It’s a cold, brisk fall day. The sun is out but the sky is still rather gray. You, a parent or two, and your siblings head over to the field. The orange leaves are still on the ground but fall is fading. You watch in awe as the high school plays against Norwell in front of a huge crowd. You fool around with friends on the grass, and you try to emulate the kids out on the field.  You see your neighbors and you see people who have moved away  back in town for this special event. You leave happy no matter the result, ready for an awaiting feast.

Those are the memories I have of the annual Thanksgiving football game. Thanksgiving football games are a unique tradition. Almost every school in Massachusetts plays a rival school on Thanksgiving morning. The tradition extends, in some form, to the rest of New England. Connecticut has at least 48 Thanksgiving games. Rhode Island is similar to Massachusetts in that every town has a rival. Maine only has one. Missouri has one, California has two and New Jersey has a fair amount. New York and Pennsylvania have a couple.  It’s an event for two communities that brings back alumni and former town member. The two schools create the biggest crowd some teams will play before all year. The atmosphere is very upbeat and supportive.

For the teams, it might be the biggest game all year. It’s the rivalry game, and it’s a game participants remember all their lives. Everyone wants to win the Thanksgiving game, and for most teams, it’s their seniors’ last game and eternal bragging rights are on the line. In Hanover and lot of other schools, it is the only time they play this rival all year and since most varsity careers are only 2-3 years, it’s a rare opportunity to play in a game of such magnitude.  Some schools have bitter rivalries and Thanksgiving is their chance to leave it all on the field.

The Hanover/Norwell rivalry isn’t all that bitter, though both sides want to win more than anything on that given Thursday. This year, Hanover goes to Norwell while on a 6 game win streak, and a lot of those wins came at Norwell, 4 out of 6 to be exact. That being said, both teams had solid regular seasons. Hanover made the playoffs but has lost 5 games in a row. Norwell played well this year, but did not make the playoffs. Hanover should be the favorite going in but Norwell will be a challenge for them as always. Seamus Boutin of Hanover and Dan Hilson of Norwell are the offensive weapons to watch in this game.

Recently, the aura surrounding Thanksgiving football has changed a little bit. Due to the new playoff system with the games occurring well before Thanksgiving,  things have changed. Thanksgiving  games don’t determine playoff spots anymore whereas in the past there was always a spot or two riding on the result of the game.  There are also a couple more teams who now know they have a game after Thanksgiving and strategically do not play their best players, which takes away the spirit from the game.

Also, because of the new system, for some teams the Thanksgiving game is no longer a once a year affair. For example, Cohasset and Hull will face each other for the second time this year on Turkey Day. They had to play a regular season game against each other in the South Shore Small Division and they could have played again if Hull made the playoffs. Central Catholic and Andover will face each other three times now in one season. First in league play, second in the opening round of the playoffs, and finally on Thanksgiving. The familiarity definitely takes away a little bit of excitement from the game for everyone involved. However, those are minors kinks that can maybe be worked out in the future. The system was implemented on a two year trial basis and will be up for review. Although the the likely decision will be to keep the system the same, it would be a good opportunity to address some of those issues.

Either way, Hanover and Norwell’s tradition looks to be going strong. The game will be at Norwell High School’s new field (which marks another end of an era for a lot of people who usually go, as both teams now have new turf fields) around 10 or 10:30 a.m. on Turkey Day.

The New England Patriots are hoping to extend their winning streak to seven games this Sunday when they play the Detroit Lions at Gillette Stadium.  Game time is 1 pm.

The Lions have the best run defense in the league so the Patriots will not be able to use running back Jonas Gray, who played a big role in last week’s win against the Indianapolis Colts. Gray,  who made his first appearance on Oct. 16 because of an injury to running back Steven Ridley, had four rushing touchdowns and 199 rushing yards in the 42-20 victory.

The Pats will  have to rely on receivers Rob Gronkowski, Brandon LaFell and Julian Edelman when they take on the Lions. They’ve won their last 14 games at Gillette, so hopefully the home field advantage will be with them.

I expect the Pats to beat the Detroit Lions by at least 10 points by the way they have been man-handling opponents.

Cross Country

XC had its sectional meet over the weekend. Everybody who participated ran their best. It was the final Cross Country meet for most of them.  Junior Steph Flynn was the only team member to qualify for states. Some boys ran well too. Alex O’Dowd, Tim Good, and Will Deboer made up their top three. O’Dowd ran a 19:04, Deboer a 18:52, and Good a 18:08.

Boys Soccer

The boys soccer team had their season cut shorter than they would have liked last week. Top seed Medway defeated them in Medway on a cold, rainy night. The score was 2-0 but it could have been a high scoring game. In the first half, Medway pounded on the Indians, who were down Jason Gallagher and Joe Maguire due to injuries and Jack Phelan because of a suspension. Medway put in two goals and had many scoring bids. Hanover’s Johnny Ferrarini made some big plays and Zach Chase had a goal saving play with his foot. In the second half, play evened out a lot and Hanover had some opportunities to score, including a penalty kick.  Medway was an extremely athletic and skilled team but they had to earn this win. It was a tough loss for this close-knit team, but the season went well for them despite the loss.

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.

Do you remember what you were doing in the eighth grade? Probably spending most of your time playing Call of Duty or Facebook.  I know I was.  Standing apart from this group was Nick Schoff, brother of HHS senior Mackenzie Schoff, who created Jam Quest Hoops as an eighth grader in 2007.  Jam Quest is a three-on-three basketball tournament that raises money to help the impoverished orphans of Kenya.  With a mission “to bring faith, hope and love to kids in need around the world through the care and service of young athletes,”  the organization has raised over $50,000 to help countless Kenyan children.  They have also spoken at over 5,000 middle schools and high schools across the country in order to  inspire another generation of leaders to accomplish feats like this.

In Kenya, 700 children are orphaned every day.  A third of them lose parents due to AIDS. Also, 12-15 percent of homes in Kenya are run by an orphaned sibling.  Thanks to the work of Nick Schoff and hundreds of volunteers, we are given an opportunity to do something about this.  By playing in this tournament, you can join this movement that has truly changed the lives of those in need.  Not to mention the fact that you get the chance to show off some basketball skills.

It has been clear in the past couple weeks that Hanover pride is the strongest ever this year.  (If you won’t take my word for it, check out our spirit week photo gallery.)  We have given spirit weeks, rallies and tourney games our absolute all.  Let’s carry this energy into this basketball tournament on November 15, and show everyone the capacity Hanover High has to help others.

What: 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament To Help Kids in Poverty in Kenya, Africa

When: Saturday, November 15th, 6pm to 9pm

Age Brackets: 12-15, 16-18, 18+

Cost: $20 per person (includes wristband and t-shirt)

Check Out The JamQuest Hoops Website For More Information:

http://jamquesthoops.com/jqh-2013-14-video/

As one of many fans attending the home games of Hanover girls volleyball, I can say that their lackluster record of 4-16 doesn’t reflect the hard work and skill in each game. Not to mention the incredible team work and effort from every girl as well.

Captains Katie Hussey, Maranda Grant, and Emily Lawrence led the team in a strong effort each game. The varsity team was mainly made up of juniors, so the team expects to be really competitive next year. Additionally, the junior varsity and freshmen teams were strong as well this year. Annika Rowland, a junior on varsity,  shared that some of her favorite moments were when she personally felt on the court the team working together and the aspects of the game were flowing in such a way that, “everything felt right.”

Emily Hennessy, also a junior, and recently elected Captain of the 2015 season (Congrats!) alongside Melanie Armstrong, reflects that one of her favorite memories was her ace in the first win the team made of the season, which also was the winning move in the game. Not only was this an overwhelming moment for her, but it also was for the team. The JV and freshmen teams also had success this year.

Morgan Lundin, a freshman, said, “I enjoyed how everyone was so kind and accepting, and that was a key point to all wins this season.”

As of October 30th, two Fall Sports teams at Hanover High School have had their seasons come to an end.  One begins its post-season on Halloween night and another on that very afternoon. Some are past the regular season but not yet done. Other team playoffs may begin Sunday. Here is a brief recap:

Field Hockey- The Field Hockey team had one loss in regular season play and spent a good portion of the season undefeated. Their lone loss came against Duxbury. They had a couple ties and played incredibly well every game this year. Seniors Amy Leonard, Hannah McCorkell, Aly Higgins, Madison Milligan, and Molly McMahon

have led a talented crew of juniors and sophomores on and off the field. The team opens up playoffs on Halloween afternoon  versus an unpredictable Dedham Marauders squad at the HHS Turf. Dedham comes out of a league of much bigger, better schools and their record is never indicative of their true ability. Still, under longtime coach Judy Schneider, “Fockey” has a great chance to make a deep tournament run.

Cross Country- The Cross Country team had a solid season. The Girls and Boys programs faced mixed results meet by meet in a tough Patriot League. Coached by the spirited Tim Brown, Senior boys Alex O’Dowd, Ernie Meads and Tim Good have been top runners for 4 years now and plan to finish the season strong. They are supplemented by Steve Griffin, Kenny Croke and Bryan Connors, who run hard and help lead the rest of the boys group. Christina Nee, Erin  Smith, Gina Carbone and the girls group have had lots of good races. They are capable of making noise down the stretch. They are coached by the most gregarious and ebullient guy at Hanover High, Kevin Perry, and the team receives important contributions from their underclassmen. The teams have an invitational meet this weekend followed by the State meet on the next weekend.

Football- The Gridiron Gang has had very successful season thus far.

They come into the MIAA D4 South playoffs with a well deserved 5-2 record. After a 26-0 drubbing at the hands of Middleboro during homecoming weekend, a game where they were thoroughly outplayed, the Indians now have to make the trip down to Middleboro for a first round rematch. Hopefully coming in with a fresh mindset and new game plan, the Indians have the ability to win some revenge. Win or lose, I believe the team with face the team who had a similar fate to them in the Apponequet (Lakeville & Freetown)- Dennis-Yarmouth game. The football playoff is different in that you keep playing even after initial elimination. Hanover may end up playing two teams twice. The seniors have been outstanding this year and there are too many to list, they have all contributed in some shape or form. Seamus Boutin’s scoring, Steve Cockey’s toughness, and Mike McLeod’s leadership come to mind. In his 2nd year as coach, Chris Landolphi has produced great results throughout the program this fall.

Girls Soccer- The Girls team may not have seen the success they would’ve liked in the regular season. but they made tournament and have a clean slate to work with. They start off with a long bus ride down to Old Rochester Regional. Hana Chahid, Steph Spitz, Holly Welch, Sarah Miller, and Sydney Lambert have kept spirits up on the team and provided good play on the pitch. The team also receives a lot of underclassmen help. After being battle-tested in the regular season, the girls have the ability to pull off a similar feat to last year’s team. In his first year, Mike Fraser took a moderately inexperienced group back to the tourney.

Boys Soccer- Andrew Zwart’s vocalness and Jack Phelan’s incredible work ethic have led the Indians through a great regular season. Joe Ferrarini, John O’Sullivan, Jason Gallagher, Joe Maguire, and Zach MacArthur have all been leaders in the way they carry themselves and the way they compete. The team will play a familiar foe, the Rockland Bulldogs. In the 8-9 match up, Hanover will travel over to Rockland. Rockland is a team Hanover should be 2-0 against but are in fact 0-1-1. The first game Hanover lost 1-0 at Rockland despite battling hard, they just couldn’t score. Then on senior day, Hanover held Rockland without a scoring bid but again could not find the back of the net in a 0-0 tie. Now, they will have to step up and adjust  after a key player became lost for two games to a suspension due to two yellow cards in a match. The team has battled every team they played and has a chance to make a lot of noise in the D3 South bracket if they can finish their chances and stay resilient on defense.  Coach Steve Rodday has pushed the team to reach its potential this season and his intensity has trickled down to the players, returning them to postseason play after a one-year hiatus.

Golf- The Golf team had a spectacular season, finishing with a record of 15-1. It is the best season maybe ever for the Golf team, certainly the best in recent years. Their only loss was to Duxbury toward the end of the year. In MIAA South Sectional, the team played well. They came in 4th, which was one spot shy of moving on and although the team played well, no individuals qualified either. Seniors Tyler Powers and Sophie Morrill led the way and both are expecting to play college golf.

Volleyball– The Volleyball team’s 4-11 league record doesn’t show how competitive the squad really was. Led by senior captains Katie Hussey, Maranda Grant and Emily Lawrence, the team put up a fight throughout the season, often competing against larger schools.  Top servers included Hussey and juniors Caroline O’Rourke and Emily Hennessey. Junior Emma Hardy played well as the libero, a defensive specialist. Juniors Hennessy and Kylie Chetwynde combined with sophomores Megan Raab and Megan Dixon as fearsome hitters and blockers in the front row. With 8 varsity players potentially returning, and a promising crop of JV and freshman players, the team expects to make a powerful showing next season.

Hanover Girls’ Varsity Soccer hasn’t had its best season this year.  Too many losses and not enough scoring.  Despite being very competitive and talented, their efforts haven’t shown in the win and loss column. Earlier in the season,  despite being winless at the time,  the team was featured “on the bubble” in a local power 6 rankings. Those rankings were a true testament to the challenge they were presenting other teams. At this very moment,  they stand at a record of 2 wins, 8 losses and 3 ties.

However, as the season winds down, the Indians made a huge statement with a 1-0 win over Duxbury. The Dragons, annually one the top programs on the South Shore, were defeated at home by a goal made by Sarah Miller. It marks the first time in at least the last 35 years, if not ever, that the Hanover Girls Soccer beat Duxbury. That win confirmed the fact that this team has the ability to repeat last year’s run in the tournament.

The team has clinched a tournament berth in D3 South and, after being hardened by a season of bigger, talented Patriot League schools,  hopes to make a deep run. Not many teams have the ability to beat Duxbury and that win established that Hanover, who will be a low seed, will be a dangerous threat.  Last year, despite a poor record and losing their starting goalie, Hanover pulled off a couple of upset wins and made the D3 South final four. They ended up losing a tight game to Cardinal Spellman but drew a huge crowd all the way down at Bridgewater-Raynham High School.

The team is also one of the most diverse teams at HHS, having 3 freshmen, 7 sophomores, 7 juniors and 5 seniors. The tribe has a couple of games left before tournament and you won’t want to miss them.

Stand up and cheer, victory is here!
For the blue, gold and white,
We’re gonna win tonight!

The Hanover High cheerleaders are known for their loud, peppy cheers and bright smiles on the sidelines of each football game. The 21 girls on this year’s team have done a tremendous job of enthusing football fans, and despite rain and freezing temperatures, the team is always able to bring an immense amount of positive energy to every game.

Though the team puts forth a spectacular halftime show with optimistic attitudes every Friday night, most fans don’t realize the extent of true effort needed to launch a successful cheerleading season. This year in particular proved to be full of new struggles, for this is the first year with coach Emily Humphrey. Luckily, right off the bat, Coach Emily began to lead the girls in the right direction, assisted by senior captains Jaime Savage, Olivia DelTufo, and Skye Howard. The team spent many hot summer days fundraising for their competition preparation, and spent hours at a time learning strenuous routines and tiring stunt sequences. The opening weeks of the season went smoothly, and successfully laid down a strong basis for the many steps to be taken in the following months leading up to competition season.

However, like all other sports teams, the cheerleaders suffered many setbacks after they got the ball rolling. Freshman flyer Jaclyn Mignosa injured her arm while warming up for the football game at Pembroke High, eliminating her from the remainder of the season. Junior flyer Michelle Leary was also declared exempt due to an existing back issue. With two of the team’s important flyers out for the season, the girls had to rearrange and shuffle the entire routine in a pressing period of time. But much like their attitudes during football games, the team was able to remain upbeat and optimistic and has made heavy progress in re-working their routine to match their goals. It was not an easy feat to accomplish, however, to prevail over such drastic changes. The team showed an extreme dedication throughout the process, stretching practices late into Sunday evenings and even planning early morning practices before school. The girls truly prove that being a cheerleader isn’t as easy as putting on a smile and waving pom poms in the air!

The girls on the team are excited yet apprehensive toward their upcoming competition season. Their first competition is set for November 1, followed by the League Competition on November 8. They are proud of their efforts so far, and can’t wait for the good things to come!