To paraphrase a line from the TV series Star Trek, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn is going boldly where no previous Hawk football team has gone before.

Where the Hawks are going is to the third round of the football playoffs. No previous H-M-S team had won a second-round playoff game until last Friday night. With that accomplishment behind them, the Hawks now focus their attention on West Hancock (8-1), who will host Friday night’s Class A Pod A matchup at Britt.

“The kids appreciate where they are at,” Hawk coach Tyler Horkey said. “We’re happy we’re here. To get to the round of 16 is...