Emerson-Hubbard drops opener to Hartington-Newcastle

The Emerson-Hubbard Pirates lost their opener at Hartington-Newcastle Friday night, falling 54-18.

The Wildcats doubled up the Pirates 12-6 in the first quarter, and outscored them 30-6 in the second quarter to lead 42-12 at halftime.

Hartington-Newcastle blanked Emerson-Hubbard 12-0 in the third quarter to go up 54-12 at the end of three.

The Pirates added 6 points in the fourth quarter and held the Wildcats scoreless.

I thought Emerson-Hubbard would fare better than they did, but I think Hartington-Newcastle is pretty good.

The Pirates (0-1) host Scribner-Snyder (0-2) Friday night.

The Trojans lost 62-20 at home to Bloomfield last time out.

Both teams have had their struggles so far, especially on defense, and appear to be pretty even offensively.

Scribner-Snyder didn't do a whole lot of passing against the Bees so Emerson-Hubbard should probably load the box and try and shutdown the Trojans' run game.

Whichever defense can come up with the most turnovers and stops could very well win the game, in my opinion.

It's important for the Pirates to get their offense going too, but it all starts on defense.

Emerson-Hubbard has to be committed to slowing down the run and getting their offense going.

I give the Pirates the edge with the game being on their home field, but don't count out the Trojans.

Scribner-Snyder is definitely capable of coming into Emerson and winning so Emerson-Hubbard has to be wary of that and be ready to play.

I look for the Pirates to have a good showing and play well. I think you will see Emerson-Hubbard play much better Friday night than they did last Friday night.

The Pirates have the daunting task of trying to upset defending state champion Humphrey St. Francis next week so this game against Scribner-Snyder is one Emerson-Hubbard has to have.

The Pirates need this game for momentum purposes heading into the game against the Flyers.

This is also a game Emerson-Hubbard needs to win if they are to make the playoffs this year. A loss would really hurt the Pirates' power points.