Listen, I hope whoever wins the Ironton-Wheelersburg matchup gives Hartley all they can handle and them some, but some of you need to take off your SEO glasses and look at what Hartley has done and the schedule those guys have played.
Hartley has played 11 games. They have played 7 playoff teams. Of those 7, only West (who Hartley eliminated) is not still playing this weekend. That is crazy.
The Hawks were one of only two teams to keep Muskegon CC to 30 or less points this season. MCC averaged almost 49 points a game and they beat Hartley 24-14 in week 1.
Hartley lost to Coldwater in week two. The Cavs are one of the D5 favorites.
Hartley is the only loss for Marion Franklin and Beechcroft.
The differences in the schedule that Hartley plays in just night and day when take in comparison to the rest of region 17.
Like I said, I hope Burg or Ironton can find a way, but the cards are stacked way against them when dealing with Hartley.
I am sure that most of those who follow Region 17 will be rooting for St. Clairsville on Saturday night. It appears that StC has a strong defense, but I understand that they have not played the toughest schedule either.
Nice wins by DeSales, Beechcroft and Bishop Luers last night. Of the 6 playoff opponents Hartley played in the regular season, only Marion Franklin failed to advance so far.