Game: Hillsdale (7-2) at Hanover-Horton (8-1)
History: First meeting
Preview: The Hillsdale Hornets (2nd place in LCAA) are coming off a tough loss to league Champion Hudson 34-14 while the Comets (2nd place in Cascades) just defeated Quincy in a six overtime thriller to secure its 8th win of the year, a new school record. Hillsdale is in the playoffs for the 14th consecutive year, 5th consecutive in Division 6. Hanover-Horton’s only loss of the season was at Cascades Champion Manchester, a game the Comets were six inches away from winning. Last season, Hillsdale lost in the District Final to Constantine while Hanover-Horton’s last playoff appearance was 2008. The Comets lost to eventual State Runner-up Leslie in the opening round that year. The Hornets are averaging 37ppg while holding its opponents to 17ppg. Hanover is putting up 29ppg and its defense is allowing an average of 16ppg which is the best defensive average for the Comets since 1987. This is one of the better opening round games in the state and figures to be close. The game is scheduled for 7pm Friday night and will air on JTV at 1pm and 7pm this Saturday and Sunday. (Hanover-Horton’s 2-0 forfeit win over East Jackson in week 2 was used in figuring point averages.)