News and Announcements
Posted: 2008-09-12
2008 GAME SUMMARY: Varsity vs. Hazel Park
Hartland defeats Hazel Park, 40-8
Ok folks...time for a little history. The last time Hartland started the season 3-0 was in 1991. That team lost their next game to Brighton, 0-7. Our next opponent is Brighton — but I have a pretty good feeling the 2008 Hartland team will match the 1977 team's 4-0 start. Our boys are flat-out playing some GREAT football. I personally can not wait for us to face our old KVC rivals over the next few weeks — starting with Brighton at home this Friday.
Now, let me recap the Hazel Park romp last Friday night.
Hartland went on defense first. Big plays from seniors Kyle Summerfield (see video #1197), Jake Warner and Jon Stevens (video #1198) made sure the Vikings went three and out.
Junior running back, Matt Kenwell was the star of our first offensive series. He touched the ball three times — the third ending a touchdown. When watching these three videos of Kenwell's rushing skills, be sure to also check-out the massive holes that our powerful offensive line created. Some very timely lead block from Summerfield also helped pave the way for Kenwell (videos #1199, #1200, and #1201). Minor just missed the extra point and at 9:18 left in the 1st, Hartland led 6-0.
Hartland's next defense series was just as dominating as its first. Again the seniors led the way with big efforts from Nick Schlagheck, Ryan Simancek, and Jared Felix (videos #1202, #1203, and #1204). It's so fun to watch our defense fly around with confidence and swagger. You have to be a bad ass to play defense and each one of these boys definitely exhibit a little of that every time they walk out on that field. Yes! Ok...I digress. Hazel Park had to punt and Matt Poches' 10-yard return gave us the ball back at our 36.
The very first play of that drive resulted in another Hartland score. Quarterback, Chris Cagle took the shot-gun snap, rolled-right, then threw a long bomb down the right side line to senior Vonn Jones (WR/DB) for the 64-yard touchdown. Hartland's attempted two-point conversion failed and Hartland led 12-0 with 6:57 left in the 1st quarter.
The next defensive series again stuffed Hazel Park with swarming plays from Simancek and Stevens (videos #1206 and #1207). HP attempted to go for it a 4th and 2, but turned the ball over after a penalty.
Hartland's third offensive possession ended in a Cagle to Poches touchdown on a fade to the left side. The combination of the line giving Cagle great protection with Poches burning his man by 10 yards made this score look too easy (video #1208). Minor's extra point was good and Hartland increased their lead to 19-0 with 3:17 left in the 1st.
After both teams traded possessions, Hazel Park was finally able to score and convert on their two-point attempt. At 5:02 left in the 2nd, Hartland led 19-8.
Hartland's next offensive possession resulted in a punt in which senior Matt Boratynski skillfully brought down the return man with a great open-field tackle (video #1213).
Our defense went back to work — burying HP deep in their own territory (video #1214). Facing a 3rd and 16 situation, HP attempted a roll-right pass and Hartland's interception leader, Jared Felix, did it again. At 3:01 left in 2nd, his acrobatic, one-handed tip to himself allowed him to adjust his footing and with some nifty moves took it all the way for the score (video #1215). This play also made Channel 7's "defensive play of the night" as Chopper 7 caught it all from the sky cam. See their Week #3 video recap of nine games Friday night. Felix's highlight is toward the end. Great key blocks from Jones and Warner on the return. AWESOME! Minor's extra point was good and Hartland led 26-8.
Our defense continued to play tough — denying HP another score going into half-time.
The 3rd started with Hartland getting the ball first. Although our first drive included a few penalties, we were able to still move the ball and burn-up the clock. Summerfield's option runs (videos #1216 and #1218) kept the defense guessing along with pass receptions from Jones (video #1219). But it was Cagle's sprint-left keeper that brought the defense to their knees. Even though HP's defense thought they were in great position to make the play, Cagle cut-back through traffic for the score (video #1220). Minor's kick was good and Hartland extended their lead to 33-8 with 7:44 left in the 3rd.
It was Hazel Parks turn for a long, time-consuming offensive drive. They were able to move the ball a little more effectively in the second half. However, when we needed it, our defense came up big (videos #1221 and #1222). The 3rd quarter ended and both teams switched sides. HP was able to get down to our 10 when we really started to lay the wood. Hartland defensive back, Carson Pippin absolutely blew-up his receiver that would have scored (video #1223). Facing 4th and 10, HP again attempted to throw and Pippin and Jones broke-up the pass — forcing HP to turn the ball back over to us on downs (video #1224).
On Hartland's next offensive possession, the drive was sustained by runs from junior, Max Nystrand (video #1225), Kenwell and Pippen. However, it was Kenwell's long run down the right side for the touchdown that really put the game away (video #1226). Watch this video a few times and keep an eye on a great sustained block from James Burroughs to free Kenwell as well as another huge pancake block from Theis (who treated us to a somersault at the end of the block). Minor's point-after attempt was good and Hartland led 40-8 with 7:55 left in the game.
After kicking off to HP, they were able to gain a couple first downs, but our defense stepped up again (videos #1227 and #1228) forcing HP to go for it on 4th down. They did not convert and turned the ball over on downs.
On Hartland's next possession, we kept it on the ground and tried to burn-up the clock so we could all go home. With 1:04 left in the game we punted the ball to HP giving them another shot. But, again, our defense was just relentless (video #1230) and Hazel Park ran out of time. Final score: Hartland 40, Hazel Park 8.
We host Brighton next week, baby! Go Eagles!