PHOTO GALLERY: Brighton Defense Stands Tall in 20-9 Win

HARTLAND — Brighton avenged last year's loss while spoiling the host Eagles' homecoming game with a 20-9 win Friday under a steady cold rain and wind that lasted throughout the contest.

Senior running back Shane Dokey led the running attack, including several long runs and a three-yard score to cap a 10-play drive with about five minutes left in the fourth quarter to give Brighton a commanding 11-point lead.

The defense made big plays, as well, including a goal line stand in each half and recovering three fumbles. The last one — which was returned 26 yards to midfield — stopped a Hartland drive late in the third quarter after the Eagles had gained traction with a safety.

Senior running back Nick Savedes opened the scoring with a 1-yard run midway through the second quarter as both teams struggled to find the end zone in the challenging weather conditions. Key to the drive was a 51-yard run by Dokey.

Hartland, which had defeated the Bulldogs 35-28 a year ago, tied the score on its next possession with a 54-yard pass from quarterback Stephen Milarch to wide receiver Brandon Gigliotti.

But the Bulldogs answered with senior Andrew White scoring on a 1-yard run with about 30 sections left in the half, putting Brighton back up 14-7. A 36-yard Dokey scamper helped set up that TD.

Hartland edged closer after tackling Dokey in the end zone for a safety with 5:06 left in the third quarter but that's as close as the Eagles would get the rest of the way.

With the win, Brighton improves its record to 5-1 overall and 3-1 in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association West Division. The Bulldogs next host Howell on Oct. 6 for its homecoming game. Brighton is one win away from automatically qualifying for postseason play.