HUBBARD FIGHTS THROUGH THE TIGERS

By Jamie Thomson

HUBBARD, Ohio – Prior to tonight’s game, Hubbard and Howland had met 44 times since their inaugural matchup in 1930. Over the past 90 years, both teams had exactly 22 wins a piece, drawing the all-time series to a draw.

Only one team could emerge with the series lead, and the Howland Tigers (0-3) had early aspirations of upsetting the Eagles on the road. Forcing a three and out on the opening drive of the game, Howland would take over with favorable field positioning. After a pass-interference call on third down would extend the Tigers drive, Howland would convert a few plays later from just nine yards out when John Perry connected with Gabriel Gamichia.

Hubbard would respond on the ensuing drive with a five-minute drive traversing ninety yards before Alex Hackwelder would score his first touchdown of the night from six yards out, knotting the game at seven. The teams would trade scoreless possessions before swapping touchdowns prior to the half. Both Perry and Hackwelder would find paydirt on the ground for their teams.

Exiting the break, Howland would put together an eight minute and fifty-five second drive that would result in no points. Key sacks would swing momentum in the corner of the Blue and White with 3:05 left in the third quarter, and just 4 minutes later, Alex Hackwelder would punch in his third rushing touchdown of the night. The junior quarterback would score once more in his career night, a thirteen-yard scamper to put the Eagles ahead by two scores and the game on ice. Hubbard secured the series edge with a 28-14 victory.

BIG PERFORMERS

HUBBARD:

Alex Hackwelder: 10/12 passing, 133 passing yards, 19 carries, 50 rushing yards, 4 rushing TDs

Garland Warren: 12 carries, 48 rushing yards

HOWLAND:

Brendan Day: 23 carries, 73 rushing yards

John Perry: 38 total yards, 2 total TDs (1 rushing, 1 passing)

UP NEXT

Hubbard: For the fourth straight season, Hubbard has gotten out to a 3-0 start. The Eagles will look to continue their perfect beginning of the year next Friday night as they travel to Bo Rein Stadium for a matchup with the Niles Red Dragons (2-1). Hubbard has won 16 straight matchups against the Red Dragons, dating back to 1996.

Howland: While the Tigers drop to 0-3 with the loss, the three defeats have all come to quality teams. Unfortunately for Howland, the road doesn’t get much easier in the coming weeks. While the Tigers will faceoff with a winless Boardman Spartans (0-3) team next week, the Spartans have played tough competition in their own right and are not to be underestimated.