Harrison Struggles with McBain, Falls 49-6 in Playoff Action

By BEN MURPHY

Cleaver Sportswriter

Friday was definitely not the way the Harrison football team envisioned the season ending. The Hornets were playing at McBain in both teams’ Division 7 playoff opener, and while they were able to score first, they were unable to keep up with the Ramblers, suffering a 49-6 season ending loss in the process.

“It was a disappointing way to finish the season, very unhappy that we didn't compete the way we have all season,” head coach Jamie Lipovsky said. “They were very physical up front and that wore us out.  They were quick on the edge, and we had just lost an edge defender early in the week so that was tough.”

The Hornets scored on their opening drive, capping off the series with a one-yard plunge from Justin Harrison, making it 6-0. McBain struck back before the end of the frame to lead 8-6 after one and they used a big second quarter to take a 35-6 lead at the half. Harrison faced a 42-6 deficit entering the fourth as well.

“The kids didn't give up, even when we got down, there was no quit,” Lipovsky said.

The Hornet offense was led by Wayne Baehr who ran 18 times for 98 yards. Logan Williams added 83 yards on 21 carries and Justin Harrison ran nine times for 29 yards and he had their lone touchdown.

Their defense was led by Logan Williams, Casey Brand and Talon Hamilton with five tackles apiece, Alex Jansen took down four and getting three tackles apiece was Baehr, Aiden Brewer, Alex Erskine and Hunter Lafeve. Justin Harrison, Collin Dennis and Mason Root all had one tackle each.

Harrison wraps up the season 7-3 overall. They lost their last three contests, including the playoff game with McBain, but overall things still felt like quite the success for the Hornets. They won the Jack Pine Conference Division 2 title and were taking part in the post-season for the first time since 2021.

“It was great to win seven games, win our division and have a chance to play for the league championship, but it was disappointing to lose the last three games,” Lipovsky said. “We are losing some key seniors that we will have to replace. It will be hard to replace two 1000 yard rushers (Logan Williams and Wayne Baehr) but I think the next crop of running backs from the younger kids in our program are up to the challenge.  There are a bunch of them and each wants to be the next 1000 yard rusher for our program. We look forward to that competition. The line returns many veteran players so the future looks bright.”