Hart, Saugus want this one badly

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Tonight’s game between Hart and Saugus has, so far, lived up to all the hype.

Thanks to a seven-yard TD catch by Delano Howell and a three-yard TD run by Saugus’ Ryan Zirbel, the score is tied, 14-14, at halftime in front of an estimated 8,000 fans at College of the Canyons.

Following Saugus’ first TD of the night, Hart responded with a spectacular drive, culminating in a seven-yard TD pass from QB B.R. Holbrook to Howell. The Stanford-bound RB has looked great and has 108 yards in 17 carries.

His younger Foothill League rival, Ryan Zirbel, also has 108 yards but in only 11 carries.

Still, the most impressive aspect of this game has been how both teams have matched each other blow for blow. After Hart’s extra-point attempt on its first TD was blocked, the Indians made a two-point conversion to take a 14-7 lead.

But Saugus responded with a great-looking drive spearheaded by a 36-yard run by QB Desi Rodriguez, pictured. You can tell each team wants this one badly.

By the way, I was on the Saugus sideline in the first half, so I’ll try to get some more Hart photos from its sideline in the second.

-- Austin Knoblauch