By Terry Foster
WHMI.COM

The newest tradition at Hartland High School is player led.
Win, lose or draw Hartland football players seek out their opponent to huddle up one more time. They called over players from Wayne Memorial after the Eagles 57-6 victory last Friday to pray at midfield before Memorial players got on the bus for the long trip home.
The Fellowships for Christian Athletes has made an impact on the Eagles and they promised to huddle up with opponents for the remainder of the season.
Does that include bitter rivals Howell and Brighton?
Yep.
Players from Wayne Memorial kneeled with Hartland players, shook hands one last time and placed their hands on opponent’s shoulder pads.
And one of the Hartland players spoke, thanking the Memorial players for a hard-fought contest and wishing them good tidings for the rest of the football season and in life. Credit teacher Bill Brenner who brought the idea to Hartland after he transferred from Walled Lake Northern.
“Our players lead it and own it,” said Hartland football coach Aaron Metz. “And it is just to appreciate guy’s faith. It’s kind of a cool thing so we do it.”
** The rivals Howell, Brighton and Hartland will be bumping heads soon. Brighton and Howell are state powers. Hartland is not. They all draw from the same talent pool. So, what gives?
It could be as simple as the coaching staff. Hartland has had three head coaches since 2020. Brian Lemons is the only thing Brighton knows during that time and Brian Lewis has been the only head coach at Howell.
Since 2020 Brighton is 10-5 against its Livingston County rivals, Howell is 10-7 and Hartland 4-13.