EAGLES DON’T BLINK IN CONFERENCE CLASH
By Ty Bartell
HUBBARD, Ohio — The Hubbard Eagles delivered a dominant performance at home Friday night, overpowering the Niles McKinley Red Dragons with a final score of 41-6.
Hubbard started strong with a Michael Hazimihalis 90-yard opening kickoff return for a touchdown! Alexander Hackwelder followed it up, scoring a 7-yard rushing touchdown. The two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, but the Eagles led 13-0. Rome Odem then added a 14-yard rushing touchdown, with Caleb Mackay converting the extra point to extend the lead to 20-0.
In the second quarter, Hackwelder struck again with a 5-yard rushing touchdown, and Mackay’s successful extra point made it 27-0. Hubbard’s Elijah Cochrane recovered a fumble, giving the Eagles possession at McKinley’s 32-yard line.
Niles McKinley managed to get on the board with a 50-yard rushing touchdown by D’onte’ Williams, though the extra point was missed. The Eagles responded with a 2-yard rushing touchdown by Antonio Burkley, and Mackay’s extra point put Hubbard up 27-6.
The third quarter saw Hackwelder connect with Michael Hazimihalis for a 15-yard touchdown pass. Mackay’s extra point extended Hubbard’s lead to 41-6. With a 35-point lead, the running clock was initiated.
The final quarter saw no additional scoring as the clock continued to run, concluding the game with a score of 41-6.
Hubbard, now 4-0, will continue its Northeast 8 (NE8) conference play with a road game against the Poland Seminary Bulldogs, who are 3-1. Niles McKinley, with a 1-3 record, will aim to rebound when they host the Lakeview Bulldogs, also 3-1. Both games are scheduled for September 20 with kickoffs at 7 p.m.