By Jeff Hare, correspondent

ALBURNETT — The Alburnett Pirates, behind Mitchell Harger’s 267 yards and four touchdowns, won their first playoff game in school history Wednesday  night, as they knocked off Bellevue 33-14 in Alburnett.

Harger scored on the Pirates (10-0) first offensive play, going 78 yards for the touchdown. He also had touchdown runs of 65, 62 and 5.

“Everything I have done is because of the offensive line,” Harger said. “Those guys did a great job tonight and all season.”

Offensive lineman Dylan Liebe said that’s fine, but give some credit to his running back.

“Mitchell is a great player,” he said. “He hits the hole with such energy, and it makes it easy for us to do our jobs.”

Alburnett built a 27-7 halftime lead, then held off the Comets in the second half.

“Our defense played very well tonight, especially getting some turnovers in the second half,” Coach Chris Evers said. “We have a great group of kids, who come together very well.”

The Pirates had four interceptions and one fumble recovery.

“We tried to get pressure up front on the quarterback tonight, so the defensive backs and linebackers could get to the ball,” defensive lineman Samuel Bowers said. “We were able to do that, and it helped get us the ball.”

Next up for the Alburnett will be Wapsie Valley.

“The beauty of the playoffs is, they all get better,” Harger said. “It will be a challenge, but we will be ready.”