HANOVER — Rob Grabill, Hanover High’s longtime boys soccer coach, greeted a visitor to practice last week with playful swagger.

“You’re watching the two best teams in the state,” said the 18th-year bench boss, who then paused for effect. “Our first string and our second string.”

The boast sounded grandiose at the time, but not Friday night, as the Bears dissected eighth-seeded Winnacunnet during a 5-1 victory in an NHIAA Division I playoff quarterfinal match. Top-seeded Hanover advanced to Monday night’s semifinal in Nashua against fourth-seeded Manchester Central, one of the only two foes to defeat it this season.

“We have some great guys off the bench, and that kind of depth really helps us,” said Grabill, noting that Winnacunnet’s previous two trips to Hanover resulted in one-goal losses, one on penalty kicks. “We’re never fazed in physical games because our practices are very physical. The guys play hard against each other.”

Carter Guerin opened Friday’s scoring during the 13th minute with a long, arcing shot from the right wing that dropped inside the far post. Sam Ames put the hosts up, 2-0, two minutes before halftime when he knocked home a rebound following a corner kick.

Seven minutes after the break, Will Guerin pushed the lead to 3-0 when he tapped in a cross from twin Carter Guerin. Zach Tracy and Sean Smith converted penalty kicks for Hanover’s final two goals and Owen Janetos did the same for the Warriors (9-4-3).

“We really came out well in the second half, and we had a fusillade of shots early against a strong, physical team,” said Grabill, whose players maintained composure after absorbing numerous fouls. “This is win or go home, and you need maturity and to focus on what’s important.”

Hanover (15-2-0) has scored 91 goals, second only to the 1965 team’s output. Somewhat overshadowed by the team’s attack is central defender Sam Calderwood, who impressed against Winnacunnet. The senior was a reserve striker last season and looked to be so again this season. However, when starting middle man Alex McGrath switched to football, Calderwood successfully auditioned for his spot.

“It’s a more composed position, where you lay back and play the right ball instead of just wreaking havoc up top,” said Calderwood, also a Bears diving standout during the winter. “You make a mistake up top and it’s, oh well. You make one in the back and it could cost a goal.

“It’s more pressure, but I like being able to see the whole field in front of me.”

Said Grabill: “He’s not afraid to jump in and make a tackle and has great recovery speed. He talks back there, and he’s been a real revelation.”

Manchester Central (14-4-0) reached last season’s semifinals and was the division’s runner-up in 2017 and 2018. The Little Green’s lineup is internationally flavored, and its players compete with passion and flair.

Central beat homestanding Hanover, 2-0, on Oct. 12, and although the Bears have prevailed during each of the teams’ last two playoff meetings, each was decided by penalty kicks, Grabill said.

“It’s going to be another physical game, and we’ve got a sore wound from them beating us,” Calderwood said.

Tris Wykes can be reached at twykes@vnews.com.