A meeting with one of the most bruising run games in the West Michigan Conference Rivers, saw Hart fall to Mason County Central 35-12 on the road, Friday, Oct. 4.
Much like the Pirates in 2023, MCC is in the midst of a resurgence for their program. Led by an offensive line and talented running back Peyton Merz, the Spartans flexed their ability to take control of a game by dominating possession.
After Hart stopped the Spartans on their first few offensive drives, MCC was able to break through. Merz punched in a short yardage touchdown to put the Pirates in a 6-0 hole with just seconds remaining in the first quarter.
The second quarter saw Merz score another touchdown as MCC capitalized on mistakes by the Pirate offense. Hart senior quarterback Halen Boos threw an interception, setting the Spartans up for a short drive to take a two score lead.
Hart found a way to answer with seven minutes remaining in the second quarter. Freshman quarterback Kolton Rockwell took a run down to the goal line where sophomore Keaghan Monroe finished off the drive with a one-yard touchdown run to make it 14-6.
Merz scored his third touchdown of the game, once again pushing through in a short yardage situation. MCC went into the locker room with a 22-6 lead at halftime.
The Spartans wasted no time getting it going in the third quarter, striking through the air for a 29-6 advantage. Hart answered with three minutes remaining in that same frame on a 13-yard run by Boos to make it 29-12.
MCC finished off their night with another rushing touchdown, ending the game with a 35-12 win. Merz surpassed 1,000 rushing yards on the year in the win, taking 29 carries for 165 yards and three touchdowns.
Boos led Hart with 37 rushing yards on six carries and a touchdown, also going 3-for-8 through the air for 46 yards. Senior Alex Hicks led the defense with eight tackles, while Kyle Greiner and Monroe each had six.
Hart’s record slipped to 2-3 overall with a 1-3 record in the WMC Rivers. The Pirates will host Orchard View for Homecoming this week.
That game will take place Friday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.
