captain Casey Maue scored four goals to pace the torrid Hanover attack, netting a hat trick at the death of the first half that put Merrimack Valley away for good. Maue’s fourth strike early in the second half tied him for the team lead with 12, and extended his scoring streak to five games. The Wildebeest has scored in six of his last seven NHIAA playoff games over the last two seasons, including the game winner in last year’s semifinal.
The win improved Hanover’s record to 16-0-2 and extended the Marauder unbeaten streak to 25 games over the past two seasons. The shutout was their fifteenth of the season, setting an alltime team record. Hanover’s goal-scoring total increased to 75, also setting an all-time school record for goals in a season. “These milestones are all well and good,” cautioned Coach Rob Grabill, “but they will mean a lot more if they come in the process of achieving the only objective which means much to us. There is a still a long road ahead of us before we can begin celebrating.”
It didn’t take the Marauders long to start the scoring against Merrimack Valley, which entered the game with a record of 11-4-2 and showed both athleticism and organization. The quality of the opposition helped Hanover raise its game, and they took a lead before the game was 10 minutes old. Angus Kennedy sent penetrating pass into the box for Ben Rimmer, whose shot was smothered by MV goalie Tyler Fenton. Maue pounced on the rebound and drive it into the net, and the rout was on. Nine minutes later Maue doubled the lead, knocking home an archetypal centering pass from the left flank by Eric Barthold. The score jumped to 3-0 at the thirty-minute mark when Cal Felicetti headed a Rimmer corner kick into the back of the net, triggering one of the better goal-scoring celebrations of the season. Twenty-even seconds before the end of the half Maue converted the rebound of an Eric Jayne shot for a 4-0 lead which seemed truly insurmountable.
Cautioned at halftime not to start celebrating, the Marauders did a good job managing the game, and ten minutes into the second half the Barthold-Maue collaboration connected for the fourth time in four maches and the lead was 5-0. Clearing the bench shortly thereafter hardly meant that the level of play decreased. Two minutes after Maue’s fourth goal the Marauders scored one of the best goal of the night when Barthold’s corner kick found Matt Wetherell at the far post. The senior center back, who would later hit one of his 35-yard rippers just wide, headed the ball back into the middle where it was volleyed home by fellow Lymie Henry Caldwell, the sixth goal of the game and the sixth of the season for Henri. Four minutes later, Angus Kennedy hit a long lead pass to put Kevin Dade in alone, and the junior defender-turned-striker executed a classy chip (in the exact spot where he had rehearsed the same move twice two days earlier) over the luckless Fenton.
Things quieted down after the three goals seven minutes, but the Marauders kept their clamps on the game, thanks to the solid midfield play of Paul Burchard, Erik Barth and Dylan Riessen, and the good work at right back from tap dance artiste Oliver Horton, who had only occasionally played position, but never missed a tackle. The rest of Hanover’s back four departed, ably replaced by Gunnar Shaw, Dan Remillard and Nate Hanna. Sam Gest, resplendent in good-luck yellow, picked up the save in relief of Ben Harwick in the Hanover goal. All that remained was a final goal by Eric Jayne, the Guru of Garbage, who fearlessly connected with a lovely cross from Dylan Riessen for his ninth goal of the season less than two minutes from time.
Hanover’s season switches to Bill Ball Field at Exeter High School and the NHIAA Final Four. It will be the Marauders’ fifth consecutive visit to the Class I semifinals, although it will be their first-ever postseason meeting with Hollis-Brookline. Hanover beat the Cavaliers 2-0 month ago, but this game is an entirely different proposition. H-B ace Owen Hawkins was on the bench the last time around, and his team could hardly be considered an upset winner over Oyster River in their 2-1 semifinal tilt. Several of the Cavalier losses this season occurred when the team was at less than full strength, and they will be a handful. The other semifinal pits second-seeded Bow and Souhegan, the best #11 seed in the history of the tournament, touted in this space only a week ago as a team to be feared. Lebanon and now St. Thomas know this only too well.
This is the first year that the Class I tournament will be played at Exeter, but the Marauders will feel right at home, having started each of the last two seasons with a scrimmage against the Blue Hawks, a certified Class L powerhouse. Having played the hosts over 160 minutes without conceding a goal, Hanover should not have too much trouble with the venue, no matter who they face. As far as playing a night game on field turf? Well, that should work out pretty well, too.
That said, the Marauders will be challenged as they haven’t been all season. That’s why Tuesday’s game could be one of the most attractive and well-played. “We’ve worked all season to play in a game like this, and we’re excited to have the opportunity, commented Grabill. “We are ready to work hard and honor the game, and if we are patient and fearless we hope to help create a memorable game for both teams and everyone watching. That’s why we have invested all of our time and energy. Thus far, it’s been a wonderful journey.”
The Hanover boys played their last home game of the season Friday and left Merriman-Branch Field in spectacular fashion, pouring eight goals past a good Merrimack Valley team in an NHIAA quarterfinal match that sends the Marauders to Exeter for a Final Four appointment with Hollis-Brookline on Tuesday.
Senior co-Captain Casey Maue scored four goals to pace the torrid Hanover attack, netting a hat trick at the death of the first half that put Merrimack Valley away for good. Maue’s fourth strike early in the second half tied him for the team lead with 12, and extended his scoring streak to five games. The Wildebeest has scored in six of his last seven NHIAA playoff games over the last two seasons, including the game winner in last year’s semifinal.
The win improved Hanover’s record to 16-0-2 and extended the Marauder unbeaten streak to 25 games over the past two seasons. The shutout was their fifteenth of the season, setting an alltime team record. Hanover’s goal-scoring total increased to 75, also setting an all-time school record for goals in a season. “These milestones are all well and good,” cautioned Coach Rob Grabill, “but they will mean a lot more if they come in the process of achieving the only objective which means much to us. There is a still a long road ahead of us before we can begin celebrating.”
It didn’t take the Marauders long to start the scoring against Merrimack Valley, which entered the game with a record of 11-4-2 and showed both athleticism and organization. The quality of the opposition helped Hanover raise its game, and they took a lead before the game was 10 minutes old. Angus Kennedy sent penetrating pass into the box for Ben Rimmer, whose shot was smothered by MV goalie Tyler Fenton. Maue pounced on the rebound and drive it into the net, and the rout was on. Nine minutes later Maue doubled the lead, knocking home an archetypal centering pass from the left flank by Eric Barthold. The score jumped to 3-0 at the thirty-minute mark when Cal Felicetti headed a Rimmer corner kick into the back of the net, triggering one of the better goal-scoring celebrations of the season. Twenty-even seconds before the end of the half Maue converted the rebound of an Eric Jayne shot for a 4-0 lead which seemed truly insurmountable.
Cautioned at halftime not to start celebrating, the Marauders did a good job managing the game, and ten minutes into the second half the Barthold-Maue collaboration connected for the fourth time in four maches and the lead was 5-0. Clearing the bench shortly thereafter hardly meant that the level of play decreased. Two minutes after Maue’s fourth goal the Marauders scored one of the best goal of the night when Barthold’s corner kick found Matt Wetherell at the far post. The senior center back, who would later hit one of his 35-yard rippers just wide, headed the ball back into the middle where it was volleyed home by fellow Lymie Henry Caldwell, the sixth goal of the game and the sixth of the season for Henri. Four minutes later, Angus Kennedy hit a long lead pass to put Kevin Dade in alone, and the junior defender-turned-striker executed a classy chip (in the exact spot where he had rehearsed the same move twice two days earlier) over the luckless Fenton.
Things quieted down after the three goals seven minutes, but the Marauders kept their clamps on the game, thanks to the solid midfield play of Paul Burchard, Erik Barth and Dylan Riessen, and the good work at right back from tap dance artiste Oliver Horton, who had only occasionally played position, but never missed a tackle. The rest of Hanover’s back four departed, ably replaced by Gunnar Shaw, Dan Remillard and Nate Hanna. Sam Gest, resplendent in good-luck yellow, picked up the save in relief of Ben Harwick in the Hanover goal. All that remained was a final goal by Eric Jayne, the Guru of Garbage, who fearlessly connected with a lovely cross from Dylan Riessen for his ninth goal of the season less than two minutes from time.
Hanover’s season switches to Bill Ball Field at Exeter High School and the NHIAA Final Four. It will be the Marauders’ fifth consecutive visit to the Class I semifinals, although it will be their first-ever postseason meeting with Hollis-Brookline. Hanover beat the Cavaliers 2-0 month ago, but this game is an entirely different proposition. H-B ace Owen Hawkins was on the bench the last time around, and his team could hardly be considered an upset winner over Oyster River in their 2-1 semifinal tilt. Several of the Cavalier losses this season occurred when the team was at less than full strength, and they will be a handful. The other semifinal pits second-seeded Bow and Souhegan, the best #11 seed in the history of the tournament, touted in this space only a week ago as a team to be feared. Lebanon and now St. Thomas know this only too well.
This is the first year that the Class I tournament will be played at Exeter, but the Marauders will feel right at home, having started each of the last two seasons with a scrimmage against the Blue Hawks, a certified Class L powerhouse. Having played the hosts over 160 minutes without conceding a goal, Hanover should not have too much trouble with the venue, no matter who they face. As far as playing a night game on field turf? Well, that should work out pretty well, too.
That said, the Marauders will be challenged as they haven’t been all season. That’s why Tuesday’s game could be one of the most attractive and well-played. “We’ve worked all season to play in a game like this, and we’re excited to have the opportunity, commented Grabill. “We are ready to work hard and honor the game, and if we are patient and fearless we hope to help create a memorable game for both teams and everyone watching. That’s why we have invested all of our time and energy. Thus far, it’s been a wonderful journey.”
Friday, October 26, 2007
Boy's & Girls Varsity Dinner
The Boy's and Girl's Varsity are having a joint team dinner at Pierce's Inn in Etna on Monday, October 29 at 6:00 pm. (time to be confirmed - please check back)
Players should dress appropriately and bring $20.
Players only.
Directions (From Hanover Green)
From Wheelock Street, turn left on College Street
Continue through traffic light onto Rte 10 North (Lyme Road)
Go 3.4 miles and turn right at Pineo Hill Rd
Bear left at Dogford Rd
Turn right to stay on Dogford Rd
Pierce's Inn is at 261 Dogford Road
(603) 643-2997
Haven Food Drive a Success
Dear players, coaches, friends, and fans of Hanover soccer-
Thanks to all who helped make the Food Drive for The Haven at the Hanover –Lebanon girls and boys soccer games on October 16th such a success. In addition to his comments in the Spectator article this week about the Hanover –Lebanon games, Tom Ketteridge of The Haven sent us the thank you note below. It gives you an idea of the generosity displayed by all of those associated with this effort, and just how many people can be helped by a collective effort like this. As they say out on the "pitch", "well done..."
October 23, 2007
"Thanks so much for... collecting food for The Haven during the Lebanon –Hanover soccer doubleheader. Nearly 300 pounds of food was collected for our food shelf, which provides a weeks' worth of groceries to an average of 16 families each day.
Regards,
Tom Ketteridge"
Thanks to all who helped make the Food Drive for The Haven at the Hanover –Lebanon girls and boys soccer games on October 16th such a success. In addition to his comments in the Spectator article this week about the Hanover –Lebanon games, Tom Ketteridge of The Haven sent us the thank you note below. It gives you an idea of the generosity displayed by all of those associated with this effort, and just how many people can be helped by a collective effort like this. As they say out on the "pitch", "well done..."
October 23, 2007
"Thanks so much for... collecting food for The Haven during the Lebanon –Hanover soccer doubleheader. Nearly 300 pounds of food was collected for our food shelf, which provides a weeks' worth of groceries to an average of 16 families each day.
Regards,
Tom Ketteridge"
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Varsity vs Coe Brown, Oct 23, 1st Round of Playoffs
Hanover Celebrates Senior Night With NHIAA Win
The Hanover boys opened their NHIA Class I Tournament campaign with a systematic 2-0 victory over a hard-working Coe-brown team. The match was preceded with a brief ceremony to honor the 12 seniors on the squad, and all 12 celebrated in their own fashion during the game, as every one got on the pitch and contributed to the win.
The Marauders quickly established a territorial edge and came close to scoring almost immediately, as Casey Maue took a nice pass from Angus Kennedy in close quarters and clanged a shot off the right post. Maue was a threat in the box all evening, and Kennedy was equally dangerous from outside the 18. Coe-Brown goalkeeper Skylar Speed was equal to the task, making several nice saves to keep the match scoreless. Hanover broke through in the 28th minute, with Eric Barthold working his magic on the left flank, blasting a shot that Speed saved but was unable to hold. Maue blasted home the rebound for his ninth goal of the season, with Barthold collecting his team-leading ninth helper.
Hanover’s one-goal lead was not that slim, given the solid play of the Marauder back four, who limited Coe-Brown to one long-distance bid on Ben Harwick. Matt Wetherell and Cal Felicetti were imposing in the air, and Angus Kennedy kept up his relentless ball-winning at midfield.
Hanover resumed the attack after the break, and doubled the lead after eleven minutes with one of the nicest scores of the season. The Marauders were awarded a free kick outside of the Coe-Brown penalty area, and Angus Kennedy bent a shot around the wall and inside the near post for 2-0 lead. It was Kennedy’s ninth goal of the season and eighth in the last seven games. Paired with Maue, who has a four-game scoring streak, and it appears that Hanover’s captains are stepping up at just the right time.
The best way to hold a 2-0 lead is to keep attacking, and the Marauders followed that pattern, taking advantage of several goal-hungry seniors. Erik Barth played well in both halves at center midfield, and had several good looks at the goal. Dylan Riessen enhanced his status at the most snake-bitten sniper on the team, blasting a close range bullet that was somehow blocked on the goal line. Oliver Horton showed his ability to fill Kennedy’s shoes at midfield, and Paul Burchard shook off a sore back to help close out the match.
Harwick made another solo save in the half to notch his eleventh shutout of the season. It was the team’s fourteenth overall whitewash, putting them withing sniffing distance of the state record of 17, held by Gilford.
Hanover’s unbeaten streak is now 24 games long, the second-longest in school history (46 games in 1992-1994) and tying Nashua High School for fifth longest in state history.
Informed of these team milestones, Coach Grabill issued an uncharacteristically curt response. “This is not a good time to talk about records,” he snapped. “Our focus right now is winning our next game, and that’s it. We’re not interested in this other stuff right now.” He softened a bit, praising the Marauders for their ability
To overcome distractions and maintain a consistent approach. “I’m very happy with the way we have practiced, and this has showed in recent games when we have had to play in poor weather.”
Next up for Hanover is eight-seeded Merrimack Valley, which opened the Class I tournament with a 3-2 victory over Portsmouth. Among Merrimack Valley’s 10 regular season wins was 3-2 win over dangerous fifth seed Hollis-Brookline. They also pushed second-seeded Bow before dropping a 1-0 decision. Kickoff for Fridays game is slated for 6:00 p.m.
The Hanover boys opened their NHIA Class I Tournament campaign with a systematic 2-0 victory over a hard-working Coe-brown team. The match was preceded with a brief ceremony to honor the 12 seniors on the squad, and all 12 celebrated in their own fashion during the game, as every one got on the pitch and contributed to the win.
The Marauders quickly established a territorial edge and came close to scoring almost immediately, as Casey Maue took a nice pass from Angus Kennedy in close quarters and clanged a shot off the right post. Maue was a threat in the box all evening, and Kennedy was equally dangerous from outside the 18. Coe-Brown goalkeeper Skylar Speed was equal to the task, making several nice saves to keep the match scoreless. Hanover broke through in the 28th minute, with Eric Barthold working his magic on the left flank, blasting a shot that Speed saved but was unable to hold. Maue blasted home the rebound for his ninth goal of the season, with Barthold collecting his team-leading ninth helper.
Hanover’s one-goal lead was not that slim, given the solid play of the Marauder back four, who limited Coe-Brown to one long-distance bid on Ben Harwick. Matt Wetherell and Cal Felicetti were imposing in the air, and Angus Kennedy kept up his relentless ball-winning at midfield.
Hanover resumed the attack after the break, and doubled the lead after eleven minutes with one of the nicest scores of the season. The Marauders were awarded a free kick outside of the Coe-Brown penalty area, and Angus Kennedy bent a shot around the wall and inside the near post for 2-0 lead. It was Kennedy’s ninth goal of the season and eighth in the last seven games. Paired with Maue, who has a four-game scoring streak, and it appears that Hanover’s captains are stepping up at just the right time.
The best way to hold a 2-0 lead is to keep attacking, and the Marauders followed that pattern, taking advantage of several goal-hungry seniors. Erik Barth played well in both halves at center midfield, and had several good looks at the goal. Dylan Riessen enhanced his status at the most snake-bitten sniper on the team, blasting a close range bullet that was somehow blocked on the goal line. Oliver Horton showed his ability to fill Kennedy’s shoes at midfield, and Paul Burchard shook off a sore back to help close out the match.
Harwick made another solo save in the half to notch his eleventh shutout of the season. It was the team’s fourteenth overall whitewash, putting them withing sniffing distance of the state record of 17, held by Gilford.
Hanover’s unbeaten streak is now 24 games long, the second-longest in school history (46 games in 1992-1994) and tying Nashua High School for fifth longest in state history.
Informed of these team milestones, Coach Grabill issued an uncharacteristically curt response. “This is not a good time to talk about records,” he snapped. “Our focus right now is winning our next game, and that’s it. We’re not interested in this other stuff right now.” He softened a bit, praising the Marauders for their ability
To overcome distractions and maintain a consistent approach. “I’m very happy with the way we have practiced, and this has showed in recent games when we have had to play in poor weather.”
Next up for Hanover is eight-seeded Merrimack Valley, which opened the Class I tournament with a 3-2 victory over Portsmouth. Among Merrimack Valley’s 10 regular season wins was 3-2 win over dangerous fifth seed Hollis-Brookline. They also pushed second-seeded Bow before dropping a 1-0 decision. Kickoff for Fridays game is slated for 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
NH vs Vermont Soccer Game, October 24
The Reserve/ Freshman NH vs. Vermont scrimmage is scheduled for tomorrow at 3:00 on the grass field. Because of the potenial for rain, there will be a final decision on whether to go ahead (based on weather) by 10:00 a.m. Wednesday.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Varsity vs Monadnock, October 19
Hanover Ends Regular Season Undefeated
The Hanover boys finished their unbeaten regular season in style on Friday, blanking Monadnock 5-0 to conclude the campaign with a 14-0-2 mark. It was the first time since 1993 that the Marauders have been undefeated, but larger challenges loom with the start of the NHIAA Class I playoffs next Tuesday.
Although it took the Marauders a while to score their first goal on a Monadnock team fighting for a playoff spot, they remained patient and were rewarded with ten minutes remaining in the first half when Casey Maue finished a sweet cross from Yosef Osheyack for his seventh goal of the season. Monadnock goalie Kyle Wright was doing a fabulous job in goal for the Huskies, and made the save of the day shortly afterwards, denying Lou Gemunden on a penalty kick with a dazzling dive to his left. Hanover grabed another goal at the death of the half when Angus Kennedy jumped on a loose ball after a Ben Rimmer corner kick and put a bulge in the onion bag for a 2-0 lead.
Despite the steady rain, Hanover remained composed and efficient in the second half, quickly doubling the lead before all eleven starters entered the game for the final 30 minutes. Osheyack scored his team-leading 12th goal of the season, tapping in a cross from Angus Kennedy after Casey Maue’s convincing dummy let the ball run through to him. Kennedy notched his second of the game and eighth of the season a few minutes later, converting pass from Eric Barthold, who took over the team lead in assists with his eighth helper of the year.
Even with a new face at every position, Hanover maintained territorial dominance. Coach Grabill has maintained all year that the Marauder reserves are perhaps one of the better teams in Class I, and this exhibition underscored that point. Erik Barth and Oliver Horton did a masterful job at distributing the ball at midfield, and wing midfielders Paul Burchard and Dylan Riessen were consistently dangerous. Backup goalkeeper Sam Gest wasn’t called on to make any saves to close out Hanover’s 13th shutout of the season, but he handled the ball well on several occasions, and made a great play on a dangerous through ball with split-second decision making.
Erik Barth closed the scoring for Hanover, banging home his second score of the season. Kevin Dade came close thereafter, generating three shots in a goalmouth flurry. All too soon the clock wound down, and the soggy Marauders briefly celebrated a feat which deserved more than that perfunctory apotheosis. Hanover teams have a long tradition of excellence, but it’s been more than a decade that a Marauder team has completed an undefeated season. The scoring statistics tell a story of dominance: Hanover has scored 67 goals and allowed only four, and it will take some archival research to figure out the school record for goals against. Many of the Hanover wins have been one-sided whitewashes against weak teams, but there have also been some classic nailbiters that have toughened this team for the second season which now beckons.
The first round of the NHIAA Class I tournament starts Tuesday, and top-seeded Hanover will probably host Coe-Brown. Game time has yet to be determined. No matter when the teams kick off, the game will be preceded by a short ceremony to honor the eleven graduating seniors and their parents. There is already much to celebrate, but this edition of Hanover soccer would love to add a few more chapters before they close the books.
The Hanover boys finished their unbeaten regular season in style on Friday, blanking Monadnock 5-0 to conclude the campaign with a 14-0-2 mark. It was the first time since 1993 that the Marauders have been undefeated, but larger challenges loom with the start of the NHIAA Class I playoffs next Tuesday.
Although it took the Marauders a while to score their first goal on a Monadnock team fighting for a playoff spot, they remained patient and were rewarded with ten minutes remaining in the first half when Casey Maue finished a sweet cross from Yosef Osheyack for his seventh goal of the season. Monadnock goalie Kyle Wright was doing a fabulous job in goal for the Huskies, and made the save of the day shortly afterwards, denying Lou Gemunden on a penalty kick with a dazzling dive to his left. Hanover grabed another goal at the death of the half when Angus Kennedy jumped on a loose ball after a Ben Rimmer corner kick and put a bulge in the onion bag for a 2-0 lead.
Despite the steady rain, Hanover remained composed and efficient in the second half, quickly doubling the lead before all eleven starters entered the game for the final 30 minutes. Osheyack scored his team-leading 12th goal of the season, tapping in a cross from Angus Kennedy after Casey Maue’s convincing dummy let the ball run through to him. Kennedy notched his second of the game and eighth of the season a few minutes later, converting pass from Eric Barthold, who took over the team lead in assists with his eighth helper of the year.
Even with a new face at every position, Hanover maintained territorial dominance. Coach Grabill has maintained all year that the Marauder reserves are perhaps one of the better teams in Class I, and this exhibition underscored that point. Erik Barth and Oliver Horton did a masterful job at distributing the ball at midfield, and wing midfielders Paul Burchard and Dylan Riessen were consistently dangerous. Backup goalkeeper Sam Gest wasn’t called on to make any saves to close out Hanover’s 13th shutout of the season, but he handled the ball well on several occasions, and made a great play on a dangerous through ball with split-second decision making.
Erik Barth closed the scoring for Hanover, banging home his second score of the season. Kevin Dade came close thereafter, generating three shots in a goalmouth flurry. All too soon the clock wound down, and the soggy Marauders briefly celebrated a feat which deserved more than that perfunctory apotheosis. Hanover teams have a long tradition of excellence, but it’s been more than a decade that a Marauder team has completed an undefeated season. The scoring statistics tell a story of dominance: Hanover has scored 67 goals and allowed only four, and it will take some archival research to figure out the school record for goals against. Many of the Hanover wins have been one-sided whitewashes against weak teams, but there have also been some classic nailbiters that have toughened this team for the second season which now beckons.
The first round of the NHIAA Class I tournament starts Tuesday, and top-seeded Hanover will probably host Coe-Brown. Game time has yet to be determined. No matter when the teams kick off, the game will be preceded by a short ceremony to honor the eleven graduating seniors and their parents. There is already much to celebrate, but this edition of Hanover soccer would love to add a few more chapters before they close the books.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Varsity vs Lebanon, October 16
HANOVER AND LEBANON BATTLE TO A CLASSIC DRAW
Hanover and Lebanon added another chapter to their amazing soccer history Tuesday night, battling to a 1-1 draw that entertained a huge crowd at Merriman-Branch Field. Hanover dominated statistically and took a 1-0 lead into the last 10 minutes of the match, but Lebanon took advantage of one of their very few scoring opportunities to tie the game, and neither team could dent the net in overtime. Both head into the postseason as threats to advance to the later rounds.
Lebanon showed no fear in the early moments of the match, and while their forays into the Hanover end produced no shots, it was clear that they were determined not to sit back in their own end. As the half continued, however, Hanover turned up the heat, and produced a number of scoring chances. The Marauders actually hit the woodwork four separate times, with Casey Maue, Matt Wetherell and Angus Kennedy (twice!) connecting with the upright or crossbar. Finally, Casey Maue connected, taking a nice pass from Eric Barthold on the left flank and patiently working for a short range shot in the 34th minute.
Hanover kept the pressure up in the second half, and only some outstanding saves by Lebanon goalkeeper Andrew Kelley kept the Marauders at bay. Kelly made a dazzling dive to his right to knock a laser from Matt Wetherell out of the corner, and denied Barthold several times. Cal Felicetti had a near miss from close range, and a deflected header by Eric Jayne drifted wide. Lebanon counterattacked effectively several times, and it took some first-rate tackling by Sam Peterson and Trevor Barlowe to blunt several dangerous Raider forays. Hanover goalie Ben Harwick did a nice job blocking a hard drive by Esteban Estrada that represented the first actual shot on goal by Lebanon.
As the ten-minute mark approached, the Raiders struck suddenly. A silly foul gave Lebanon a free kick outside the Hanover penalty area, and leading scorer MacKenzie Higgens lifted a superb free kick into the box, beyond the reach of Harwick but perfectly in the path of a streaking Merhawi Wells-Bouge, who headed it into the right corner to tie the match. Neither team mounted an effective attack as time wound down in regulation, and the match headed into overtime. Amazingly, this became the fourth game between the two teams to go to overtime in the space of a calendar year.
Hanover regained the offensive initiative in overtime, outshooting the Raiders 4-0 and coming heartbreakingly close in the second 10-minute session when Barthold broke in alone on goal, only to be denied by a sprawling save by Kelly at close range. Raider Coach Rob Johnstone played his “happy to tie” card in the last minute, making a substitution to kill the clock, and the match that began on a warm autumn afternoon ended on a frosty night under the sliver of a waxing harvest moon.
There were several unique aspects to the match. Lured by both history and the sheer attractiveness of the match, the crowd was estimated at over 750, making it the largest in Branch-Merriman field’s young history, including all three Hanover home football games. The crowd came bearing food, and the successful food drive for the Upper Valley Haven will no doubt become an annual event as the Marauders continued their relentless effort to combine great soccer with good citizenship.
Speculation about playoff matchups is a dangerous endeavor. However, there are some intriguing possibilities suggested by elementary bracketology. The Marauders look likely to nail down the number one seed with win Friday at Monadnock, and if the Raiders win at Kearsarge they will end up fifth in the NHIAA standings. If both teams win their first-round fixtures, Lebanon will probably earn a road trip to Oyster River, and it’s possible that Hanover might host Souhegan for a rematch of their rousing regular season game. Say for a minute that the Marauders can hold off a determined Saber side, and Lebanon pulls off a road win at Oyster River, That would mean a semifinal matchup between two foes who would be meeting for the tenth time in three years. That would be unprecedented in NH high school soccer history, but only fitting between two rivals who have somehow redefined the meaning of that word. Caution, sports fans. That is risky speculation, and there is a long way to go. For now, as a special season draws to a close, it’s fun to speculate before the hard realities of this cruel game impose themselves. On to the playoffs!
Hanover and Lebanon added another chapter to their amazing soccer history Tuesday night, battling to a 1-1 draw that entertained a huge crowd at Merriman-Branch Field. Hanover dominated statistically and took a 1-0 lead into the last 10 minutes of the match, but Lebanon took advantage of one of their very few scoring opportunities to tie the game, and neither team could dent the net in overtime. Both head into the postseason as threats to advance to the later rounds.
Lebanon showed no fear in the early moments of the match, and while their forays into the Hanover end produced no shots, it was clear that they were determined not to sit back in their own end. As the half continued, however, Hanover turned up the heat, and produced a number of scoring chances. The Marauders actually hit the woodwork four separate times, with Casey Maue, Matt Wetherell and Angus Kennedy (twice!) connecting with the upright or crossbar. Finally, Casey Maue connected, taking a nice pass from Eric Barthold on the left flank and patiently working for a short range shot in the 34th minute.
Hanover kept the pressure up in the second half, and only some outstanding saves by Lebanon goalkeeper Andrew Kelley kept the Marauders at bay. Kelly made a dazzling dive to his right to knock a laser from Matt Wetherell out of the corner, and denied Barthold several times. Cal Felicetti had a near miss from close range, and a deflected header by Eric Jayne drifted wide. Lebanon counterattacked effectively several times, and it took some first-rate tackling by Sam Peterson and Trevor Barlowe to blunt several dangerous Raider forays. Hanover goalie Ben Harwick did a nice job blocking a hard drive by Esteban Estrada that represented the first actual shot on goal by Lebanon.
As the ten-minute mark approached, the Raiders struck suddenly. A silly foul gave Lebanon a free kick outside the Hanover penalty area, and leading scorer MacKenzie Higgens lifted a superb free kick into the box, beyond the reach of Harwick but perfectly in the path of a streaking Merhawi Wells-Bouge, who headed it into the right corner to tie the match. Neither team mounted an effective attack as time wound down in regulation, and the match headed into overtime. Amazingly, this became the fourth game between the two teams to go to overtime in the space of a calendar year.
Hanover regained the offensive initiative in overtime, outshooting the Raiders 4-0 and coming heartbreakingly close in the second 10-minute session when Barthold broke in alone on goal, only to be denied by a sprawling save by Kelly at close range. Raider Coach Rob Johnstone played his “happy to tie” card in the last minute, making a substitution to kill the clock, and the match that began on a warm autumn afternoon ended on a frosty night under the sliver of a waxing harvest moon.
There were several unique aspects to the match. Lured by both history and the sheer attractiveness of the match, the crowd was estimated at over 750, making it the largest in Branch-Merriman field’s young history, including all three Hanover home football games. The crowd came bearing food, and the successful food drive for the Upper Valley Haven will no doubt become an annual event as the Marauders continued their relentless effort to combine great soccer with good citizenship.
Speculation about playoff matchups is a dangerous endeavor. However, there are some intriguing possibilities suggested by elementary bracketology. The Marauders look likely to nail down the number one seed with win Friday at Monadnock, and if the Raiders win at Kearsarge they will end up fifth in the NHIAA standings. If both teams win their first-round fixtures, Lebanon will probably earn a road trip to Oyster River, and it’s possible that Hanover might host Souhegan for a rematch of their rousing regular season game. Say for a minute that the Marauders can hold off a determined Saber side, and Lebanon pulls off a road win at Oyster River, That would mean a semifinal matchup between two foes who would be meeting for the tenth time in three years. That would be unprecedented in NH high school soccer history, but only fitting between two rivals who have somehow redefined the meaning of that word. Caution, sports fans. That is risky speculation, and there is a long way to go. For now, as a special season draws to a close, it’s fun to speculate before the hard realities of this cruel game impose themselves. On to the playoffs!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Oct. 20, Saturday, Jr. Varsity Soccer "Tournament"
Schedule for JV Tournament at Oyster River HS, Durham
Bus leaves at 9:00 am
12:00 - 1:30 - Boy's Games
OR vs. Pembroke
St.Thomas vs. Hanover
Time TBD - Girl's Games
OR vs. Souhegan
Hanover vs. St. Thomas
2:00 - 3:30 - Boy's Games
Winners on varsity field
Losers on J.V. field
Time TBD - Girl's Games
Winners on varsity field
Losers on J.V. field
For Directions to Oyster River HS look here
Bus leaves at 9:00 am
12:00 - 1:30 - Boy's Games
OR vs. Pembroke
St.Thomas vs. Hanover
Time TBD - Girl's Games
OR vs. Souhegan
Hanover vs. St. Thomas
2:00 - 3:30 - Boy's Games
Winners on varsity field
Losers on J.V. field
Time TBD - Girl's Games
Winners on varsity field
Losers on J.V. field
For Directions to Oyster River HS look here
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Directions to Monadnock High School, Swanzey
Turn right to merge onto I-91 S
Take exit 5 toward US-5/Westminster/Walpole N.H.
Turn left at I-91 Access Rd/Westminster St Hwy
Continue to follow Westminster St Hwy
Turn right at US-5
Slight left at VT-123
Turn left to stay on VT-123
Entering New Hampshire
Turn right at Bellows Rd/RT-12
Continue to follow RT-12
Turn left at RT-10/RT-101/RT-12
Continue to follow RT-101/RT-12
Turn right at Main St/RT-12
Turn right at Old Homestead Hwy/RT-32
Monadnock Regional High School
580 Old Homestead Hwy, Swanzey, NH 03446
You can click on the maps to enlarge and then print.
To print the directions use your cursor to highlight the text. Then copy and paste it into a word processing program.
or
Put the address of Souhegan High School (listed above) into Google Maps to get directions you can print out.
Manchester Union Leader October 17, 2007
DRAWING FROM THE GAME
By ERIC EMMERLING
New Hampshire Union Leader Sports
YOSEF OSHEYACK doesn't remember much of his early childhood. At the age of 7, he was just too young to fully comprehend what transpired after his parents' death.
A survival instinct probably had something to do with the fuzzy memory. After all, he suddenly found himself being uprooted from relatives and a familiar culture and sent aboard his first-ever airplane ride to, what was for him, an unknown destination.
At the time Yosef Osheyack could recall two important revelations.
"I didn't know I was deaf until I came to America and got a hearing aid in a hospital," said Osheyack, who, with his younger brother Dan, came to Norwich, Vt., to live with an adoptive family.
And in his new home, just as in his home country, Ethiopia, they played soccer.
Without soccer, Osheyack, now a junior striker and leading scorer for two-time defending champion Hanover -- presently riding a 21-game win streak -- doesn't know how he would have ever dealt with the challenges he's overcome. And at first, even soccer posed a burden.
"I could remember playing soccer in Ethiopia, but I had no idea what the rules were or what it meant to be on a team. Here, I wanted to quit, but my (adopted) mom wouldn't let me. Now that's why I like it," said Osheyack, a two-year varsity veteran who has netted 11 goals and six assists for the 13-0-1 Marauders this season.
He felt different and yearned to be just like everyone else. The soccer pitch helped him assimilate. It was where players basically expressed themselves with a ball rather than English words he couldn't understand or hear.
Teammates became off-the-field friends, helping him fit in at the school cafeteria and hallways. They also adopted an on-the-field language of gestures, glances and hand signals. Osheyack started playing soccer year-round and became quite good.
"I can't hear here," he said pointing to his ears, "But I can hear with my eyes by reading players in their eyes and knowing what they are doing. I can read lips and also I can hear a little bit. All of this helps," said Osheyack, who is about 90 percent deaf.
He spent several summers learning sign language and lip reading at the Austine School for the Deaf at Brattleboro, Vt. He's also learned to differentiate sound while wearing his hearing aid, which -- save rainy days -- he wears while competing.
Running track and playing basketball helped him develop athletically. Coping strategies for deafness helped him fine-tune a soccer intuition that keeps him a step ahead of other players.
"He doesn't know how good he is and probably won't until he's playing college soccer," said Hanover coach Robert Grabill.
"He makes runs off the ball that are too sophisticated for his teammates and sometimes those watching. He runs east and west looking for holes. He holds back and when he runs through he's so far ahead of everyone else it looks like he's offside, but he isn't. It can be frustrating, but he just shakes his head and plays on."
He's also worked hard off the pitch to earn near honor roll grades while mastering classroom challenges presented to him in a second language he has troubles hearing. He routinely seeks tutorial assistance.
"When I came here I had no idea where I was going. I had no idea. No clue. When I got here I had to learn everything, even about America. It was tough," said Osheyack.
He arrived here during the winter, having never known cold temperatures or seen snow in Ethiopia. Since then he's had to move in with another family while learning to deal with seasonal weather, the English language and American culture. Within four years, as a fifth-grader, he started feeling comfortable.
"In Ethiopia I was like ...," he paused for a moment to collect himself. "I was all alone after my parents died." He can't recall when or how they died, only that he spent some time living with an aunt before being flown to America.
"And I've had to work at everything," he said. "That's why soccer is fun for me. When I play I never give in to being tired. All I know is working hard."
In Ethiopia, Osheyack played pickup soccer on a dirt field. The game lasted until it was time to quit. This was a far cry from what he encountered in the US playing on school and club teams, wearing spiffy uniforms, playing on manicured pitches where people take winning, losing, officiating -- even playing time -- pretty seriously.
"It's not that he doesn't take the game seriously, it's just that he is very centered," said Grabill, who offered an example of Osheyack's work ethic.
"He's very persistent chasing the ball," said the Marauder mentor. "Some kids will just quit when they lose the ball, but he comes back -- and with a vengeance. He certainly possesses an ability to finish."
Osheyack wants to remain in America, a country possessing more options, choices and opportunities than Ethiopia. "It's safer here, too. They don't fight wars here," he said.
He no longer speaks Amhark, the Ethiopian language, but occasionally corresponds with three older brothers and a sister still living there. He's hoping to organize a homecoming in 2010.
"You know why I picked that year," he asked with a smile. South Africa is the 2010 FIFA World Cup host. "With me, it's all about soccer."
By ERIC EMMERLING
New Hampshire Union Leader Sports
YOSEF OSHEYACK doesn't remember much of his early childhood. At the age of 7, he was just too young to fully comprehend what transpired after his parents' death.
A survival instinct probably had something to do with the fuzzy memory. After all, he suddenly found himself being uprooted from relatives and a familiar culture and sent aboard his first-ever airplane ride to, what was for him, an unknown destination.
At the time Yosef Osheyack could recall two important revelations.
"I didn't know I was deaf until I came to America and got a hearing aid in a hospital," said Osheyack, who, with his younger brother Dan, came to Norwich, Vt., to live with an adoptive family.
And in his new home, just as in his home country, Ethiopia, they played soccer.
Without soccer, Osheyack, now a junior striker and leading scorer for two-time defending champion Hanover -- presently riding a 21-game win streak -- doesn't know how he would have ever dealt with the challenges he's overcome. And at first, even soccer posed a burden.
"I could remember playing soccer in Ethiopia, but I had no idea what the rules were or what it meant to be on a team. Here, I wanted to quit, but my (adopted) mom wouldn't let me. Now that's why I like it," said Osheyack, a two-year varsity veteran who has netted 11 goals and six assists for the 13-0-1 Marauders this season.
He felt different and yearned to be just like everyone else. The soccer pitch helped him assimilate. It was where players basically expressed themselves with a ball rather than English words he couldn't understand or hear.
Teammates became off-the-field friends, helping him fit in at the school cafeteria and hallways. They also adopted an on-the-field language of gestures, glances and hand signals. Osheyack started playing soccer year-round and became quite good.
"I can't hear here," he said pointing to his ears, "But I can hear with my eyes by reading players in their eyes and knowing what they are doing. I can read lips and also I can hear a little bit. All of this helps," said Osheyack, who is about 90 percent deaf.
He spent several summers learning sign language and lip reading at the Austine School for the Deaf at Brattleboro, Vt. He's also learned to differentiate sound while wearing his hearing aid, which -- save rainy days -- he wears while competing.
Running track and playing basketball helped him develop athletically. Coping strategies for deafness helped him fine-tune a soccer intuition that keeps him a step ahead of other players.
"He doesn't know how good he is and probably won't until he's playing college soccer," said Hanover coach Robert Grabill.
"He makes runs off the ball that are too sophisticated for his teammates and sometimes those watching. He runs east and west looking for holes. He holds back and when he runs through he's so far ahead of everyone else it looks like he's offside, but he isn't. It can be frustrating, but he just shakes his head and plays on."
He's also worked hard off the pitch to earn near honor roll grades while mastering classroom challenges presented to him in a second language he has troubles hearing. He routinely seeks tutorial assistance.
"When I came here I had no idea where I was going. I had no idea. No clue. When I got here I had to learn everything, even about America. It was tough," said Osheyack.
He arrived here during the winter, having never known cold temperatures or seen snow in Ethiopia. Since then he's had to move in with another family while learning to deal with seasonal weather, the English language and American culture. Within four years, as a fifth-grader, he started feeling comfortable.
"In Ethiopia I was like ...," he paused for a moment to collect himself. "I was all alone after my parents died." He can't recall when or how they died, only that he spent some time living with an aunt before being flown to America.
"And I've had to work at everything," he said. "That's why soccer is fun for me. When I play I never give in to being tired. All I know is working hard."
In Ethiopia, Osheyack played pickup soccer on a dirt field. The game lasted until it was time to quit. This was a far cry from what he encountered in the US playing on school and club teams, wearing spiffy uniforms, playing on manicured pitches where people take winning, losing, officiating -- even playing time -- pretty seriously.
"It's not that he doesn't take the game seriously, it's just that he is very centered," said Grabill, who offered an example of Osheyack's work ethic.
"He's very persistent chasing the ball," said the Marauder mentor. "Some kids will just quit when they lose the ball, but he comes back -- and with a vengeance. He certainly possesses an ability to finish."
Osheyack wants to remain in America, a country possessing more options, choices and opportunities than Ethiopia. "It's safer here, too. They don't fight wars here," he said.
He no longer speaks Amhark, the Ethiopian language, but occasionally corresponds with three older brothers and a sister still living there. He's hoping to organize a homecoming in 2010.
"You know why I picked that year," he asked with a smile. South Africa is the 2010 FIFA World Cup host. "With me, it's all about soccer."
Monday, October 15, 2007
Varsity vs Souhegan, Sept 13
Hanover Wins Souhegan Staredown 2-1
The Hanover boys took another important step toward postseason with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over a strong Souhegan team on Saturday night. Goals by Casey Maue and Matt Wetherell and superb Marauder defense paved the way for Hanover’s 13th victory of the season, extending their two-year unbeaten streak to 21 games and maintaining their hold on the top of the table in Class I. The game, pitting two of New Hampshire’s perennial powers, had a playoff feel to it, and produced superb soccer on both sides of the ball.
Souhegan’s 9-5 record entering the game was deceiving. The Sabres play the toughest schedule in Class I, facing every top team, most of them twice. Although their regular season record sometimes suffers as a result, few teams will be better prepared for postseason play, and no one will want to see Souhegan in their bracket.
Hanover took their task seriously, however, and was more than ready for every challenge they faced from the Sabers. The first half was mostly a midfield affair, with each side playing strong defense. Hanover held an edge in play thanks to some excellent passing up front from strikers Casey Maue and Yosef Oshyack, and midfielders Angus Kennedy, Aussie Cyrus and Erik Barthold. Hanover’s best chances early on came from the outside, with Angus Kennedy grazing the crossbar on one free kick and blasting a second restart into the Souhegan defensive wall. The Sabres spent less time in Hanover’s end, but one foray was a dangerous one, with striker Tim Eagan breaking free for a shot that should have found paydirt. With the half winding down, Casey Maue’s hard work paid off when he won a ball in the box and worked free for a short shot that gave the Marauders a 1-0 lead with less than a minute to play in the half.
Hanover anticipated a strong push from Souhegan in the second half, but it was the Marauders who turned up the heat on their hosts, generating a number of good scoring chance in search of their second goal. Strong shots by Osheyack and Kennedy forced Souhegan goalie Jeremy Burrows to make some excellent saves. Ben Rimmer and Paul Burchard made great two-way contributions at midfield, and Kennedy was a two-way monster all night long.
Back in the Hanover end, the back four of Cal Felicetti, Matt Wetherell, Trevor Barlowe and Sam Peterson were ruling the air and doing a great job containing Souhegan’s attack, particularly speedy All-State midfielder Jonathan Harris, whose father was coached by HHS Coach Grabill 25 years ago. As the game wound down toward the ten-,minute mark, it looked as though Hanover might be content to play out the string and claim their first 1-0 win of the year. Harris had other ideas, however, breaking free on the right flank and coming in clean on the Hanover goal. Ben Harwick slid out and made a sliding save on Harris, but the ball popped free and striker Jesse Anderson was first to the ball, tying the game at 1-1.
With every reason to be frustrated, the Marauders wasted no time regaining the lead. Shortly after the kickoff, a foul gave Hanover a free kick forty yards out, and Angus Kennedy lofted a ball into the Sougehan penalty area, where a determined Matt Wetherell headed it home for his fourth goal of the season and a 2-1 lead. This one-goal advantage seemed safe, and as the clock wound down it was again Hanover pressing for more. The win was a very satisfying one, and gave the Marauders confidence that they wil be able to handle whatever the postseason hands out when the Class I tournament kicks off.
Hanover closes out the regular season this week with Tuesday’s derby with Lebanon and a road trip to Monadnock, a team fighting for a tournament berth. Then it’s time for the second season.
SAVE THE DATE, Thurs November 8
We are planning an end-of season soccer celebration for all four teams on Thursday, November 8th from 7:00 - 8:30 at the Hanover High School cafeteria. We did this last year, and it was a great way for all of the players and parents in the program to recognize the successes of the Hanover High teams. The format will include a pot-luck dessert buffet woth coffee and soft drinks. The emphasis will be on brevity, which should still allow every player to receive apropriate recognition. Please save this date, and plan to attend. Younger siblings are welcome. There will be plenty of dessert to go around, and a paucity of long-winded speeches. Further details will be announced soon.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Directions to Souhegan High School, Amherst
Turn left to merge onto I-89 S
Continue to follow I-89 S
Take the exit onto Everett Turnpike/I-93 S toward Manchester/Boston
Continue to follow Everett Turnpike
Partial toll road
Take exit 11 toward US-3
Turn right at Camp Sargent Rd
Continue on Amherst Rd
Turn left at Seaverns Bridge Rd
Turn right at Windsor Dr
Slight left at Cross Rd
Turn right at Boston Post Rd
Souhegan High School
412 Boston Post Rd, Amherst, NH 03031
You can click on the maps to enlarge and then print.
To print the directions use your cursor to highlight the text. Then copy and paste it into a word processing program.
or
Put the address of Souhegan High School (listed above) into Google Maps to get directions you can print out.
Reserves vs Coe Brown, October 9
The Reserves battled Coe-Brown to a 3-3 draw, coming from behind twice to do so. Peter Shoemaker, Andrew Flickinger and Sam Hicks scored the goals with Hicks picking up two assists as well. Forest Miller assisted on the all important game tying goal by Hicks.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Help HHS & LHS Soccer Teams support the Upper Valley Haven
On Tuesday October 16 the Hanover & Lebanon Girls and Boys soccer teams will be playing a double header at Hanover High's new turf field. Supporters of both schools are asked to bring a nonperishible food item to donate to the Upper Valley Haven.
Lebanon Girls vs Hanover Girls 4:00 pm
Lebanon Boys vs Hanover Boys 6:00 pm
What exactly is the difference between a Raider and a Marauder?
Lebanon Girls vs Hanover Girls 4:00 pm
Lebanon Boys vs Hanover Boys 6:00 pm
What exactly is the difference between a Raider and a Marauder?
Interesting Sign at St Thomas Game
Here is a sign that was posted just above the St Thomas Soccer Field. You can see the "x's" through the names of the teams that they beat this season. Thankfully Hanover did not get crossed off.
Monday, October 8, 2007
HHS Boys Soccer Participates in Crop Walk 2007
The Boys Soccer Program participated in the 2007 Crop Walk on Sunday, October 2007. A total of 33 Hanover High soccer players participated, and contributed a total of $4,023. The initial e-mail from the organizers singled out the HHS players for their effort and enthusiasm.
Varsity vs St Thomas, October 6
HANOVER TOPS ST. THOMAS IN FIRST PLACE SHOWDOWN
The Hanover High boys rallied to top St. Thomas Aquinas 3-2 in a battle between the top two teams in Class I, cementing their hold on first place and stretching their season-long unbeaten streak to 11-0-1. A spirited St. Thomas side, working on their own ten-game undefeated skein, scored twice in the first half, becoming not only the first team to score on the Marauders, but also the first to take a lead. Undaunted, Hanover quickly evened the score and took control of the match, eventually securing a game-winning goal by Eric Barthold with six minutes to play in the match.
St. Thomas entered the game with an impressive resume which included two wins over neighbors Oyster River, but Hanover struck first when Angus Kennedy settled a cross from Lou Gemunden and ripped a shot from outside the penalty area inside the left post behind Saints keeper Sean Waters. The home side was unfazed, and equalized less than a minute later when defender Matt Harnish hit a long ball out of his own end into the Hanover penalty area, where it was headed home by Ross Suleski.
St. Thomas took as 2-1 lead 25 minutes into the match when a ball played into the Hanover end was misplayed, leaving Taylor MacDonald open for a hard shot past Ben Harwick. It was Hanover’s turn to show composure, and it took them less than a minute.
St. Thomas goalie Waters boggled a ball in the box, and Eric Jayne pounced on the loose ball and buried it to tie the game. It was Jayne’s seventh goal of the campaign, but more significantly his first score not to occur in garbage time. More will follow.
Neither team mounted a significant challenge before halftime, but after the break it was clear that the Marauders had found their game. Taking more time to build the attack in midfield, Hanover assumed a huge territorial advantage, and looked likely to be the next team to score. Casey Maue played one of his best games of the season and was a constant threat in the box, heading one shot just over the bar. The Hanover backs did a superb job of blunting the St. Thomas attacks before they became established, and supporting the attack.
No team had scored more than twice on St. Thomas all season, but with six minutes to play Hanover tallied the game winner. Waters saved a shot by Maue from the right side, and the ball squirted across the face of the goal to Barthold, who slotted it home for his eighth goal of the season. St. Thomas could only muster a few half-hearted attempts to even the score before time expired, and only the final whistle prevented Yosef Osheyack from adding to the scoreline after a well-made counterattack.
“This was a valuable game for us,” commented Coach Rob Grabill. “It was nice to see how we would react to adversity, and our mature response was gratifying. St. Thomas is a quality opponent, and beating them on the road was a real boost for our confidence. We still have several very challenging games remaining, and this will all help us to keep improving as a team, and be ready for the postseason.”
Hanover travels to Fall Mountain Wednesday for a 6:00 game.
The Hanover High boys rallied to top St. Thomas Aquinas 3-2 in a battle between the top two teams in Class I, cementing their hold on first place and stretching their season-long unbeaten streak to 11-0-1. A spirited St. Thomas side, working on their own ten-game undefeated skein, scored twice in the first half, becoming not only the first team to score on the Marauders, but also the first to take a lead. Undaunted, Hanover quickly evened the score and took control of the match, eventually securing a game-winning goal by Eric Barthold with six minutes to play in the match.
St. Thomas entered the game with an impressive resume which included two wins over neighbors Oyster River, but Hanover struck first when Angus Kennedy settled a cross from Lou Gemunden and ripped a shot from outside the penalty area inside the left post behind Saints keeper Sean Waters. The home side was unfazed, and equalized less than a minute later when defender Matt Harnish hit a long ball out of his own end into the Hanover penalty area, where it was headed home by Ross Suleski.
St. Thomas took as 2-1 lead 25 minutes into the match when a ball played into the Hanover end was misplayed, leaving Taylor MacDonald open for a hard shot past Ben Harwick. It was Hanover’s turn to show composure, and it took them less than a minute.
St. Thomas goalie Waters boggled a ball in the box, and Eric Jayne pounced on the loose ball and buried it to tie the game. It was Jayne’s seventh goal of the campaign, but more significantly his first score not to occur in garbage time. More will follow.
Neither team mounted a significant challenge before halftime, but after the break it was clear that the Marauders had found their game. Taking more time to build the attack in midfield, Hanover assumed a huge territorial advantage, and looked likely to be the next team to score. Casey Maue played one of his best games of the season and was a constant threat in the box, heading one shot just over the bar. The Hanover backs did a superb job of blunting the St. Thomas attacks before they became established, and supporting the attack.
No team had scored more than twice on St. Thomas all season, but with six minutes to play Hanover tallied the game winner. Waters saved a shot by Maue from the right side, and the ball squirted across the face of the goal to Barthold, who slotted it home for his eighth goal of the season. St. Thomas could only muster a few half-hearted attempts to even the score before time expired, and only the final whistle prevented Yosef Osheyack from adding to the scoreline after a well-made counterattack.
“This was a valuable game for us,” commented Coach Rob Grabill. “It was nice to see how we would react to adversity, and our mature response was gratifying. St. Thomas is a quality opponent, and beating them on the road was a real boost for our confidence. We still have several very challenging games remaining, and this will all help us to keep improving as a team, and be ready for the postseason.”
Hanover travels to Fall Mountain Wednesday for a 6:00 game.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Reserves vs Cardigan Mtn School, Sept 5
The Reserves made it seven wins in seven tries in defeating Cardigan Mt 3-0. Sam Hicks, Pete Shoemaker and Will Kermond led a balanced scoring attack. Tri-captain Dan Perovich was a force to be reckoned with in the center of the mid-field contiributing 2 assists and Chris Stephens recorded the shutout in goal.
Reserves vs Coe Brown, Sept 2
The Reserves made their longest road trip of the season Tuesday and returned from Northwood with a 4-1 victory over Coe-Brown. The team was playing their third match in four days and Coach Alloway was not sure how they would respond, especially after playing such a tough game with KUA just 24 hours earlier.
As Alloway suspected might happen, the team came out a little flat but withstood an early push from their hosts thanks to the stellar hands of Goalkeeper Kyle Castillo and the defensive prowess of Tyung Dam, Keegan Dufty, Sawyer Connolly, Matt Caulo and Mason Vogt.
In the 35th minute, Max Woods delivered a through ball to Andrew Flickinger who deposited it into the back of the net for the only goal of the first half.
Coe-Brown came out strong in the opening of the second half and once again the defense for the Reserves rose to the occasion, denying any and all attempts on goal. The Reserves were awarded a PK in the 49th minute, which Sam Hicks drilled into the back of the net for his 11th goal of the season. Six minutes later Tariku Foster played a nice little square pass to Fickinger at the the top of the box and the Tri-Captain balsted it into the left side of the net giving the reserves a 3-0 lead.
Coe-Brown continued their pursuit for a goal and broke through in the 70th minute for their only goal of the day, but a short time later Flickinger feed Peter Shoemaker for a breakaway goal.
As Alloway suspected might happen, the team came out a little flat but withstood an early push from their hosts thanks to the stellar hands of Goalkeeper Kyle Castillo and the defensive prowess of Tyung Dam, Keegan Dufty, Sawyer Connolly, Matt Caulo and Mason Vogt.
In the 35th minute, Max Woods delivered a through ball to Andrew Flickinger who deposited it into the back of the net for the only goal of the first half.
Coe-Brown came out strong in the opening of the second half and once again the defense for the Reserves rose to the occasion, denying any and all attempts on goal. The Reserves were awarded a PK in the 49th minute, which Sam Hicks drilled into the back of the net for his 11th goal of the season. Six minutes later Tariku Foster played a nice little square pass to Fickinger at the the top of the box and the Tri-Captain balsted it into the left side of the net giving the reserves a 3-0 lead.
Coe-Brown continued their pursuit for a goal and broke through in the 70th minute for their only goal of the day, but a short time later Flickinger feed Peter Shoemaker for a breakaway goal.
JV vs St Thomas, Sept 9
Hanover JV overcame a 2-1 halftime defecit to win 4-2 at St Thomas on Saturday
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Directions to St Thomas High School, Dover
Turn left to merge onto I-89 S
Continue to follow I-89 S
Take the exit onto I-93 S toward Manchester/Boston
Partial toll road
Take exit 7 on the left to merge onto RT-101 E toward Seacoast/Portsmouth
Take the exit onto Blue Star Memorial Hwy/I-95 N
Partial toll road
Take exit 4 on the left for US-4/RT-16/Spaulding Turnpike toward N.H. Lakes/White Mts.
Keep left at the fork to continue toward RT-16 N/Spaulding Turnpike and merge onto RT-16 N/Spaulding Turnpike
Partial toll road
Take exit 6N toward Dover
Merge onto Dover Point Rd
St Thomas Aquinas High
197 Dover Point Rd, Dover, NH 03820
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
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