Holt advances, blanks Howell
Tim Robinson Livingston County News
November 08, 2009 06:03 AM

HOLT - For the last 10 weeks, the Holt football team's 34-10 loss to Rockford has been on its collective mind.

"You always want to prove yourself again against people who took it to you before," Holt coach Al Slamer said.

On Friday, the Rams (10-1) earned a rematch with a 34-0 shutout of Howell in a Division 1 district final.

Holt got there with a smothering defense that held the Highlanders to just 29 net yards rushing, and an offense that amassed 415 total yards.

Quarterback Jordan Beachnau was responsible for most of it, gaining 174 yards on 17 carries and throwing for 103 more.

"Our QB is really a great player, and you want the ball in his hands when it really counts," Slamer said. "He's come through for us all year long and has the last two years. They took advantage of three Howell fumbles and an interception, converting three of the turnovers into touchdowns.

Holt's defense, meanwhile, held Howell tailback Bryce Lindberg in check, limiting him to 47 yards on just 11 carries, 21 of them on his final carry of the night.

"I think our defense needs to be commended," Slamer said. "They played very, very well. That running back, Lindberg, he's a great back. I think we were able to kind of stop him and stalemate him, and that was very important. That set a very important tone for the game."

The Rams got going on their first possession. On third-and-5 at their own 24, Beachnau ran for 54 yards to the Howell 22, setting up an 18-yard touchdown by Curtis Nick (12 carries, 106 yards) two plays later with 9:53 left in the first quarter.