Las Cruces, NM, December 27th, 2023

HLC 2023 Playoff Recap: Round 1

“Your record only counts if you win the last game.”

Someone, probably

As the dust settles on round 1 of the HLC playoffs, two teams have emerged victorious, setting up an exciting face-off in the 2023 Hoosier Longhorn Confederacy Super Bowl. The New Mexico Lobos and the Michiana Muskellunge both surged at the right time, overcoming teams with better regular-season records to advance to the championship game.

In a surprising turn of events, Michiana turned the tables on the San Antonio Tacos, serving a scorching 229-182 victory. Fueled by impressive performances from RB Breece Hall, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, and QB Dak Prescott, the Muskellunge scored early and often, leaving the Tacos struggling to keep pace. With this win, Michiana steps into their first Championship game, while the Tacos, who lost last year’s Super Bowl to New Mexico, are now headed for a third-place play-off against Austin.

The New Mexico Lobos, meanwhile, staged a dramatic victory over the Austin Tourists. In a closely contested and back-and-forth match, the Lobos, powered by QB Jalen Hurts and WR CeeDee Lamb, managed to pull ahead in the final minutes, stopping a late comeback attempt by the Tourists with a final score of 265-260. This win propels the Lobos, hunting for their second consecutive title, into the finals against Michiana.

Further down the bracket, the competition was just as fierce. The Jaybirds, led by the dynamic duo of QB Justin Fields and WR Tee Higgins, secured a narrow victory over the Rockport Leatherheads, 248-223. Not to be outdone, the i2^3∑π, despite a valiant effort from the Tortilla Flats Troubadours, managed to clinch a win with a score of 252-242. The Troubadours’ effort fell just short in this high-scoring encounter.

Looking ahead, the Jaybirds will now play host to the Robots in the 5th place game, while the Troubadours are set for a Gulf Coast showdown as they make the short journey to Rockport to face the Leatherheads, promising another round of thrilling matchups in the HLC playoffs.

Fans are on the edges of their seats in eager anticipation for the last games of the year. As the final moments unfold in the Hoosier Longhorn Confederacy, one of two things is certain: a new champion will rise or a reigning champion will fortify their legacy, potentially heralding the dawn of a dynasty in the HLC.