Hanover football's defense is key in victory over John Stark

WEARE - The Hanover High School football team finished its regular season and following Saturday's 22-12 win over John Stark, the Marauders are undefeated.

The final win of the regular season came thanks to the Marauders defense, which led the way with five turnovers.

The first turnover forced by the Hanover (8-0) defense came on the first play of the game, when the defense strip sacked Stark quarterback Parker McQuarrie. This led to a 21-yard field goal by Moises Celaya.

Hanover’s next score also came on a short field when quarterback Alexander Mosenthal rushed one in from 8 yards out, pushing the lead to 10-0 after the first quarter.

After much back-and-forth action, including stops on fourth down and missed field goals, Hanover was able to score again on a 16-yard TD run by Jack Watson. Watson finished the game with 51 yards on the ground.

However, Stark (6-2) was able to respond two minutes later, just before halftime, when McQuarrie connected with Bo Lyons, pushing the score to 16-6 before halftime.

On Hanover’s opening drive of the second half, the Marauders marched the ball down the field with a five-minute drive capped off with by 9-yard touchdown run by Caleb Putnam, who finished with 95 yards, all on the ground.

Once again Stark was able to respond, this time two plays later, when McQuarrie connected with Jacob Cole for an 80-yard touchdown pass. McQuarrie finished the game with 364 yards through the air.

After the long touchdown pass brought the score to 22-12, Stark appeared to gain momentum when Cole had an interception, but on the next play Graham Penfield had his first of two interceptions on the day.

"We knew Stark was a good team that was going to spread us out in the no huddle all game," Hanover coach Sam Cavallaro said of the defense. "All credit goes to defensive coordinator (and former head coach) Mike Ivanoski to mix up the blitzes."

Stark made too many mistakes to win, according to coach Rob McQuarrie.

"With five turnovers and multiple penalties on third downs to continue drive we made too many mental mistakes," McQuarrie said. "If we play a perfect game we can be anybody in Division II."

Both teams will move on to the D2 quarterfinals, with Hanover hosting a playoff game and John Stark going on the road.