Millis Football Repeats Division 8 Championship

Coming into the season, Millis Coach Dana Olson didn’t expect to repeat as Super Bowl Champions, but he did know he had a group of talented athletes returning. When the Mohawks lost their season opener, things didn’t look good, but the squad regrouped and went on a tear, winning 11 consecutive games to cap off the season with their second Super Bowl victory in as many years; this time at Gillette Stadium.
Millis took home the Division 8 Championship handing Hoosac Valley their only loss of the season in a rout 37-0.
“This win was a little more gratifying than last years. It was easier, as they knew what was expected of them having been their last year. The kids were super focused and ready for Hoosac,” Olson said. “We beat them up in all three phases of the game; the team kept their composure and acted like they’ve been there before. They represented their town with dignity, and as a coach, I was extremely proud of them. The town should be ecstatic.”
Over the last four seasons, Olson has guided the team to a 37-11 record while capturing four straight South Sectional Titles, 3 consecutive Tri-Valley League Championships and two Super Bowl victories. Senior quarterback Bryce Latosek was 8-12 for 164 yards passing, connecting on three touchdown passes and ran for another. Last year in the Division 4A Super Bowl victory the senior was 18-30 for 310 yards and 4 touchdowns. Latosek has tossed 65 touchdowns over the past two seasons, including 35 this year.
Millis went into the half with a 24-0 lead scoring on all four first half possessions. Raymond Hilaire was the first Mohawk to reach the end zone on a 37-yard touchdown pass from Lsatosek. Dominic Zonfrelli added a 6-yard run, Chris Edwards had a 32-yeard field goal and Andrew Brooks connected with the Millis quarterback on a 50-yard touchdown to close out the half. Latosek would add a 10-yard touchdown run and connected again with Brooks for a 14-yard score to round out the scoring.
On the ground, Kurt Hopkins rushed for a 185 yards on 25 carries and despite not getting into the end zone his dominant running set up the Millis passing attack. Hopkins’ 185 yards were the largest total allowed by the Hurricanes to a single rusher all season long.
“We took what was given to us. Kurt established the run which opened up the passing lanes and Bryce took advantage of that,” the Mohawk Coach said. “They (Hoosac) scored 76 points the week before and scored 500 points on the season an average of 47 per game. Shutting them out was a testament to our defense; one that is top notch, but gets overlooked because of our offense. They’re probably the best I have ever had in my coaching career.”
In the win, Millis not only shut down Hoosac’s dominant run game but outplayed the Hurricanes in just about every facet of the game. Millis had 21 fists downs to Hoosac’s 7; out rushed the Hurricanes 225 – 121, passed for 164 yards holding Hoosac to 60 while the Hurricanes also lost two fumbles.