The 2021 season symbolizes a new era of football in both Hart and Holton. These programs both have struggled recently, and they are under the direction of new leadership this fall. Hart has hired Joe Tanis to direct the Pirates, while Alex Smith was tapped to lead the Holton program. The Joe Tanis era will be the lone regime to start their inaugural season with a victory after Hart recorded a 44-20 win on Friday night.
Hart started with the football, and the Pirates were forced into a three-and-out. Holton capitalized, with Austin Fowler powering across the goal line from a three yards out to create a 6-0 lead for the Red Devils. Hart would quickly respond as Kellen Kimes and Chris Smith paired up for a 40-yard touchdown pass, and the successful conversion pushed the Pirates in front by two.
As the second quarter commenced, Holton regained the lead. Chase Albright capped off a scoring drive with a 5-yard touchdown run. Once again, the Red Devils’ lead was short lived as Hart responded with a lengthy drive of their own. Eight plays into their drive, Kellen Kimes used his legs on a 1-yard quarterback keeper. A successful two-point conversion put Hart ahead 16-12. In the final minute of the first half, Kimes and Emanuel Hertzler connected for a 20-yard touchdown that gave the Pirates a 22-12 halftime edge.
The Pirates continued their hot run with a scoring drive to open the third quarter. Kellen Kimes and Joselius Andaverde paired up on a 28-yard touchdown pass. After another successful two-point try, Hart led 30-12. All of the momentum remained on Hart’s side when Matthew Clark-Smith broke free on a 78-yard run down the field. This sprint set up a short touchdown run by Trayce Tate, extending the Pirates’ lead to 36-12 entering the fourth quarter.
Holton finally scored with three minutes to play in this ballgame. Austin Fowler used his legs, and his 1-yard quarterback keeper snapped a lengthy scoring drive by the Pirates. Hart would tack on one final touchdown to bring the game to its final count of 44-20.
Next week, Hart will begin WMC play against Mason County Central. Holton will remain at home next week, as the Red Devils welcome Coleman for a Thursday night contest.
