A venegeful Hart
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In Coach Mike Herrington’s storied football career at Hart, he’s rarely lost to the same team twice in the same season, let alone by 20 points or more each time. Heck, there have been years when his Indians didn’t lose any games. So heading into Hart’s season opener against Moorpark on Friday, you can bet Herrington wants this one bad.
“We had two very poor performances against them last year,” Herrington said. “We want to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”
And here’s a few reasons why it won’t: First, Hart’s got returning starter Delano Howell, the most explosive RB in the Santa Clarita Valley. Second, Moorpark doesn’t have RB Darrell Scott, the guy who torched the Indians for 249 yards and four TDs in the Musketeers’ 56-27 Northern Division semifinal victory last season. Oh, and everyone here at The Times knows Hart is better.
“There is a different emphasis since their offense centers around the quarterback instead of the running back,” Herrington said.
The quarterback Herrington’s talking about is Adam Barry, who will be in the cross-hairs of the Hart defense after his performance in Moorpark’s opener. Stopping the Barry-Ryan Murry connection will be crucial for the Indians. As for Moorpark, stopping Howell and forcing the Indians to use untested QB B.R. Holbrook is equally important.
“[Howell] is a threat to score every time he touches the ball,” Moorpark Coach Tim Lins said. “We know we need to stop him, but we also know they’re going to come out with a strong passing game. We’re expecting to face a very talented team that is out for revenge.”
So even though Herrington won’t admit revenge is on his radar, Lins knows Hart is going to be just as tough as they were in the playoffs.
“This isn’t a league game, but the ramifications down the stretch, as far as the division is concerned, are big,” Lins said. “We know it’s going to be tough.”
What: Moorpark (1-0) vs. Hart (0-0)
Where: College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
My prediction: Hart 28, Moorpark 20
- Austin Knoblauch
