Harbor Beach won 13-12 in what could be the game of the year.USA scored first in the first on a 10 yard TD run by QB Brandon Bitzer but had the extra point blocked. The Pirates responded with a score on a Brett Buchholz run, missing the kick wide right. So tied at 6-6 at the half.
In the second half, the Pirates draw first blood, scoring on a 13 yard TD pass from Tom Sorenson to Travis Schock, who made the extra point to make it 13-6. The Pats responded with a one yard TD from Tyson Valentine in the fourth, but kicker Erik Kuhl had his second extra point attempt of the day partially blocked.
Prior to their second TD, Harbor Beach had driven to the one yard line the previous possession, but fumbled. USA went three and out and pounted it to around the 29. The Pirates scored several plays later.
My thoughts:
* Rumors were swirling that Lance VanHoost was injuured. NOT THE CASE. HE played and had another big game, rushing for over 100 yards for sure.
* Brian Gornowich from Harbor Beach is a stud running back. He broke off back-to-back 20+ yard runs on the final Pirate drive, where they needed first downs to kill the clock. He likely ran for well over 100 yards for the second straight game, likely much closer to the 150 territory, but that is just a guess.
* The Pirates now have to be considered the top team in the area, but in the last two weeks the team on top of the Elite 8 has been the kiss of death so to speak...
* Harbor Beach's run defense look much improved and coach Troy Schelke was impressed by it. VanHoost got his yeards, but not the 200+ he got against Ubly.
* USA wanted to be battle tested after the first two weeks and they are. They will tear BCAS apart in week three. Much like Ubly's loss in week one, this shouldn't start a panic. USA will still be in the title hunt in the GTW and will make the playoffs.
* My question, will everyone annoint Harbor Beach as the team to make the long extended playoff run now, like happened to Ubly and then USA when they beat the Bearcats?
4 comments:
You can't anoint anyone for long playoff runs at this point. Didn't we all learn that lesson last year with Reese?
If anything, if last year is an indicator and this year is showing to be about the same, the only thing I can deduce is this: the Thumb will beat the snot of each other and when the playoffs get whittled down, the teams from the Thumb will be an extremely tough out.
I have to agree with you . Its just not fair that HB , USA Deckerville , UBLY could all end up in the same district. This will take 3 very goods team out very early in the play off hunt . If Ubly makes the playoff picture will Kaufman be able to play and could he be the differance in making along playoff run or not.
Pig skin
Deckerville will not be in the same district. They were in Division 8 last year and there's no reason to think that they won't be there again with their declining enrollment. As for the other three, that's just the way the system works. You have to admit it would really be fun to watch.
the other "scary" thing to consider here is Reese might be that 4th team if everything holds together.
Reese
Ubly
HB
USA..............now thats a loaded district!
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