It was KLAA playoff time tonight and, after two consecutive nights of postponements, the Corral hosted a perfectly balanced contest between two LAX powerhouses. Representing the Lakes Conference were the Eagles from Hartland while the Mighty Northville Mustangs came out to defend the honor of the Kensington Conference. Two strong, young squads took the field, and after 48 minutes of regulation, they had not determined a winner. The lead had changed hands multiple times and stood deadlocked at 10 as the teams headed into sudden death overtime.
Amazingly, it was the first OT game of the season at the Corral. Each team had several possessions in the OT and the game was extended a few times on each end by the strategic placement of the uprights which blocked the laser-like shots of players from both teams. Even the crossbars got into the mix as they stood in the way of potential game winners by each team. In the end, it was Hartland who found a way to get the ball into the Northville net and end the contest at 11-10 disappointing Northville faithful including Athletic Director Bryan Masi who was in attendance for the big match-up. "I was impressed by the intensity on the field tonight," said Masi, "It looks like the guys are getting to a peak at playoff time. I thought we might get the win, but this will provide a spark at the right time as we head into the State Tourney next week. Coach D. has them playing great!"
The 12th consecutive sellout crowd, including a press box filled with college scouts, were entertained by a fantastic see-saw contest. Hartland jumped ahead 2-0 before the Stangs found their footing and answered with 3 straight to go up 3-2 at the end of the 1st. Two more early 2nd period goals extended the lead to 5-2 before Hartland got a couple last minute markers to bring the halftime score to 6-5 Northville. By the end of the 3rd, the score was knotted at 8. Northville got two quick goals to make it 10-8 and looking good for the home squad, but the Eagles #38 buried a couple to tie it up at 10 as the regulation horn sounded. The Mustangs were led in scoring tonight by Senior John Cooke who had a hat-trick. Alec Melucci, Connor Sweeney(2), Alex Fuller, Nate Ray, and Harry Dyson added goals.
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"I hate to lose," opined Coach Greg Durham when the post-game dust settled, "but our kids showed a lot of grit out there tonight. We will be ready for the big Tourney next week." Between now and then, the Mustangs have a couple of excellent tune up matches in the East-West Showcase over the weekend. They have drawn the well-deserved #1 seed in the regional and will enjoy a 1st round bye before taking the field on Wednesday evening to get things started. Watch this space for information on times, locations and opponents for that big game.....cuz you won't want to miss it! See you there. Go Mustangs!
