The Marauders closed their season in appropriately celebratory fashion on Friday, honoring a number of players at their final banquet. Those honored were eminently deserving, and all present also acknowledged that the highest accolades belonged to the team overall. The Marauders started the season with many question marks and ended it playing the best soccer in the state. They received just praise from neutral observers for both the quality and style of their play. They became the third Marauder team in three years to reach the Division One Semifinals, and their 13-5-1 record included a number of signature wins. More importantly, the team earned a reputation for sportsmanlike plan and community service, and grew into a cohesive unit. The sense of family was palpable at the banquet.
Master of Ceremonies Kris Strohbehn thanked a number of people, praising the parents for their continuing support, and singling out a number for their help with the Snack Shack, scoreboard, program book, filming, snacks and team dinners. He also thanked Trainer Jeni Frechette and Snack Shack Superhero Jin Kim. Team Captains Andrew Kazal presented gifts to Coaches Toby Niles, Dave Barlow, Ben Snyder and Rob Grabill.
Coach Grabill priased the work of Kazal and Strohbehn as Captains, and also Captains Parents Lou and Rebecca Kazal and Judi and Kris Strohbehn, and particularly Kris for his work on behalf of the Friends of Hanover Soccer. He cited the excellent work of Coaches Ben Snyder, Mike Callanan, Rob Edson, Willie Johnson, Toby Niles, Dave Barlow and Erik McEwen. Coach Grabill said a few words on behalf of each player, including injured varsity players Sam Strohbehn, Reilly Decker and Jules Evens, and honored Manager Jacob Ahrendt. He thanked Ann Greenwald and Claudio Pikelny for filming games and Rick and Max Greenwald for their tireless efforts editing the final highlight tape, which can be seen on several Facebook pages near you.
The following players were honored at the banquet, and also had previously given honors announced:
Goals of the Year: Asa Berolzheimer, Ian Caldwell, Noah Kahan, Sam Strohbehn
Rookies of the Year: Jake Acker, Seth Stadheim
Most Improved: Max Greenwald
Defenders of the Year: Konrad Mitchell, Luke Strohbehn
Unsung Hero: Max Greenwald
Coaches Award: Josh Wallace
Most Valuable Player: Asa Berolzheimer
Sportsmanship Award: Luke Strohbehn
NH Soccer Coaches Association Awards
All State First Team
Asa Berolzheimer
Luke Strohbehn
Division One Senior All-Star Game
Andrew Kazal
Luke Strohbehn
Lions Twin State Cup All-Star Team
Luke Strohbehn
NHIAA Life of an Athlete Player of the Month
Luke Strohbehn
At the close of the Banquet, Coach Grabill announced the four Captains for the 2015 season:
Asa Berolzheimer, Ian Caldwell, Jamie Dinulos and Jonah Levine
Finally and appropriately, Noah Kahan and Max Greenwald sang their now-thematic duet "Send Me On My Way".
There will be one more game on the Varsity schedule next week, as the Marauders will host the Alumni at 11:30 on Saturday, November 29 at Merriman-Branch Field.
'
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Marauder Teams Celebrate The Season
The four Marauder teams, their coaches parents and friends crammed in the HHS Gym on Thursday for a happy, energetic celebration of the 2014 season. Fueled by a bountiful dessert buffet, the united HHS Soccer Family cheered each player, and also applauded a number of award recipients:
Freshmen
Captains: Ben Parrado, Sam Pych, David Wilson
John Kelly Award: Sam Pych
Sportsmanship: Lincoln Adam, Graham Penfield
Reserves
Most Improved: Dimitri Somoff
Top Scorer: Benny Grantrish
Most Valuable Player: Gabe Loud
Sportsmanship: Arturo Johnson
Junior Varsity
Rookie of the Year: Sam Ives
Most Improved: Dan Healy
Best Offensive Players: Robbie Murdza, Luke Messersmith
Best Defensive Players: Jack Pattison, Lucas Adams-Blackmore
Coach's Award: Roger Danilek
Sportsmanship: Addison Wanner
The players enjoyed the world premiere of the HHS Highlight 2015 teaser trailer edited by Max Greenwald. The longer version will debut next week, but the shorter version is pretty enjoyable. Here's the link:
Freshmen
Captains: Ben Parrado, Sam Pych, David Wilson
John Kelly Award: Sam Pych
Sportsmanship: Lincoln Adam, Graham Penfield
Reserves
Most Improved: Dimitri Somoff
Top Scorer: Benny Grantrish
Most Valuable Player: Gabe Loud
Sportsmanship: Arturo Johnson
Junior Varsity
Rookie of the Year: Sam Ives
Most Improved: Dan Healy
Best Offensive Players: Robbie Murdza, Luke Messersmith
Best Defensive Players: Jack Pattison, Lucas Adams-Blackmore
Coach's Award: Roger Danilek
Sportsmanship: Addison Wanner
The players enjoyed the world premiere of the HHS Highlight 2015 teaser trailer edited by Max Greenwald. The longer version will debut next week, but the shorter version is pretty enjoyable. Here's the link:
Finally, the players and parents gathered in the Greg Henberger Auditorium for the annual Music Recital, which was particularly entertaining. The Soarthroats kicked off the evening, followed by Jules Evens on piano, a duet from Luke Strohnbehn on 'cello and Maz Greenwald singing, the Strohbehn brothers on 'cello and piano, the sax quartet of Andrew Kazal, Jacob Ahrendt, Avery Kravitz and Brendon Amos, a solo number by singer-songwriter Noah Kahan, and finally a duet by Kahan and Greenwald, sending everyone on their way. It was spectacular! So was the season!
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
NH vs. Vermont Game Celebrates the Season
Two days before the four HHS boys teams gather to celebrate the season, 30 players representing those teams gathered on the sunny Merriman-Branch turf and celebrated in their own perfectly-appropriate way, playing a competitive and spirited NH-VT game. This is the 12th year of this contest, originated by former Head Coach Chris Cheney, and it continued the tradition of seeing unexpected players rise to stardom.
New Hampshire eventually won the contest 5-2, but for the majority of the game it was a tight 1-0 defensive chess match, characterized by excellent defensive play and sparkling goalkeeping, particularly by Reserve netminder Arturo Johnson. New Hampshire grabbed an early lead when Freshman team phenom Ben Parrado won the ball at midfield and fed the ball to Griffin Johnson on the right flank. Griffin hit a nice centering pass and Roger Danilek rose to meet it and hit it unerringly into the Vermont goal. Unfortunately, Roger was playing defense for Vermont, and the own goal gave the Granite State a 1-0 lead.
Each side saw a potential scoring play come to naught. Vermont striker Jamie Dinulos went down in the box and the please for a penalty fell on deaf ears. Shortly afterwards, NH striker Seth Stadheim put the ball in the net but the goal was called back for offisdes. The margin for NH remained one when Arturo Johnson made a nice save on a Stadheim bid.
Things heated up in the second half after a few position changes on both sides. New Hampshire replaced Connor Edson in goal with Owen Brooks, allowing NH to use Edson as a central defender, where he paired effectively with Parrado. New Hampshire fielded a midfield of Konrad Mitchell and Noah Kahan, and this trio helped their side dominate. Johnson made a pair of great diving saves on Mitchell, and on the other end Addison Wanner made a great defensive play on Dinulos, who was a constant threat, just missing a great shot past the left post.
New Hampshire saw several chances just miss. Stadheim hit the post, and then the duo of Robbie Murdza and Sam Ives created two glittering chances, but could not seal the deal. Ives picked Luke Strohbehn's pocket, but his subsequent shot was saved by Arturo, who was feelin' it in goal.
Hope blossomed for Vermont when defender Lucas Adams-Blackmore figured out Daylight Savings Time and jumped into the action. New Hampshire would not be denied, however, and Noah Kahan's outstanding play resulted in a 2-0 lead when he broke in alone, had his shot saved by Johnson, and Stadheim potted the rebound. Following a New Hampshire corner kick that almost saw Edson HEd in the cross from his fellow goalie Mitchell, Kahan drove home a loose ball and the New Hampshire led jumped to 3-0. Vermont talisman Asa Berolzheimer helped pull a goal back with a nice assist on Jake Acker's goal.
Trailing 3-1, Vermont increased the pressure. Avery Kravitz hit a hard shot over the ball, and Will Smith hit the side of the upright following a free kick. Ian Caldwell, a stabilizing force all game at midfield, moved to center back and helped slam the door, along with Ben Sobel, who sat in as a sweeper in front of the back four. Acker missed a second goal when he couldn't convert a cross from Tim Alibiozek.
Back in the Vermont end, Johnson made a nice save on a shot by Luke Messersmith, promoted to midfield after a solid first half on defense. The ball found its way out to NH defender Adam Pikelny, and Mr. GoPro made no mistake, blasting a long shot high into the net. Vermont kept pressing, and got a second goal by Avery Kravitz, but NH had the final word when Kahan collected his second score of the afternoon, going bar down before rushing home to launder his uniforms, all the better to turn them in on Wednesday.
Arturo Johnson was the very deserving winner of the Most Valuable Player Award. The dazzling Simon Pearce trophy will be presented to NH Captain Kahan at the Soccer Celebration on Thursday. See you there!
New Hampshire eventually won the contest 5-2, but for the majority of the game it was a tight 1-0 defensive chess match, characterized by excellent defensive play and sparkling goalkeeping, particularly by Reserve netminder Arturo Johnson. New Hampshire grabbed an early lead when Freshman team phenom Ben Parrado won the ball at midfield and fed the ball to Griffin Johnson on the right flank. Griffin hit a nice centering pass and Roger Danilek rose to meet it and hit it unerringly into the Vermont goal. Unfortunately, Roger was playing defense for Vermont, and the own goal gave the Granite State a 1-0 lead.
Each side saw a potential scoring play come to naught. Vermont striker Jamie Dinulos went down in the box and the please for a penalty fell on deaf ears. Shortly afterwards, NH striker Seth Stadheim put the ball in the net but the goal was called back for offisdes. The margin for NH remained one when Arturo Johnson made a nice save on a Stadheim bid.
Things heated up in the second half after a few position changes on both sides. New Hampshire replaced Connor Edson in goal with Owen Brooks, allowing NH to use Edson as a central defender, where he paired effectively with Parrado. New Hampshire fielded a midfield of Konrad Mitchell and Noah Kahan, and this trio helped their side dominate. Johnson made a pair of great diving saves on Mitchell, and on the other end Addison Wanner made a great defensive play on Dinulos, who was a constant threat, just missing a great shot past the left post.
New Hampshire saw several chances just miss. Stadheim hit the post, and then the duo of Robbie Murdza and Sam Ives created two glittering chances, but could not seal the deal. Ives picked Luke Strohbehn's pocket, but his subsequent shot was saved by Arturo, who was feelin' it in goal.
Hope blossomed for Vermont when defender Lucas Adams-Blackmore figured out Daylight Savings Time and jumped into the action. New Hampshire would not be denied, however, and Noah Kahan's outstanding play resulted in a 2-0 lead when he broke in alone, had his shot saved by Johnson, and Stadheim potted the rebound. Following a New Hampshire corner kick that almost saw Edson HEd in the cross from his fellow goalie Mitchell, Kahan drove home a loose ball and the New Hampshire led jumped to 3-0. Vermont talisman Asa Berolzheimer helped pull a goal back with a nice assist on Jake Acker's goal.
Trailing 3-1, Vermont increased the pressure. Avery Kravitz hit a hard shot over the ball, and Will Smith hit the side of the upright following a free kick. Ian Caldwell, a stabilizing force all game at midfield, moved to center back and helped slam the door, along with Ben Sobel, who sat in as a sweeper in front of the back four. Acker missed a second goal when he couldn't convert a cross from Tim Alibiozek.
Back in the Vermont end, Johnson made a nice save on a shot by Luke Messersmith, promoted to midfield after a solid first half on defense. The ball found its way out to NH defender Adam Pikelny, and Mr. GoPro made no mistake, blasting a long shot high into the net. Vermont kept pressing, and got a second goal by Avery Kravitz, but NH had the final word when Kahan collected his second score of the afternoon, going bar down before rushing home to launder his uniforms, all the better to turn them in on Wednesday.
Arturo Johnson was the very deserving winner of the Most Valuable Player Award. The dazzling Simon Pearce trophy will be presented to NH Captain Kahan at the Soccer Celebration on Thursday. See you there!
Friday, November 7, 2014
Soccer Meeting Monday; Soccer Game Tuesday
There will be a meeting on Monday for all players who played HHS boys soccer this year, and all of those who want to play next year. The meeting will be in the Gym during Activity Period, and last no more than 15 minutes. This will be the final opportunity to bring in your soccer uniforms. There will also be information and forms for Grantham Indoor.
On Tuesday at 1:00, we will play the annual NH vs. Vermont game on the HHS turf. This is open to all players. NH players wear white. VT players wear green.
We look forward to seeing all players and families on Thursday for the annual Soccer Celebration. Please bring one dessert for the potluck, and be prepared to sample 3-4 types of dessert from the buffet. We start at 6:30 in the HHS gym with dessert and drinks, followed by team awards, and then the annual Music Recital. See you there!
On Tuesday at 1:00, we will play the annual NH vs. Vermont game on the HHS turf. This is open to all players. NH players wear white. VT players wear green.
We look forward to seeing all players and families on Thursday for the annual Soccer Celebration. Please bring one dessert for the potluck, and be prepared to sample 3-4 types of dessert from the buffet. We start at 6:30 in the HHS gym with dessert and drinks, followed by team awards, and then the annual Music Recital. See you there!
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Marauders Lose to Pinkerton in Penalty Kick Shootout to End Season
Hanover's season came to an abrupt end in the NHIAA Division One Semifinals on Wednesday, as the Marauders lost to Pinkerton Academy in a penalty kick shootout following an electrifying 100 minutes of tense, physical soccer which produced a 1-1 deadlock. For the second postseason game in a row, Hanover came from behind to tie the match, rallying on a second-half goal by Asa Berolzheimer after falling behind in the first half. The two teams battled through 20 minutes of sudden death overtime, and then the necessity of determining a winner resulted Hanover's second tournament shootout in four years.
Five players from each team lined up to take alternating penalty kicks, and Pinkerton's unerring accuracy gave them the victory. After Marauder Asa Berolzheimer and Astro Kyle Hicks, fierce combatants all game at midfield, had each converted their kicks, Luke Strohbehn's shot was saved by
Pinkerton goalkeeper Hayden Pavao. Two more Pinkerton kickers sandwiched successful shots around a shootout goal by Ian Caldwell, and the score stood at 3-2 in Pinkerton's favor. Hanover keeper Konrad Mitchell's shot then kissed the post in a near miss, and when Astro Colin Coutts converted his spot kick, the Marauder season was over and Pinkerton advanced to the finals.
The first half of the match was typical of tournament play, with defense predominating and few shots for either team. Noah Kahan had a dangerous-looking turnaround shot blocked at the fifteen-minute mark, and Ian Caldwell left a calling card with a long shot over the top. Pinkerton was also confined to shooting form long range, with serial sniper Alex Ebner launching several prayers, all of which either missed the mark or were gobbled up by Konrad Mitchell in the Marauder goal. Pinkerton then got a shooting opportunity from way, way out, and it gave them a 1-0 lead at the 29 minute mark. Center midfielder Kyle Hicks collected the ball 40 yards from the goal and hit a long, high shot that carried over a retreating Mitchell and tucked under the crossbar. Neither team threatened thereafter, and the half ended with Pinkerton happily holding their lead.
The Marauders made a tactical adjustment at the start of the second half, moving Caldwell to a center forward spot, and the move paid immediate dividends. Hanover looked rejuvenated on offense, creating a number of quality opportunities. Caldwell came close on a shot following a nice centering pass from Jake Acker, and then a great run on the left wing by Jamie Dinulos created a good corner kick possibility for the Marauders.
Pinkerton was pinned in their own end of the field, and the one time they got into Hanover's end and lost the ball, it was their undoing. Konrad Mitchell hit one of his patented goal kicks which carried well beyond the center circle, and after a fortuitous bounce near the top of the Pinkerton penalty area, it was collected by Berolzheimer, who took a touch and then artfully chipped it over a stranded Pavao and into the net for the tying goal at the 51:11 mark. It was Berolzheimer's team-leading 8th goal of the year, and perhaps his most critical.
Hanover still had some momentum after drawing even, with Caldwell making a dangerous run on the baseline which earned another corner, and then penetrating yet again before shaking and baking once too often and losing possession close to paydirt. Jonah Levine, courageously playing with a painful bone bruise, two days after shedding his crutches, took a dastardly shot from long range that barely sailed over the bar.
Having spent so much energy coming from behind to tie, the Marauders were them obliged to play some great defense. Mitchell made a good save on a hard shot by Colin Coutts, and Max Greenwald continued his superlative defense to keep the Astros at bay. Time ran out in regulation, and the teams headed to overtime.
This was hardly unfamiliar territory for Hanover. The Marauders had played five overtime games during the regular season, including their 2-1 victory over Pinkerton four weeks ago. Hanover had a look or two in the first extra session, but they were forced to make several clutch defensive plays. Luke Strohbehn, a tower of strength all evening, got his head on a dangerous Ebner free kick into the box. Berolzheimer managed to break up a threatening free kick right at the top of the Marauder penalty area. In the second overtime, Ebner and Hicks both missed god opportunities, and at the other end Caldwell was just offsides after a nice buildup, and Berolzheimer also nearly shook loose. All too soon, the sand ran out of the hourglass.
So ends a 13-5-1 season that was full of twists and turns, but happily found the Marauders able to play some of their best soccer when it mattered the most. Penalty kicks are brutal, but they are a part of the game. Hanover's had some good luck over the years with these excruciating tiebreakers, so there was no beefing this time around. The Marauders swallowed their bitter pill with class and composure, congratulated their worthy opponents, and walked out of Bill Ball Stadium with heads high and no regrets. There are so many stories to tell about this season, and fortunately there will be both time and opportunity to do so. This was a season in which almost every player, starter or sub, demonstrated significant improvement. The team, as a result, was much, much better by the end of the campaign.
A few quick bon mots to close: Hanover benefited significantly this year from the quality coaching provided by Ben Snyder and Toby Niles. The latter dropped out of the sky in mid-September and quickly became indispensable. He oversaw the goalkeepers but contributed a great deal more as well. It's been a dream for years to have Toby on the staff, and this year the wish finally came through. The team is grateful. And then there's Coach Snyder, about whom no praise could be too excessive. Ben's been coaching for decades, and he invested so much of his time and energy and expertise and humor and wisdom and love. Most of the players were tactful enough to disguise the fact that Coach Snyder is now their favorite Hanover coach, most of the time. Like quicksilver, he flowed into every crack which needed filling, never disturbing the equilibrium of what was working, but always improving everything he touched. For the second year in a row, Hanover was lifted to great heights by an overqualified assistant coach. Thank you Ben, so very much.
The end of a season is always abrupt, but there will be a few more events to keep this crew knit together. Looking back, the players will rediscover what may have been lost in the shuffle: this aggregation registered some great victories, learned some great lessons, and cemented the fact that in their three years in NHIAA Division One, they are a class franchise. Stay tuned for an eventful and happy off-season. Thanks, parents, for your support. Thanks, players, for trusting and giving of yourselves and putting the team first. Goodnight!
Five players from each team lined up to take alternating penalty kicks, and Pinkerton's unerring accuracy gave them the victory. After Marauder Asa Berolzheimer and Astro Kyle Hicks, fierce combatants all game at midfield, had each converted their kicks, Luke Strohbehn's shot was saved by
Pinkerton goalkeeper Hayden Pavao. Two more Pinkerton kickers sandwiched successful shots around a shootout goal by Ian Caldwell, and the score stood at 3-2 in Pinkerton's favor. Hanover keeper Konrad Mitchell's shot then kissed the post in a near miss, and when Astro Colin Coutts converted his spot kick, the Marauder season was over and Pinkerton advanced to the finals.
The first half of the match was typical of tournament play, with defense predominating and few shots for either team. Noah Kahan had a dangerous-looking turnaround shot blocked at the fifteen-minute mark, and Ian Caldwell left a calling card with a long shot over the top. Pinkerton was also confined to shooting form long range, with serial sniper Alex Ebner launching several prayers, all of which either missed the mark or were gobbled up by Konrad Mitchell in the Marauder goal. Pinkerton then got a shooting opportunity from way, way out, and it gave them a 1-0 lead at the 29 minute mark. Center midfielder Kyle Hicks collected the ball 40 yards from the goal and hit a long, high shot that carried over a retreating Mitchell and tucked under the crossbar. Neither team threatened thereafter, and the half ended with Pinkerton happily holding their lead.
The Marauders made a tactical adjustment at the start of the second half, moving Caldwell to a center forward spot, and the move paid immediate dividends. Hanover looked rejuvenated on offense, creating a number of quality opportunities. Caldwell came close on a shot following a nice centering pass from Jake Acker, and then a great run on the left wing by Jamie Dinulos created a good corner kick possibility for the Marauders.
Pinkerton was pinned in their own end of the field, and the one time they got into Hanover's end and lost the ball, it was their undoing. Konrad Mitchell hit one of his patented goal kicks which carried well beyond the center circle, and after a fortuitous bounce near the top of the Pinkerton penalty area, it was collected by Berolzheimer, who took a touch and then artfully chipped it over a stranded Pavao and into the net for the tying goal at the 51:11 mark. It was Berolzheimer's team-leading 8th goal of the year, and perhaps his most critical.
Hanover still had some momentum after drawing even, with Caldwell making a dangerous run on the baseline which earned another corner, and then penetrating yet again before shaking and baking once too often and losing possession close to paydirt. Jonah Levine, courageously playing with a painful bone bruise, two days after shedding his crutches, took a dastardly shot from long range that barely sailed over the bar.
Having spent so much energy coming from behind to tie, the Marauders were them obliged to play some great defense. Mitchell made a good save on a hard shot by Colin Coutts, and Max Greenwald continued his superlative defense to keep the Astros at bay. Time ran out in regulation, and the teams headed to overtime.
This was hardly unfamiliar territory for Hanover. The Marauders had played five overtime games during the regular season, including their 2-1 victory over Pinkerton four weeks ago. Hanover had a look or two in the first extra session, but they were forced to make several clutch defensive plays. Luke Strohbehn, a tower of strength all evening, got his head on a dangerous Ebner free kick into the box. Berolzheimer managed to break up a threatening free kick right at the top of the Marauder penalty area. In the second overtime, Ebner and Hicks both missed god opportunities, and at the other end Caldwell was just offsides after a nice buildup, and Berolzheimer also nearly shook loose. All too soon, the sand ran out of the hourglass.
So ends a 13-5-1 season that was full of twists and turns, but happily found the Marauders able to play some of their best soccer when it mattered the most. Penalty kicks are brutal, but they are a part of the game. Hanover's had some good luck over the years with these excruciating tiebreakers, so there was no beefing this time around. The Marauders swallowed their bitter pill with class and composure, congratulated their worthy opponents, and walked out of Bill Ball Stadium with heads high and no regrets. There are so many stories to tell about this season, and fortunately there will be both time and opportunity to do so. This was a season in which almost every player, starter or sub, demonstrated significant improvement. The team, as a result, was much, much better by the end of the campaign.
A few quick bon mots to close: Hanover benefited significantly this year from the quality coaching provided by Ben Snyder and Toby Niles. The latter dropped out of the sky in mid-September and quickly became indispensable. He oversaw the goalkeepers but contributed a great deal more as well. It's been a dream for years to have Toby on the staff, and this year the wish finally came through. The team is grateful. And then there's Coach Snyder, about whom no praise could be too excessive. Ben's been coaching for decades, and he invested so much of his time and energy and expertise and humor and wisdom and love. Most of the players were tactful enough to disguise the fact that Coach Snyder is now their favorite Hanover coach, most of the time. Like quicksilver, he flowed into every crack which needed filling, never disturbing the equilibrium of what was working, but always improving everything he touched. For the second year in a row, Hanover was lifted to great heights by an overqualified assistant coach. Thank you Ben, so very much.
The end of a season is always abrupt, but there will be a few more events to keep this crew knit together. Looking back, the players will rediscover what may have been lost in the shuffle: this aggregation registered some great victories, learned some great lessons, and cemented the fact that in their three years in NHIAA Division One, they are a class franchise. Stay tuned for an eventful and happy off-season. Thanks, parents, for your support. Thanks, players, for trusting and giving of yourselves and putting the team first. Goodnight!
Monday, November 3, 2014
Spectator Bus Offered For Wednesday Semifinal Game
The soccer program is offering a FREE spectator bus for Wednesday's Division One Semifinal game at Exeter against Pinkerton Academy. The bus will leave after school at 2:00 on Wednesday and arrive in Exeter in time for the 4:00 game. The bus will return by 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening.
Signups for the bus are in the Athletic Office. There are 40 spaces on the bus, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The bus will be chaperoned by HHS Assistant Coaches Erik McEwen and Willie Johnson. The cost of the game for students is $5.00. Tickets are available at the game.
Students may bring snacks and drinks of the bus There will be no time after school for a trip to the Co-op, so students should bring snacks to school with them. There are concessions available at the game.
Students riding the bus to the game must return on the bus, and may not accept other rides home after the game.
Signups for the bus are in the Athletic Office. There are 40 spaces on the bus, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The bus will be chaperoned by HHS Assistant Coaches Erik McEwen and Willie Johnson. The cost of the game for students is $5.00. Tickets are available at the game.
Students may bring snacks and drinks of the bus There will be no time after school for a trip to the Co-op, so students should bring snacks to school with them. There are concessions available at the game.
Students riding the bus to the game must return on the bus, and may not accept other rides home after the game.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Game and Practice Schedule - Nov. 3-5
Monday, Nov. 3
All Day Signup for Semifinal Spectator
Bus – Athletic Office
3:30 p.m. Varsity
Film Session – Room 250
6:30 – 8:00 Varsity Practice – HHS Turf
Tuesday, Nov. 4
3:30 – 5:00 Varsity Practice – HHS Turf
Wednesday, Nov. 5
1:00 p.m. Varsity Bus departs for Exeter
2:00 p.m. Spectator Bus departs for Exeter
4:00 p.m. Varsity Semifinal game vs. Pinkerton at Exeter
Save the Date: Thursday, Nov. 13 - Four-Team Soccer Celebration
6:30
- Dessert Potluck and Awards –
HHS Gym
8:00 - World-Class Music Recital - HHS Auditorium
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Marauders Rally to Top Exeter 2-1; On To The Semis
Hanover played its best soccer of the season to date in their most important game, coming from behind to beat Exeter 2-1 in their NHIAA Division One matchup at soggy Merriman-Branch Field.
Cheered on by a large home crowd, the Marauders got goals by Jake Acker and Seth Stadheim and superb defense from their senior back line to earn a semifinal date next Wednesday with Pinkerton Academy at Exeter's Bill Ball Stadium.
Trailing 1-0 after a first-half Exeter goal, the Marauders tied the match with a minute left in the first half on Acker's, and then took control of the game at both ends, talking the lead with 16 minutes to play on the Stadheim strike and shutting down the Blue Hawks defensively, keeping them from launching a single shot in the entire half.
Exeter came into the match on a roll, having squashed Salem 4-1 in the first round. They came out aggressively in a first half that produced back and forth play and some near misses at both ends. Exeter central defender Jared Cassassa, who returned to the Blue Hawks this year after a season with the Seacoast Academy team, was their most dangerous attacker. He made a spectacular run down the left flank and nearly scored with a shot that just missed the far post. A few minutes later, he headed a corner kick just over the bar.
Hanover also produces some near misses, thanks to some excellent play on the left wing by Jamie Dinulos. He hammered a pair of crosses through the Exeter goal mouth, just missing connections with Josh Wallace, and then Avery Kravitz at the right post. Wallace worked his way open for a shot on goal that was scooped up by Exeter goalkeeper Henrik Barbin, and Ian Caldwell ripped a hard shot over the crossbar.
Exeter opened the scoring at 25:24 of the first half, and once again it was Jared Cassassa in the middle of things. The Marauders lost the ball at midfield, and midfielder Evan Royer took possession and fed the ball to Cassassa on the right flank, barely onside. The lanky senior took one touch and buried a hard shot inside the left post for a 1-0 lead. This was a problem for Hanover, which this season was 0-3 in matches in which they had conceded the first goal. Unless they could change this tendency, their season would be over, and it would end with only their second home loss in seven years.
Hanover stayed composed on the ensuing kickoff, focused on good defense and midfield possession, and struck back just before halftime, thanks to a great strike by Acker, who was inserted into the starting lineup to replace Jonah Levine, recovering from a leg injury he had received in Wednesday's playoff win over Manchester Memorial. Acker took a nice feed from right back Cian Kelly just outside of the penalty area, deked a defender, and ripped a shot inside the left post to level the game.
Having dodged a bullet in the first half, the Marauders came out strongly after the interval, and slowly but steadily asserted themselves. Their defense was impenetrable. Luke Strohbehn and Max Greenwald were superb in the middle of the back line winning balls and dominating the air. Greenwald, who had his best game ever against Memorial, had his best game ever against Exeter. He was decisive and physical, and continued his significant improvement with the ball at his field. Hanover also had control at midfield, thanks particularly to Asa Berolzheimer and Ian Caldwell. Time and again, Berolzheimer's ball skills and field vision helped Hanover transition from offense to defense and gain momentum.
Midway through the second half, the Marauders came very close to scoring, as Luke Strohbehn hammered a ball over the bar on a free kick feed from Berolzheimer. Three minutes later Hanover made no mistake, thanks to a scintillating run through the box by Caldwell, who sliced trough the heart of the Blue Hawk defense with the ball glued to his food, imperiously dismissing one Exeter defender before combining with Seth Stadheim on a quick, Arsenal-like give-and-go. The resulting shot was saved, but the ball found its way to a charging Stadheim, whose striker's instincts gave him the presence of mind to chip the ball over the prostrate Barbin and into the goal for his fourth goal of the season.
There were sixteen minutes to play, and Hanover's history with a lead this season was not perfect. They had lost late advantages in their overtime draw with Bedford, their overtime win at Pinkerton and their overtime loss at Alvirne. This time, however, their game management was airtight. Exeter didn't get a shot on goal, or even a shot at goal. They barely had possession in the Hanover end. In fact, they barely had possession. Oh, they worked hard, and forced Hanover to work even harder. But this was an impressive 16 minutes of ball possession and even additional attacking, thanks to the cool play of Noah Kahan, Jamie Dinulos and Tim Alibozek. Exeter was desperate to equalize, but they were never were able to link more than a single pass, and the clock soon ran out of an immensely satisfying victory.
The Marauders will have a day to rest, and then they'll get to work to prepare for a Pinkerton team that will provide a stern challenge. The Astros advanced to the semifinals by beating the Alvirne team that just recently topped Hanover, and they did it on turf. They will enter Wednesday's 4:00 matchup with the confidence of having beaten the second seed, and eager to avenge the overtime loss that the Marauders laid on them three weeks ago. Hanover will be excited about the possibility of Levine's return, and looking forward to some fan support occasioned by the early start time and the subsidized spectator bus. Will Pinkerton have fans? Yeah, probably. They have an enrollment of 3,000, and some of those students may be able to make the short trip to Exeter. But the Marauders love playing at Bill Ball. They love playing later and later into November. They are clearly getting better with every game, and will be eager to see what the next match brings. You should be eager, too. See you there!
Cheered on by a large home crowd, the Marauders got goals by Jake Acker and Seth Stadheim and superb defense from their senior back line to earn a semifinal date next Wednesday with Pinkerton Academy at Exeter's Bill Ball Stadium.
Trailing 1-0 after a first-half Exeter goal, the Marauders tied the match with a minute left in the first half on Acker's, and then took control of the game at both ends, talking the lead with 16 minutes to play on the Stadheim strike and shutting down the Blue Hawks defensively, keeping them from launching a single shot in the entire half.
Exeter came into the match on a roll, having squashed Salem 4-1 in the first round. They came out aggressively in a first half that produced back and forth play and some near misses at both ends. Exeter central defender Jared Cassassa, who returned to the Blue Hawks this year after a season with the Seacoast Academy team, was their most dangerous attacker. He made a spectacular run down the left flank and nearly scored with a shot that just missed the far post. A few minutes later, he headed a corner kick just over the bar.
Hanover also produces some near misses, thanks to some excellent play on the left wing by Jamie Dinulos. He hammered a pair of crosses through the Exeter goal mouth, just missing connections with Josh Wallace, and then Avery Kravitz at the right post. Wallace worked his way open for a shot on goal that was scooped up by Exeter goalkeeper Henrik Barbin, and Ian Caldwell ripped a hard shot over the crossbar.
Exeter opened the scoring at 25:24 of the first half, and once again it was Jared Cassassa in the middle of things. The Marauders lost the ball at midfield, and midfielder Evan Royer took possession and fed the ball to Cassassa on the right flank, barely onside. The lanky senior took one touch and buried a hard shot inside the left post for a 1-0 lead. This was a problem for Hanover, which this season was 0-3 in matches in which they had conceded the first goal. Unless they could change this tendency, their season would be over, and it would end with only their second home loss in seven years.
Hanover stayed composed on the ensuing kickoff, focused on good defense and midfield possession, and struck back just before halftime, thanks to a great strike by Acker, who was inserted into the starting lineup to replace Jonah Levine, recovering from a leg injury he had received in Wednesday's playoff win over Manchester Memorial. Acker took a nice feed from right back Cian Kelly just outside of the penalty area, deked a defender, and ripped a shot inside the left post to level the game.
Having dodged a bullet in the first half, the Marauders came out strongly after the interval, and slowly but steadily asserted themselves. Their defense was impenetrable. Luke Strohbehn and Max Greenwald were superb in the middle of the back line winning balls and dominating the air. Greenwald, who had his best game ever against Memorial, had his best game ever against Exeter. He was decisive and physical, and continued his significant improvement with the ball at his field. Hanover also had control at midfield, thanks particularly to Asa Berolzheimer and Ian Caldwell. Time and again, Berolzheimer's ball skills and field vision helped Hanover transition from offense to defense and gain momentum.
Midway through the second half, the Marauders came very close to scoring, as Luke Strohbehn hammered a ball over the bar on a free kick feed from Berolzheimer. Three minutes later Hanover made no mistake, thanks to a scintillating run through the box by Caldwell, who sliced trough the heart of the Blue Hawk defense with the ball glued to his food, imperiously dismissing one Exeter defender before combining with Seth Stadheim on a quick, Arsenal-like give-and-go. The resulting shot was saved, but the ball found its way to a charging Stadheim, whose striker's instincts gave him the presence of mind to chip the ball over the prostrate Barbin and into the goal for his fourth goal of the season.
There were sixteen minutes to play, and Hanover's history with a lead this season was not perfect. They had lost late advantages in their overtime draw with Bedford, their overtime win at Pinkerton and their overtime loss at Alvirne. This time, however, their game management was airtight. Exeter didn't get a shot on goal, or even a shot at goal. They barely had possession in the Hanover end. In fact, they barely had possession. Oh, they worked hard, and forced Hanover to work even harder. But this was an impressive 16 minutes of ball possession and even additional attacking, thanks to the cool play of Noah Kahan, Jamie Dinulos and Tim Alibozek. Exeter was desperate to equalize, but they were never were able to link more than a single pass, and the clock soon ran out of an immensely satisfying victory.
The Marauders will have a day to rest, and then they'll get to work to prepare for a Pinkerton team that will provide a stern challenge. The Astros advanced to the semifinals by beating the Alvirne team that just recently topped Hanover, and they did it on turf. They will enter Wednesday's 4:00 matchup with the confidence of having beaten the second seed, and eager to avenge the overtime loss that the Marauders laid on them three weeks ago. Hanover will be excited about the possibility of Levine's return, and looking forward to some fan support occasioned by the early start time and the subsidized spectator bus. Will Pinkerton have fans? Yeah, probably. They have an enrollment of 3,000, and some of those students may be able to make the short trip to Exeter. But the Marauders love playing at Bill Ball. They love playing later and later into November. They are clearly getting better with every game, and will be eager to see what the next match brings. You should be eager, too. See you there!
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