Hudson to play Saturday at Adrian College

By DOUG DONNELLY

Overtime Editor

HUDSON – Hudson and Allen Park Cabrini will square off for the first time Saturday in the Division 8 semifinals at Adrian College, but the two teams were almost opponents in Week 9.

Last year, the two teams had verbally agreed to play in a non-league game in Week 9.

"I told our guys if you want to beat the best, you have to play the best," Cabrini Coach R.J. Childers said.

The game never came to fruition, however, due to Cabrini's Catholic High School League schedule. But the Monarchs will get their chance against No. 1 Hudson Saturday.

"They are Hudson," Childers said. "They have a winning culture, a great tradition. We have our work cut out for us."

Hudson is 12-0 and one of the highest scoring teams in the state. They average 51.3 points a game. They have scored 50 or more points eight times this year, including an 86-point game. They scored 68 points last week against previously undefeated Springport.

Beckett Campbell averages 177.3 yards rushing per game and Grayson Bills averages 133.4 yards. The duo has combined to score 54 touchdowns and have more than 4,200 yards of total offense together.

Childers is pulling out all of the stops to try and slow the two down. Over the weekend he was on the phone with everyone from his former college coaches to other coaches who have experience against the T-Formation.

"We've played against some Wing-T, but not the straight T," he said.

Cabrini is a spread team. Junior quarterback Evan Bergdoll has completed 133 of his 213 passes for 2,175 yards and 40 touchdowns. He has more than 4,000 yards and 67 career touchdowns.

Receiver Emeric Lander is a 6-3 receiver and Bergdoll's top target. He has 55 receptions for 904 yards.

"They are a very athletic team that can hit a big play at any time," Hudson coach Dan Rogers said. "They use multiple formations to get their athletes in space."

The Monarchs have set a school record for wins in a season with 11. They average 34 points a game, also a school record.

"The key will be taking care of the ball and limiting their big plays," Rogers said.