By Terry Foster
WHMI.COM

The Hartland Eagles were talking mess. They wanted to be the best team in Livingston County and thought they had the team to do it.
They had to beat Brighton first, who had polished them off in 10 consecutive years. And they had to top Howell, which has won 27 of its last 30 games and was KLAA champion for two consecutive years.
Coach Aaron Metz thought it was possible because he had enough multi-sport athletes who were up for the challenge and cocky enough to pull it off. Hartland cannot claim the crown of best in Livingston County. But they came so darn close.
First came a 36-21 victory over Brighton, ending a 10-game losing streak to the Bulldogs. Then came a nip and tuck battle with Howell, which has won the KLAA conference the past two seasons.
The difference between the best football team in Livingston County and the second-best team is slim.
A clubbed hand and an illegal procedure penalty may be the difference between the kings of Howell and the almost but not quite there Eagles of Hartland.
That was the difference in Fridays’ 28-27 overtime victory by unbeaten Howell (6-0) over Hartland (4-2).
Hartland was in position to wrestle the crown from Howell. The game was tied 27-27 in overtime after a Hartland score. The Eagles were lined up for a two-point conversion and possible victory. However, an illegal procedure penalty moved the Eagles back five yards where they would attempt a PAT to tie the game again.
This is where the clubbed hand comes in. Howell superstar Bryce Kish, who is headed to Clemson to play rush end or outside linebacker, blew through the line and blocked the kick with his clubbed hand that is protecting a broken finger. That was the difference in the ball game.