HARTLAND — For the Hartland football team, tonight’s playoff game has a slight element of been-there-done-that.
“It’s not the first time they’re going, and I think it helps in that respect,” Hartland coach Brian Savage said. “These guys have been in a playoff game, and last year it literally came down to the last play of the game. Now we have to get to that next week (of playoffs).”
Both teams carry a 6-3 overall record into tonight’s game at Holt High School, which will be broadcast live on The Livingston Post starting at 6:50 p.m. Click here for the link.
It’s only the second meeting between the schools. Holt won their first meeting, 41-16, in the opening round of the playoffs in 2010.
The Rams tied Grand Ledge for the CAAC Blue Division title this season and finished second in playoff points in its district, earning home field along with Brighton. Grand Ledge (7-2) plays at Brighton, Tonight’s winners will play for a district title next weekend at the school with the highest playoff average.
“They have a strong defense,” says Chase Kern, a leader of Hartland’s defense this season. “They have fast kids and tough kids.”
In other words, like Hartland?
“Yes,” he admitted with a grin.
The Rams have a 1-2 punch at running back. Bryce Cornelius has rushed for 500 yards and six touchdowns this season, while Isaiah Foster has added 409 yards and scored nine times. Quarterback Seneca Moore has completed 44 percent of his passes for 590 yards and five touchdowns.
On defense, “they’ve caused 18 turnovers this year,” Savage said. “They’re kind of like us. They play great defense, very aggressive. Just a good athletic team.”
The Eagles have had great success on the ground this year, with Joey Mattord rushing for over 1,000 yards. His effectiveness has been enhanced by a passing attack led by quarterback James Butzier. Tight end Jaxson Wilson and wide receiver Mitch Cavanaugh have been key components of the Eagles’ air attack.
“We have to ber mistake-free on offense, try to possess the ball and keep their offense off the field,” Savage said. “They are capable of some big plays. Just do our best to do what we can do and keep plugging away.”
The Eagles will be looking for their first playoff win since 2008, when they won a district title before losing in the regional at Rockford.
“They should have a big crowd,” Savage said. “But our pep band is going, and Hartland always travels well. I think we’ll be OK.”
