Preview Game Story: Harrison Hoyas vs. Kennesaw Mountain Mustangs

Rivalry Game, Hoyas vs. Mustangs

By Morgana Kennedy

Oct. 7, 2015

Harrison High School Hoyas practicing Monday, Oct. 6, 2015 at Colbeigh Stadium. (Photo by: Morgana Kennedy)

KENNESAW, Ga. – Harrison High School Hoyas take on Kennesaw Mountain High School Mustangs in a conference game at Colbeigh Stadium on Friday, Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m.

The Hoyas won their last game against North Paulding High School’s Wolfpack 35-13 in a region 4-5A match-up putting them at 4-2 for the season. It was their first game after returning from fall break.

Harrison Hoyas head coach Matt Dickmann.  (Photo by: Morgana Kennedy)

Last week’s win was a huge victory for the team overall, according to head coach Matt Dickmann. Both offense and defense made big plays. Quarterback Justin Fields led the offense with 355 yards and defense only allowed the Wolfpack 227 total yards.

“It was about time we played a big game and won the game,” Dickmann said.

If the team plays well in all aspects of the game, like last week, they’ll put up a good fight against the Mustangs. But, the Mustangs pose a challenge to the Hoyas offense.

“Kennesaw Mountain blitzes a lot, probably more than any other team we’ll play, so we have to work a lot on blitz pick up and any other looks they give us,” Dickmann said.

Kennesaw Mountain has a record of 2-3 for the season. In last week’s game the Mustangs defeated Osborne High School Cardinals 33-7.

But, the Hoyas have home field advantage and are up 2-3 for home games. However, the student body of both schools will likely come out in big numbers to show support.

Harrison and Kennesaw Mountain sit on opposing ends of the same stretch of road. With only 4.7 miles between them, they’ve developed a huge rivalry.

If Harrison wins the game it means huge bragging rights, according to Dickmann. The team does not have any injuries and the players are fired up for Friday.

Along with being able to boast, the Hoyas need to continue to win games if they want a spot in the playoffs.

“We’re kind of in the drivers seat meaning that if we keep winning we’ll be ok, but if we lose we take a big step back,” Dickmann said. “Right now we’re controlling our destiny, if we continue to win we set ourselves up for the playoffs.”

Overall the Hoyas have had 14 seasons with a winning record, 14 state playoff appearances and six region championships. Two former Hoyas made it to the NFL, Paul Oliver and Jonathan Abbate.