Once again, West Hancock proved to be Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn's nemesis.

After eliminating H-M-S from last year's Class A football playoffs on their way to a state title and winning this year's regular season matchup in non-district play, West Hancock parlayed big plays on offense and a stifling defense into a 27-0 win in quarterfinal action on Nov. 5 at Britt.

Unlike the non-district game on Oct. 1 when West Hancock had several double-digit play drives, H-M-S's defense did not allow any possessions of more than eight plays.

"I think our kids did a good job with defensive alignment and assig...