Week One of tourney time for HHS sports team didn’t go how many would have hoped.

Field Hockey had a tremendous regular season but bowed out in the first round of the tournament. They fell to Dedham 2-1 at home. Dedham is still playing after upsetting Cohasset as well, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Girls Soccer also was defeated in its first game. They lost to Old Rochester Regional 1-0 in a night game at their place. The Indians arguably played better and had some good chances but couldn’t get an equalizer and their season is over.

Football also lost on Halloween to Middleboro. They traveled down to the home of the Sachems for a rematch in the first round of the D4 South playoffs. After a 26-0 whipping, the Indians lost only 22-13 and were a couple missed opportunities away from advancing. Seamus Boutin had two touchdown runs, both from less than five yards. Hanover’s biggest play might have been when Seamus Boutin blocked the punt and Matt Lanagan returned it to the 2 yard line. The opening drive, Dimitry LaForest had a big run and Hanover had the ball on the three, but an offside set back 5 yards and they had to attempt a field goal, which they missed. They are not done, however, as they will play Apponequet at home, have another assigned game and then the big Thanksgiving clash versus Norwell.

Now on to the winners.

Boys Soccer lived to fight another day after finally overcoming  season nemesis Rockland. They defeated Rockland 2-1 in extra time Monday. Hanover controlled play in the first half and despite making some unforced errors, outplayed the Bulldogs easily. Dan Padula scored in the first half after finding some space and putting a good shot on frame. The second half was  dominated by Rockland, although Hanover had its chances. Rockland applied lots of pressure and the Indian defense crumbled at points. A Rockland forward beat a Hanover defender on the wing, keeper Johnny Ferrarini came out to challenge, and the forward rolled the ball in with a nice touch.

When the game went to Golden Goal (sudden death) extra time, Hanover would net the game winner. Hanover held an edge in possession for most of the 10 minute overtime period. With a little more than a minute remaining in the first OT, Hanover took a corner from the near sideline. Joe Maguire made a play to prevent a clear and keep the ball in the 18, and after a quick scrum, the ball popped over to junior Dave Burton who tucked a perfect shot just past the diving goalie’s outstretched hands in the bottom left corner. It was a great sight as he walked casually away while the rest of the team erupted and swarmed him. Credit to Rockland for battling and giving Hanover three of the best games all year.

The boys play a tough Medway team on Thursday, Nov 6.  Medway is the top seed in the sectional and beat Dennis-Yarmouth 4-0 in its initial game. The game is at 6:00 at Medway High School and there will be a fan bus. Either way, try to support the team as they keep HHS alive in the MIAA fall Tournaments.

 Cross Country is still going, with the EMass sectional meet is this weekend. They are still working hard and hoping for big results. The previous weekend, in an invitational meet, a Hanover squad not competing at full strength had a solid weekend. There are 9 boys and 6 girls running for Hanover. The boys are Alex O’Dowd, Ernie Meads, Tim Good, Pat Wilson, Kenny Croke, Brian Gill, Dan Hamza, Will Deboer, Bryan Connors. The Girls are Steph Flynn, Christina Nee, Joy Replogle,  Sarah Ryan, Emma Buckley, and Erin Smith. At least a couple are expected to move onto the state meet the following weekend.