Harrison slams the door on Pinny comeback, claims JPC Division 2 title

Points were at a premium in Friday’s crucial Jack Pine Conference Division 2 game between 11^th ranked Harrison and Pinconning. So, when the Spartans opted to kick an extra point to pull within one instead of go for the two to tie, the host Hornets made certain that Pinconning would regret the decision. Harrison made that slim one-point lead stand through the duration of the fourth quarter, surviving to win 16-15 and give them the JPC Division 2 title in the process.

“This one feels great for the program, for the kids and for our school,” head coach Jamie Lipovsky said. “We understood going into this game that it was for the Division II Jack Pine Conference championship. To win feels great.”

With 4:04 to play in the third quarter, the Hornets took a 16-0 lead, getting Logan Williams to score on a five-yard touchdown run. Wayne Baehr put in the would-be crucial two-point conversion.

The Spartans had a quick answer. Shortly into their ensuing drive they were able to break free for a 66-yard touchdown run. They converted the ensuing two-point conversion, pulling them within 16-8.

Pinny got the ball back before the end of the quarter, and once again put up a scoring drive. They finished it off with a short two-yard score with 54 seconds left in the third, putting them within 16-14. The Spartans opted to kick the extra point, pulling them within 16-15.

Harrison never scored to put the game away, but their defense was up to the task, getting key stops down the stretch to help them secure the win.

“Our kids have been battle tested all season,” Lipovsky said. “They keep working and never give up. We got some key takeaways in the fourth and a huge first down to secure the victory.”

The first quarter occurred without any points. The Hornets were able to get a touchdown as time expired in the half. Talan Hamilton scooped up a fumble off the turn, returning it to the house for a 45-yard touchdown. Matt Latunski threw a pass to Baehr for a successful two-pointer, making it 8-0 at the break.

“The sack, strip, scoop and score by Talan Hamilton and his fellow defensive linemen to end the half really provided a huge boost,” Lipovsky said. “Logan Williams’ hard running was huge as well.  Ray Cosgrove rushed for close to 50 yards and that was a big lift from one of our underclassmen.”

To Lipovsky, the game was simply a reflection of what he has seen from his team all season.

“Our kids have battled all season,” he said. “They just don’t quit. We were thrown some real breaks, but many of those (fumbles) were caused by our players not giving up on plays. The ball just seemed to bounce our way when it hit the ground.”

The Hornets had Williams finish with 100 yards and a touchdown rushing on 24 carries. Baehr ran 17 times for 46 yards and Cosgrove finished with 45 yards on six touches. Latunski completed one pass for eight yards to Cosgrove.

The Hornets improve to 6-0 with the win and have clinched the JPC Division 2 title. They’ll have a shot at the overall JPC title next week against Ogemaw Heights, but for now they will turn their attention to their week seven opponent Farwell.

“It is the first time that Harrison has been undefeated this late in the season since 2014, so it has been a long time since we have been in this situation,” Lipovsky said. “It is definitely a great start but there is a lot of football remaining.”

Harrison (6-0 overall, 4-0 JPC Division 2) welcomes in Farwell (1-5, 0-4) on Friday. The Eagles are coming off a 41-7 loss to Meridian last week. Farwell is making their return to the 11-player game this year, after having spent the last three seasons as an 8-player team. They defeated Harbor Springs 19-15 in week two, and also have losses to Hesperia, Beaverton, St. Louis and Pinconning.

“Many would underlook a 1-5 Farwell, but that won't be our team,” Lipovsky said. “I know Farwell is well coached and they also have hard working kids. We will prepare for them the same as we did for the championship game versus Pinconning.  They will give us everything they've got.”

© Clare County Cleaver