Mohawks rely on experience
Not much will separate Millis and Hoosac Valley on the Gillette Stadium field Saturday afternoon as the teams clash in the Division 8 Super Bowl.
Both schools boast high-powered offenses with the ability to score points in bunches, athletic defenses and stellar leadership from the senior class. Still, the Mohawks and Hurricanes have carved their own niche, which could prove the difference.
Millis (11-1) has the advantage of experience, both on its roster and in past playoff runs. Hoosac Valley (11-0) gets the edge in the manner and quickness with which it scores points.
The Mohawks have 17 seniors on their roster, five more than the Hurricanes. But their biggest advantage comes from having been in this spot just one year ago when they defeated Maynard, 30-18, to capture the program’s first state championship since 1999.
“Our kids know there is a legacy thing here. They can leave the winningest football team ever for Millis,” coach Dana Olson said with pride. “Our kids have played in a ton of big games, and the teams we played have gotten us ready to play in the game Saturday.”
On the other side, Hoosac Valley has overwhelmed opponents with its fast, furious scoring ability. The Hurricanes have scored 525 points this season, posting 50 or more in five of their 11 games including a 76-34 rout of Nashoba Tech in the state semifinals.
The Hurricanes have three viable options in the backfield in seniors Vance Eugene, Matt Hall and David Critelli. The trio gained 557 of the team’s 593 rushing yards against Nashoba Tech.
“We have a lot of kids that run the ball at different times, and it’s a matter of getting them the ball and having our offensive line work,” Hoosac Valley coach Dayne Poirot said. “Our biggest thing is the ability to move the ball. We have to keep the chains moving and get first downs.”
Hoosac Valley’s offense has intimidated plenty of opponents this season, but not in the Super Bowl against Olson’s battletested group.
In the playoffs, the Mohawks slowed Wareham running back Issac Nascimento before duplicating the feat against record-setting Cathedral back Khalil Blair to punch their ticket to Gillette. In the regular season, they played against three teams from Div. 5 and four from Div. 6.
Despite the better competition, the defense held firm, allowing just 15.4 points and forcing 35 turnovers (24 interceptions) in 12 games.
“Our kids always look forward to stepping up to a challenge, and we are certainly interested to see how we match up against a team who gets the buzz that they do,” Olson said.
“Don’t forget about the team from Millis who has won 11 straight. We are certainly ready.”