HUGHESVILLE – Norborne Hardin-Central has finished what varsity coach Andrew Watson considered “a fun year” of 8-man football.

The Aggies’ season ended Nov. 5 at Hughesville with a 42-18 loss to Northwest of Hughesville/Sacred Heart of Sedalia in the District 2 Tournament quarterfinals. NHC finished 3-7.

“We didn’t get all the wins we wanted, but we made a lot of progress,” Watson said Tuesday by phone, adding the Aggies are making a turn and have “a bright future in store.”

NHC’s performance against Northwest/Sacred Heart might be fueling Watson’s optimism. Nov. 5 marked the second meeting between NHC and Northwest/Sacred Heart this season. The first time, Oct. 15 at Hardin-Central, the Mustangs won 64-30.

The Aggies allowed 22 fewer points in the rematch in part because of their pass rush, Watson said. He credited that rush to their three linemen – J.W. Doyle, Kobe Gibson and Peyton Meierer.

“All three of them played really well, getting pressure on the quarterback,” he said.

During meetin…