First Day of School is a Productive One

The first day of school went smoothly at HHS.  The day was a blur for most of the students, although some remembered the free ice cream at the end of the day.  The freshmen, dazed and confused, staggered down to the scalding turf or Merriman-Branch field, donned their new uniforms, and proceeded to play a brilliant match against the Hopkinton High Junior Varsity.  Caleb Putnam and David Wilson scored in the 2-2 draw.  Sam Pych almost scored an ESPN-worthy goal, tipped onto the bar by the goalkeeper.  Henry Kahl directed traffic at midfield, auditioning for a future gig on Lebanon Street before and after school.  Ben Parrado calmly controlled the defense from his center back spot.  Harris LaRock made a very effective debut in goal.  The Marauders took advantage of their ten subs on a sweltering day.

The Varsity took their turn next and submitted a greatly improved effort against their Hopkinton counterparts, the defending state champions in Division 3.  Hanover took a 1-0 lead in the first half on Luke Strohbehn's conversion of an Asa Berolzheimer corner kick.  The Marauder upped the lead in the second half on Berlozheimer's successful penalty kick conversion.  Hopkinton pulled a goal back on a free kick after goalkeeper Patrick Logan handled the ball at the edge of the box.  Hanover continued to dominate play for the rest of the match, however, and were never threatened.  The Marauders welcomed several players back to action after they had been sideline with injuries.  With or without them in the lineup, Hanover looked more efficient and composed on offense, and created a number of chances. 

All four HHS teams will be training tomorrow as we finally get into a regular routine.  The Varsity will be on the turf from 3:00 - 4:30.  The JV, Reserves and Freshmen will be at the Pasture in Norwich. The practice busses will leave at 3:40, and practice will go from 4:00 - 5:30.  The bus back to HHS will leave at 5:45.  Parents may pick up their players in Norwich.  Players may drive to and from practice and ride with other players once they have completed their transportation questionnaires.  These will be distributed at practice in Norwich tomorrow.

The Freshmen and Reserves will practice in Norwich on Friday, and the JV and Varsity will host home games on Friday at 4:00 against Bishop Guertin on the turf and on the HHS grass fields, respectively.  All teams will have Saturday and Sunday off.  The Varsity only will practice on Labor Day.