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Posted: 2008-08-28
2008 GAME SUMMARY: JV vs. Livonia Churchill
JV Drops Opener, 28-21
The JV team almost pulled-off a great come-from-behind victory, but fell just short in the closing minutes — losing 28-21 to Livonia Churchill. Three Hartland turn-overs early in the game resulted in three Churchill touchdowns. Hartland was able to get on the scoreboard with :28 seconds left in the 1st when we blocked a Churchill punt and recovered it in the endzone for six points. Our two-point conversion failed, score was 21-6 Churchill. At 7:34 of the 2nd quarter, Churchill scored again — this time on a RB flare pass that saw their RB cut all the way back across our defense for the touchdown. Extra point good, Churchill went up 28-6 going into the half.
The second saw a different Hartland team. This team came out with excitement, enthusiasm, and determination. Not sure what the coaches said to them at half-time, but something clicked for these boys! They pulled themselves together and regrouped. The offense started moving the ball. The defense started stuffing Churchill's offense. We started our comeback. Quarterback, Dan Richmond helped setup Hartland's next score with a scramble left, connecting with his receiver (sorry, I missed your number) at the two-yard line. Then at 5:18 of the 3rd, Chad Hunt (#35) punched it in up the middle on the next play. Hunt's number was called again for the two-point conversion which we converted. Score 28-14, Churchill.
Hartland's defense stepped it up — forcing Churchill to punt, and a great return put Hartland in Churchill territory. The momentum clearly shifted in Hartland's favor. On a 4th and 1 situation, Richmond's QB sneak gave us the 1st down to keep that drive alive. After switching end-zones to start the 4th quarter, Hunt did it again; taking the hand-off and running off-tackle right, he ran-over one Churchill player then out-ran the other 10 players up the right sideline for the 25-yard touchdown. Extra pint kick was good, and Hartland pulled to within a touchdown &mdash down 28-21 with 11:54 left in the 4th.
On Churchill's next possession, they marched-down the field as Hartland suffered three defensive-player injuries. Our defense bent a little, but didn't break. We were able to force them into a field-goal situation — which they missed — giving Hartland the ball at our 20-yard-line with 5:32 remaining in the game. Hartland was unable to capitalize on that possession and chose to punt on 4th and 7. Churchill was able to gain a couple of 1st downs and ultimately knee-out for the victory, 28-21.
After the slow start, I have to say our attitude and level of play was very impressive in the second half. Losing the opener is always tough, but great job boys! You didn't roll-over — you came out fighting!