The game is played exclusively between these schools every year to honor the late Harry Gerrish, who was Hanover’s athletic director for years and the father of current Cardinal Spellman coach Michael Gerrish.

The Cardinals began their domination early, scoring two goals in the game’s first 10 minutes. Chris Conran found the back of the net at the five-minute mark and just four minutes later Battaglia scored on a cross from Kearney, who is the reigning Catholic Central League player of the year.

“Scoring two quick goals was a nice luxury,’’ Gerrish said. “We seemed to relax and were able to anticipate things real well.’’ The Cardinals outshot the Indians, 26-2.

The victory brings Cardinal Spellman to the brink of an undefeated season. The Cardinals sit atop the Catholic Central with a 19-0 record with only one game left in the regular season.

“It would be a pretty special thing,’’ Gerrish said. “We haven’t talked about it at all, we just talk about getting better every time we take the field.’’

Even with the loss, Hanover (12-2-4) sits atop the Patriot League.

The Cardinals were still able to win without their leading scorer Paul Pitts, who couldn’t play because of two yellow cards picked up in previous games.

The offense has gotten all the attention this year, but the Cardinal Spellman defense, anchored by seniors Ryan Narciso, Dan Whelan, and goalkeeper Rickey Andrade, shouldn’t be overlooked. Andrade has allowed only 15 goals all season.

“This team is proving to be one of the best teams I’ve had the chance to coach,’’ said Gerrish, a 15-year coaching veteran.

East Boston 7, Hyde Park 2 - Sophomore Carlos Ruiz led the host Jets with three goals and an assist, while sophomore Luiz Perez added a goal and two more assists as East Boston advanced to face Madison Park in the Boston City League championship game tomorrow.

Madison Park 2, Burke 1 - Sophomores Pedro DaSilva and Rafael Silveira each scored a goal while sophomore goalkeeper Beithoven Baesa had five saves to lift the Cardinals.