Local Sports Journal

Sophomore running back Brady Tate rushed for 197 yards on 14 carries and scored four touchdowns, helping the Hart Pirates down Manistee Catholic 37-8 Thursday in a non-league football opener for both schools.

The victory was a much needed boost for the Pirates, following their 0-9 season in 2013.

Tate scored twice in the first half to give Hart a 16-0 lead at the break.

Hart’s Matt Wilson set the tone for the rest of the game by returning the second half kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown. Tate added two more touchdowns before the end of the third quarter, putting the game out of reach.

Manistee Catholic scored all of its points in the fourth quarter.

The Sabres tried to get back into the game in the second half by switching from a spread to a wing-t offense, but the Pirates weren’t fooled.

‘”We adjusted well,” said Hart coach Steve Hlady. “Matt Wilson’s (kick return) was the key to the game. It created momentum for our kids in the second half.”

Norberto Ramirez had 10 rushes for 83 yards for Hart. Wilson paced the defense with 12 tackles while Freddy Oliveros added six tackles, including two sacks.