HART – Tonight marked the fifth consecutive year that the Pirates have triumphed over the Shelby. The last time Shelby defeated Hart was back in 2019 with a score of 36-20. Fueled by an enthusiastic home crowd, the Pirates were primed for battle, and it showed from the start.
Hart quickly set the tone, driving down the field and scoring within the first minute and a half of the game. However, they failed to convert the ensuing two-point attempt. Coach Joe Tanis’s strategy was evident early on—he preferred to go for two rather than settle for the simpler extra point. Despite this, Shelby answered with a long, methodical drive that chewed up 7-8 minutes of clock before scoring. They, too, missed their PAT attempt.
The next two quarters were largely uneventful, with both teams unable to break the 6-6 tie. Red zone drives came and went without success, and turnovers, including several fumbles, plagued both sides.
The game’s tempo shifted dramatically in the 4th quarter. Led by Eman Hertzler and his team, Hart surged with a three-touchdown streak, each capped with a successful two-point conversion. They scored 24 points in just one quarter, breaking open the game.
Shelby struggled throughout, both offensively and defensively. Hart’s strategy of relying on a powerful run game, supported by a solid offensive line and strong running backs, allowed them to consistently gain first downs and advance the ball. In contrast, the Tigers’ offense faltered under the intense pressure from Hart’s defense, forcing quarterback Isaac Garcia to scramble and make hurried decisions.
Hart looks to play Kent City next week who are currently 2-1 on the season, only losing to Newaygo in their season opener. Shelby will play a solid Ravenna squad next week who are 2-0 on the season. They were supposed to play tonight, however, sadly, Holton disbanded it’s football team and forfeited the game.
Notable Plays from Tonight
- Eman Hertzler opening touchdown (first one minute and thirty seconds of the game).
- Shelby’s QB Isaac Garcia opened their first scoring drive with a keeper into the endzone.
- Fumble recovery early deep in their own territory, Shelby held the wall and were able to keep the score 6-6 in the first half.
- Hart capitalized on 3/4, two point conversions. Scoring 24 in the final quarter of the game.
- Late in the third quarter, Hart first fumbled at about midfield, then turned around and caused a Shelby fumble to restart their drive going into the 4th quarter.
We have not yet received statistics for this game, once we do, we will be sure to update the article! Thank you for your understanding!
Stacia Erickson
September 14, 2024 at 9:09 am
Nice coverage Conner, well written
and interviewed! Precise, entertaining and accurate, with good pics too. Keep up the high quality work~ “Catchmark” is lucky to have you.
Conner Raeth
September 14, 2024 at 5:31 pm
Thank you so much! The kind words mean a ton! Excited to continue to provide great coverage for our athletes!