2013 All-Star Rosters

Congratulations to the following players, who have been voted in to the 2013 4th Grade vs 5th Grade All-Star Game. Players were voted in by their peers in an anonymous online poll.

• 4TH GRADE
  
• Carter S
• Logan M
• Reed G
• Ryan O
• Colin B
• Niklas M
• Marcus C
• John R

• 5TH GRADE

·   Calvin C

·   Matthew B

·   Will H

·   Carter B

·   Joe E

·   Mason N

·   Cooper B

·   Colin O’C

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Wolverines Super Bowl Champs

Howell, MI -  Carter's late touchdown reception with one-minute remaining in the game ended the Highlanders comeback hopes and sealed the Super Bowl victory for the Wolverines. The final score read Wolverines 77, Highlanders 63.

The Wolverines celebrate with the Super Bowl trophy

Leading 70-63, the Wolverines faced a 2nd-and-10 from their own 20-yard line, knowing that they had to put together a scoring drive, or give the Highlanders one last chance to score and send the game into sudden death overtime.

Former Hutchings principal Mr. Clay launched a pass into double coverage as Carter streaked downfield. Clay's pass eluded two Highlander defenders (Dillon & Niklas), and ended up in the hands of #27 Carter S, who secured the ball in the endzone for the for his third touchdown of the game.

"Carter's third, and last touchdown proved to be the biggest," said Hutchings Sports announcer Mr. Blair.

Clay completed a 26-yard pass to the Billy H on the Highlanders ensuing possession, but the Wolverines celebrated as time ran out. 

"An amazing display of talent, sportsmanship, and respect for their fellow student athletes," said quarterback and league president Mr. Horne. "I thought every player played great today, and more importantly, treated the other players with respect."

The win caps an undefeated season for the champion Wolverines (3-0-2), while the Highlanders end their season with an impressive 4-2-1 record.

Logan was a unanimous MVP selection

The Wolverines Logan M set a 4th Grade Super Bowl record with 8 receptions, to go along with his 4 touchdowns. Logan was a unanimous pick as the game's MVP. Logan M scored early and often, and no catch was more impressive than his last touchdown reception, a 40-yard strike from Mr. Clay. 

On the previous play, Logan had injured his right shoulder while diving for the ball. Clay conferenced with Logan for a couple minutes until it was determined that Logan was healthy enough to stay in the game. 

When play resumed, Logan beat his defender down the field, favoring his sore right shoulder, and grimicing in pain. Clay's pass was on the money, and Logan hauled in his eighth reception, and fourth touchdown of the day.

"I asked him if he (Logan) was ok, and he said he was, so I decided to go right back to him," said Clay.

"Just one example of the toughness and heart that these players showed out there today," said Horne. "I know Niklas and Kaden from the Highlanders got dinged up a little out there too. All the kids played tough and played with great passion."

Early in the 1st half, trailing 14-7, the Highlanders had the ball and were looking to tie the game up when the Wolverines Marcus C made one of the most exciting plays in 4th Grade Super Bowl history.

The Highlanders: Kaden, Niklas, Dillon, & Billy

Clay threw a pass intended for the Highlanders Niklas M, but the Wolverines' Carter S made a late break on the ball, and tipped the pass up into the air. Marcus reacted quickly, grabbing the tipped pass at mid-field, and then used his speed to somehow elude a Highalnder player and slide into the endonze. Marcus's pick-6 gave the Wolverines a 21-7 lead, a lead that they would hold onto the entire game.

"Marcus made an incredible interception, and that pick-6 might have been the difference in the game," said Blair. "The Highlanders were able to close the gap to one score several times, but they could never get over the hump to tie the game."

The Wolverines led 35-28 at halftime, and the Highlanders had a chance to tie the game on their first possesion of the second half, but Horne's 4th down pass intended for a wide open Niklas M hit the basketball backboard, and fell to the ground, incomplete.

Niklas M came into the Super Bowl as the legaue leader in receptions with 18, and second in the league in touchdowns with 11. The Wolverines used a variety of defenders and coverages to deny Niklas the ball, and it worked. Niklas was held to two receptions and two touchdowns on the day. However, Niklas did have a very timely interception in the first half to help keep his Highlanders in the game.

"Coming into the game, we knew that the Wolverines were going to use their number one rated defense to try and slow down Nik," remarked Blair. "Niklas is a great player, but it's tough when an opponent double teams you and tries to deny you the ball."

Billy H led the Highlanders with 4 touchdowns

Billy H and Dillon F were up to the task of providing some firepower on offense for the Highlanders. Billy led his team with 5 receptions and 4 touchdowns, while Dillon added 4 receptions and 3 touchdowns.

Kaden C also had a huge catch for the Highlanders. Kaden used some fancy footwork, making sure that he tapped both feet in bounds, on a sideline catch that gave the Highlanders an all important first down in the 2nd half.

Marcus C and Reed G added some big plays in helping the Wolverines to their championship title. Marcus had 3 catches, 3 touchdowns, and that amazining pick-6 in the first half. Reed added 2 receptions and one very timely touchdown late in the game, as the Highlanders were making a push to tie up the score.

News and Notes:

Mr. Clay's #4 was retired during halftime

The Hutchings gym hosted a record, standing room only crowd ..... Mr. Clay's #4 jersey was retired during halftime in a surprise ceremony. Clay was honored for his 38 years of service to Howell Public Schools, 8 of those years with Hutchings Elementary (2003-2011) ..... Three combined interceptions was the lowest amount of interecptions in the 4th Grade Super Bowl since 2006 ..... Every player on the Wolverines roster recorded at least two receptions and at least 1 touchdown .....  The 10th annual 4th Grade vs 5th Grade All Star Game is scheduled for Friday, May 10th, on the Hutchings outdoor football field.

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Guide to the 2013 4th Grade Super Bowl

Niklas and the Highlanders hope to upset the Wolverines

Howell, MI - The stage is set for the eleventh annual 4th Grade Super Bowl. The Highlanders will take on the Wolverines, Friday, March 1st, at 10:00am in the Hutchings gymnasium.

"The 4th Grade Super Bowl gets bigger and better every year," remarked 4th Grade Football league president Mr. Horne. "This year I am excited to announce that we have a complete list of entertainment, from pre-game, to halftime, to post-game."

Entertainment includes: national anthem performed by one 4th grade student, NFL Fuel Up to Play 60 presentation by Mrs. Nemeth, half-time baton twirling performance by one 4th grade student, half-time dance routine performed by seventeen 4th grade students, special surprise half-time feature, post-game trophy presentation, and MVP honors.

"The singer, the half-time show performers, and the football players have all worked so hard to get to this point," said Horne. "I can't wait for everyone to show off their hard work this Friday!"



Game Notes:

• The Super Bowl features the team with the league's best offense (Highlanders: 29.2 point per game scored) and the team with the league's best defense (Wolverines: 21.0 points per game allowed)
• These two teams met in the regular season on December 12th, in a game that ended in a 35-35 tie. Logan M caught the game-tying touchdown as time expired, to help his Wolverines keep their undefeated season intact. 
• Niklas (Highlanders) leads the league in receptions with 18, while each Wolverine player has recorded 4 or more touchdowns (complete stats).
• The Highlanders Dillon defeated his twin brother Zach (Giants), 28-14 in the playoffs to reach the Super Bowl.
• Former Hutchings principal Mr. Clay (2003-2011) returns to help quarterback in his sixth consecutive 4th Grade Super Bowl.
• The game will be aired on Hutchings Sports, via closed-circuit television, to the classrooms at Hutchings Elementary. Students can watch the game on their classroom TV and complete their Super Bowl math worksheets as they follow the live action.
• Last year's Super Bowl set a record for the most combined points scored (189) as the Steelers outlasted the Lions, 98-91.

What: 2013 4th Grade Super Bowl 
Who: Highlanders vs Wolverines
When: Friday, March 1st
Where: Hutchings Gym

10:00: 4th grade students called down to gym to watch game
10:00-10:05: Players warm-up
10:05: NFL Fuel Up to Play 60 Announcement – Mrs. Nemeth
10:10: Player Introductions
10:12: National Anthem (Hailey F)
10:14: Coin Flip with Honorary Captains (Calvin C & Joe E)
10:15: Start 1st Half
10:27: Halftime Show (Baton: Zoey RB, Dance: 4th Grade Girls)
10:37: Start 2nd Half
10:50: End Game
10:52: Trophy Presentation & MVP Presentation

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Highlanders Surprise Giants, 28-14

Howell, MI - The stage is now set for the 2013 4th Grade Super Bowl. The Highlanders upset the previously undefeated Giants, 28-14, to advance to the 4th Grade Super Bowl, where they will face the Wolverines on Friday, March 1st.

Niklas M's interception return for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter sealed the victory for the Highlanders (4-1-1), as his pick-6 put the Highlanders ahead 28-14.  

The Giants were trailing 21-14, and driving downfield, in an attempt to tie the score at 21-21. Mr. Horne spotted the Giants Ryan O over the middle of the field, but Niklas read the play, jumped in front of Ryan, intercepted the pass, and raced 70 yards for the score.

"Hindsight is always 20-20," said all-time quarterback Mr. Horne. "But, I probably shouldn't have made that throw. I had Ryan open on a hitch, but Niklas read the play and jumped the route. Once Niklas was in the open field, I knew there was no way he was going to be caught. Niklas has great speed."

The Highlanders jumped out to an early 14-0 lead behind touchdowns from Dillon F and Billy H. Dillon scored on an 65-yard strike, while Billy caught an 8-yard touchdown pass from Horne.

Zack F and his Giants (2-1-1) were not about to go down quietly. The Giants were facing their largest deficit of the season (14 points), when Zack took over. Mr. Horne fired a long pass down the right sideline to an open Zack for a 80-yard score, bringing the Giants within striking distance at 14-7.

Jhonny R intercepted the Highlanders on their next possession and then Zack struck again. Mr. Horne found Zack open in a similar play to his first score, and Zach scored a 77-yard touchdown to tie the game at 14-14.

The Highlanders took their time on their ensuing possession, completing short passes on a six-play drive that ended in a 12-yard touchdown pass to Niklas, making the score 21-14.

Zack led the Giants (2-1-1) with two receptions and two touchdowns. "The Giants have nothing to feel bad about," remarked Horne. "They had a great season and came within one game of the Super Bowl."

Dillon recorded three receptions and one touchdown for the Highlanders and Niklas added 3 receptions and two touchdowns.

News and Notes:
Twins, Zack and Dillon faced each other for the second time this season. The brothers combined for five receptions and four touchdowns in today's game. "An amazing performance for the twins today," said Horne. "Both boys played their hearts out, and they showed great respect for one another." ..... Niklas M's 3 reception performance makes him the league leader with 18 receptions this season ..... Billy's touchdown catch now means that every player on the Highlander's roster now has at least 4 touchdowns this season (Niklas-11TDs, Dillon-8TDs, Kaden-4TDs, & Billy-4TDs) ..... Today's game marked the first time this year that the Giants Ryan O was held without a touchdown reception.

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Wolverines Advance, 28-21

Howell, MI - The Wolverines have punched their ticket to the 4th Grade Super Bowl thanks to their 28-21 playoff win over the Patriots.

 Wolverines: Marcus, Carter, Reed, Logan (left to right)

Carter S scored an 80-yard touchdown to put the Wolverines up 28-14 with less than two minutes remaining in the game.  

Cole P responded with a late touchdown for the Patriots that cut the score to 28-21, but the Wolverines ran out the clock on their ensuing possession.

It was a balanced attack on offense that powered the Wolverines to victory. Each Wolverine player scored one touchdown and recorded one reception. "So many weapons for the Wolverines," said all-time quarterback Mr. Horne. "I was just trying to spread the football around and get everyone involved in the game."

Marcus C opened the game with a 60-yard touchdown for the Wolverines. Logan added a score after the Wolverines stopped the Patriots on downs, putting the score at 14-0. 

The Patriots fell behind early, but stood tall and fought back to make it a one-score game. Trailing 14-0, Cam W found himself open while crossing through the back of the endzone. Mr. Horne's pass found its way to Cam, who hauled in the touchdown, making the score 14-7.

Reed G scored another long touchdown for the Wolverines to put the score at 21-7. Reed got behind the Patriot defense and went 75 yards for the score.

Trailing by two scores, the Patriots looked to their leader, Colin B. Colin caught a 22-yard pass over the middle, and then 15-yards were added on to the end of the play due to a "unnecessary roughness" personal foul on the Patriots after the catch.

Colin brushed himself off after the penalty committed against him, and then made one of the top plays of the season. Colin ran a fade route to the corner of the endzone and then leaped up, full-extension, to grab Mr. Horne's pass at it's highest point. Colin reached over Logan, who was defending on the play, to come down with an incredible catch in traffic.

"The play Colin made on the jump ball has to be right up there with the great plays of the season," remarked Horne. "What really impressed me was that Colin was hurting a little from the hit he took on the previous play, but he stayed focused, stayed tough, and made an amazing play to keep his team in the game."

The Wolverines now await the winner of the Giants vs Highlanders playoff game on February 6th.

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The Playoffs Begin

Howell, MI - The 4th Grade Football playoffs begin this week, as the #1 seeded Wolverines host the #4 seeded Patriots Wednesday, January 30 at 12:35pm.

The #2 seeded Giants entertain the #3 Highlanders on Wednesday, February 6 at 12:35pm.

Both games will be played on schedule if mother nature cooperates. The games would have to be rescheduled if there is indoor recess, or if field conditions are too slick. "We can't, and won't, risk injury if the playing conditions are not safe," said league president Mr. Horne. "Obviously the players, their families, and the fans want to see these games on schedule, but only if weather allows."

The winner of each game will face each other in the 12th annual 4th Grade Super Bowl, scheduled for Friday, February 22nd at 10:00am in the Hutchings gymnasium.

The 4th Grade Super Bowl gets bigger and better every year, this year being no different. "We have a lot to look forward to at this Super Bowl," remarked Horne. "Great student athletes, an awesome halftime show featuring a dance routine and a solo baton routine, as well as a student singing the national anthem before the game."

Anyone planning on attending a playoff game is welcome to call the school at (5170)-548-1127 after 11:00am to find out if the game will be played on schedule.

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Patriots vs Giants Cancelled

Howell MI - The game between the Patriots and the Giants has been cancelled. The game was originally scheduled for January 16th, but was postponed to January 23rd due to too many player illnesses. 

The January 23rd match-up was cancelled because of inclement weather. Wind chill at game time on the 23rd was -6 degrees.

Unfortunately, the game between the Patriots and Giants can not be rescheduled. 

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