Hart proves to be too much for Holton in WMC gridiron matchup

LocalSportsJournal.com

HOLTON – The train that is Hart football is officially back on the tracks with Holton becoming the latest victim to get tied to the tracks in a 72-12 win on Friday.

Two weeks removed from their first loss of 2023 at the hands of North Muskegon, Hart has pieced together back-to-back dominant wins over MCC and now the Red Devils. Even more impressive, the Pirates did it without their two best weapons in Joseluis Andaverde and Eman Hertzler.

Hart scored 30 points in the first quarter to bury Holton early. Finishing off the half with two more scores left them on top 46-12 at halftime following a pair of touchdowns for the Red Devils in the closing minutes of the second quarter.

The ground game was once again on full display for Hart as 11 different players toted the rock for the Pirates. Leading the way on the ground was Kyle Greiner with 139 yards and two touchdowns on five carries. Brendon Hiddema had the next highest mark in yardage with 92 yards and a touchdown.

Also finding the end zone on the ground were Hunter Chaffee, Connor Edwards, Austin Martinez and Ty Thomas (two touchdowns). Edwards also went 2-for-3 through the air for 85 yards and a touchdown while Ty Schlukebir was 1-for-1 for 60 yards and a touchdown. On the receiving end of those passes were Chaffee (one catch, 60 yards, one touchdown) and Chase Gale (two catches, 41 yards and a touchdown).

Thomas was Hart’s lead man on defense, recording 13 tackles.

Holton struggled mightily against the Pirates, finding minimal success offensively. Leaders for the Red Devils included David Addison with 44 rushing yards and Anthony Boone with 56 rushing yards. Riley Pierce also chipped in 42 yards on the ground to go along with 48 passing yards. Hunter Zang was the leading receiver with 28 yards.

The Pirates (6-1 overall, 3-1 WMC Rivers) will look to spoil Hesperia homecoming as they travel to take on the Panthers next Friday.

Holton (0-7 overall; 0-4 WMC Rivers) will travel to North Muskegon for a matchup with teams at opposite ends of the conference standings.