Header picture courtesy of LaWaynea Cox
The Hackett Little League Hornets hosted the Magazine Rattlers on September 14 knowing full well that this was going to be a war seeing as the Hornets and Rattlers have a history of close games with each other. Last season the Hornets were the victors of all of their matches against Magazine but those victories came in mere inches.
Hackett’s 3rd and 4th grade started the evening off with a bang putting home fans on their feet. The Hornets speed and determination to score on offense was ever-present for most of the game. Magazine did cross the goal line twice on Hackett’s defense, but the Hornet D held strong for the most part as Hackett thumped Magazine 26-12. The victory puts the Hornets in the driver’s seat at a 2-0 record tied with Mansfield and JC Westside at the top of the league.
The Hornet 5th and 6th grade game was a nail biter for all spectators at Mills Field. Hackett and Magazine took turns giving it all they had trying to wear each other down the entire game. The defensive battle led to only 12 total points between the teams in the games regular time forcing not one, but two overtimes. Magazine was able to find a slight gap in the Hornets defensive hive in the second game which led to a score of 12-6 giving Hackett their first loss of the year.
Hackett’s 5th and 6th grade coach, Chuck Hamilton, stated “It was a tough loss for us. I returned many kids from last year and they aren’t used to losing. Magazine played great. All my boys played there heart out. It was the hardest hitting little league game I’ve ever seen. Hats off to Magazine as they outplayed us in the second OT. We look forward to seeing them in the playoffs. We’re going to learn from this loss and be better for it.”
Hackett will travel to JC Westside to face off against the Rebels on Saturday, September 21 with game time starting at 6 p.m. With Hackett and JC Westside’s 3rd and 4th grade teams both being undefeated at 2-0, the Hornets will be fighting to remain at the top of the league in their grade level. The Hackett 5th and 6th grade will learn from their narrow loss and look to regain traction as they take on the 1-1 Rebels.
