Hackett Little League went all out in preparation to host their annual rivalry game against the Mansfield Tigers. The players had made College Gameday style signs to hang. The rivalry trophies were polished and set out for all to see. The field was lined up perfectly. And the announcer was excited and ready to entertain the masses. All they needed was a football game to take place. With all the planning made, the one thing Hackett didn’t plan on was the outcome at night’s end.
The Hornet 3rd and 4th Grade suffered a loss to Lavaca the previous week and was out for redemption against Mansfield. The Hackett players and coaches squared off against their opponents with ferocity in their eyes as the first snap was taken. The Hornets made out with a few good defensive stops with Mason Mathis and Collin Cooper plugging up the running backs and forcing them to run to the outside on the perimeters of the field.
Noah Rogers and Austin Gordon came up with some big open field tackles forcing the Tigers to become creative with their game. The Hornets couldn’t seem to match the speed of the Mansfield backs on a few occasions giving up a few big runs. Hackett’s offense struggled during the game but shown a spark late in the game when Zayden Holbert was able to snag a big pass to get the Hornets on the board, but it’s wasn’t enough as Hackett lost 38-6.
Hackett 3rd and 4th Grade isn’t done yet though. The Hornets have earned the #2 seed in the Playoffs and will have a bye week to prepare for the winner of the Round 1 game between #4 Cedarville and #5 Mountainburg on November 2nd at home. Hackett did not face either team during the regular season but will be fully prepared none the less for anything that comes their way.
Hackett’s 5th and 6th Grade was tied for the #2 seed in the Playoffs with Mansfield. Both teams had only one loss in the season which came at the hands of #1 Magazine. Hackett started out strong offensively with a solid ground and pound running game behind running back Elijah Rodgers, but it didn’t take long for the Tigers to figure out how to stop it. The Hornet defense held strong against Mansfields short yardage runs and was able to keep any trick plays at bay. Defenders Hunter Mays, Matthew Garner, and Chris Elkins came up with some big takedowns. Towards the end of the half, Hackett opened up the passing game and connected a few hefty yardage passes which built momentum going into halftime. The Hornets were able to put 20 points on the scoreboard, but could not stop Mansfields powerful run game which created a final score of Mansfield 44 Hackett 20.
The loss dropped the Hornets to the #3 seed in the playoffs which means they will host #6 West Fork at home on Saturday, October 26. The Hornets already beat West Fork 32-8 in the first week of the season and they are ready to do it again. Hackett will do what Hackett always does…..work and practice hard to get the win.
