Hartland, MI — It was a standout night for Hartland Esports as the Super Smash Bros. Varsity and Fortnite Varsity teams both secured Sweet Sixteen victories, earning their place in the MHSEL Elite Eight and a trip to Michigan State University on December 6th. While Rocket League Varsity came up just short, the evening showcased the strength and depth of the program. The Super Smash Bros. Varsity team delivered one of the most thrilling performances of the season, avenging an early-year loss to Belleville with a dramatic 3–2 victory. The lineup of Jeffery Howe, Brandon Sommers, Calvin Lauren, and Bo West battled through a tense back-and-forth series. Howe opened the night with a close 2–1 win over Christian Martin before Belleville evened the score in Game 2. Lauren regained momentum with a 2–1 victory of his own after switching from Incineroar to Falco mid-series, but Belleville tied the series again in Game 4. With the match on the line, Howe returned to the stage and secured the deciding win as Jigglypuff over Khristopher Bond’s Sora, sending Hartland to the Elite Eight where they will meet the Jenison Wildcats in East Lansing. The Fortnite Varsity duo of freshmen Tavin Flanagan and Gavin Marino also impressed, defeating Melvindale by a combined score of 20–11. After trading early rounds in Game 1, the pair pulled ahead to win 10–6 and carried that momentum into Game 2, controlling the pace for a 10–5 victory to complete the sweep. With Jaxon Raymond supporting as the bench player, Hartland now advances to face the Niles Vikings in the Elite Eight, also held at MSU on December 6. Rocket League Varsity concluded their season with a hard-fought 4–2 loss to Byron Center in a series where nearly every game was decided by a single goal. Despite the narrow defeat, the team showcased exceptional play and resilience throughout their postseason run. Both advancing teams will compete in person at the MSU STEM Teaching & Learning Facility (642 Red Cedar Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824) on December 6th, with Super Smash Bros. beginning around 9:30 a.m. and Fortnite following at approximately 10:30 a.m. Hartland fans are encouraged to attend and support the Eagles as they vie for a spot in the State Championship. The MHSEL Fall 2025 State Championship LAN at Michigan State University will also feature an All-State Award presentation for each title beginning at 9:00 a.m.. Hartland's Elka Borreson (Splatoon) and Jeffery Howe (Super Smash Bros.) will be receiving All-State honors.