Hartland football: What to know about 2023 Eagles

HARTLAND — Who needs a coach’s pep talk?

Every Hartland football player should be ready to run through a wall after listening to senior offensive guard Kaden Custodio speak passionately about how it felt to lose in the state playoffs last year and how the Eagles needs to ensure a different outcome this season.

A 14-7 loss at Holt marked the third year in a row Hartland lost a close game in the first round of the playoffs. The previous two years, the Eagles were victims of late comebacks by archrival Howell.

“I just cannot feel that one more time again,” Custodio said. “I cannot end my season or my high school career like that. I’m not gonna let my teammates feel that either, especially as a senior; I need to go out with a bang.”

He wasn’t done.

“Our whole program needs to go out and set the standard now,” he said. “We have a new head coach. There’s going to be a lot of eyes on us, so we need to represent our program and represent what Hartland is all about.

“This year, when it comes playoff time, we’re getting after it and we’re doing everything we can throughout practice. We’ve been preparing all offseason for it and we’re just gonna keep working one week at a time until we get there.”

And finally.

“We’re gonna be different this year,” Custodio concluded.

Now, where’s that wall?

The Eagles will attempt to secure their first playoff victory since 2008 under new head coach Thomas Stevenson, a 2007 Hartland graduate who has been the team’s defensive coordinator.

Following are some key things to know about this year’s Hartland’s football team:

Replacing Joey Mattord

It’s going to be tough to replace the production of running back Joey Mattord, who had back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons before moving on to Eastern Michigan University as a preferred walk-on.

Senior Kyle Pies will take over as Hartland’s No. 1 running back after getting only two carries for three yards during an injury-plagued 2022 season.

“He’s definitely our lead guy,” Stevenson said. “Probably a little bit bigger than Joey, probably not as elusive. He’s a different style back who I think will be very productive and have a great season. He probably would’ve played a lot more last year had he come into the season healthy.”

Seeking balanced attack

Hartland’s offense wasn’t a mystery last season.

The Eagles ran the ball 287 times for 1,778 yards and passed only 99 times for 733 yards. They were intent on getting the ball to Mattord, who ran 191 times for 1,322 yards and 17 touchdowns.

With Mattord gone and an experienced quarterback in senior James Butzier, Hartland is expected to open up the offense. Hartland lacks experience in its receiving corps, with only four of last year’s 53 receptions being made by returning players.

Stevenson is confident senior Nevan Anderer can be a threat on the outside, while juniors Gabe Timpa, Braden Streight and Connor Renaud can make impacts after moving up from junior varsity.

“We have playmakers in different spots and different areas on the field that we’re gonna want to get the ball in their hands to try to spread it around a little bit,” Stevenson said. “I don’t know if it’s going to be like a 50-50 balance, but I’d definitely say we’ll be more balanced than we were with more people carrying the ball.”

Still running the 'D'

While Stevenson has a lot more on his plate as the head coach, he will still be heavily involved with the defense.

Defense was Hartland’s strong suit the past two seasons, with only three of 20 opponents able to score more than 20 points against the Eagles.

That side of the ball will be led by senior linebacker Jacob Ross, a second-team All-Livingston County selection last season.

“The great thing is we’ve put together a great defensive staff,” Stevenson said. “They’re helping me. I’m still the guy calling plays on Friday nights. I just have more help behind the scenes helping come up with a game plan. The staff is bigger and better than ever on the defensive side of the ball.”

Fresh foe in opener

With the KLAA opening up Week 1 for teams to schedule nonleague opponents outside the league, there are some enticing matchups.

One of them will have Hartland hosting East Kentwood, an opponent the Eagles have never faced. The Falcons have had three straight down seasons, going a combined 9-15, but have a track record of success playing in one of the toughest leagues in the state.

“They’re a big school on the west side of the state,” senior center Will Darish said. “We don’t get to see that competition, unless it’s the end of the year.”

2023 HARTLAND FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Aug. 24 — East Kentwood

Aug. 31 — Novi

Sept. 8 — at Plymouth

Sept. 15 — Salem

Sept. 22 — at Brighton

Sept. 29 — Howell

Oct. 6 — at Northville

Oct. 13 — Canton

Oct. 20 — at KLAA East crossover

Contact Bill Khan at wkhan@gannett.com. Follow him on X @BillKhan.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Hartland football: What to know about 2023 Eagles