What a game. So many highs and lows for both teams. It really was a rollercoaster ride. But, that's playoff football, right?
On Thursday evening #6 seed Hitchcock County played host to #11 seed Wilcox-Hildreth. Hitchcock County had to come back in this one to get the win, but they did, 30-28 to keep their season alive.
The game started nicely for Hitchcock County, scoring on their opening possession as Jack Baker ran it in from 30 yards away. The two-point conversion was good and it was 8-0 early on.
Hitchcock County had the chance to really expand the lead as they took possession halfway in the first. But, they fumbled and Wilcox-Hildreth had it deep in Hitchcock County territory. They didn't waste the opportunity, scoring on a two-yard run by Dagan Ortgisen. It was 8-6 with 3:58 to go in the first.
Before the end of the opening quarter, Hitchcock County scored on a 22-yard pass from Jack Baker to Karson Shuler. The two-point conversion was good and it was 16-6. That was the score going into the second period.
Wilcox-Hildreth cut into the deficit at the 7:59 mark in the second, with an 11-yard rushing score by Graiden Ritner. Hitchcock County looked poised to answer in the second period, but instead, they fumbled a couple of times and it allowed Wilcox-Hildreth to control the quarter. It was 16-12 then.
Ortgisen found Ritner on a 45-yard pass to take the lead and get the two-point conversion. It was 20-18. On the ensuing kickoff, Hitchcock County fumbled and Wilcox-Hildreth took possession. Ortgisen ran it in from a yard out and it was 28-16 with 4:01 before halftime. Hitchcock County tried on their next two possessions to get points on the board but failed to do so.
It was 28-16 at halftime.
Hitchcock County regrouped and played incredibly well in the second half.
Following a stop on Wilcox-Hildreth's opening possession of the half, Hitchcock County started on their own 24-yard line and went 10 plays, and converted a 22-yard pass from Baker to Adam Kisker that resulted in a touchdown. The two-point conversion was no good, but it was 28-22 with 5:27 in the third.
Later in the third, a huge momentum swing occurred. After the touchdown drive from Hitchcock County, Wilcox-Hildreth drove down inside the five-yard line. Hitchcock County kept them out with some big tackles and took the ball back. It didn't result in points for Hitchcock County but it was massive.
Wilcox-Hildreth hung onto the narrow lead of 28-22 going to the fourth.
At the 7:13 mark in the fourth, Hitchcock County broke through as Karson Shuler scored again, this time from a yard away. The two-point conversion was good and it was 30-28.
On the next possession, Jack Baker had an interception as Wilcox-Hildreth was driving again. It was another big stop. Hitchcock County ran some time off the clock but had to punt it away.
Wilcox-Hildreth was driving down the field again on their final possession, but a few penalties and a big-time play by Dalten Hagan as he sacked the quarterback closed the door on the game-winning drive.
What an entertaining game.
Unofficial Stats for Wilcox-Hildreth
Wilcox-Hildreth had 187 yards passing and 59 yards rushing. They turned the ball over one time. They were 3-11 on third down. Graiden Ritner led the rushing attack with 65 yards and a touchdown. Dagan Ortgisen was well under 0 yards rushing as he was sacked a few times but did have two touchdowns. Ortgisen was excellent passing the ball, 16-25 with 187 yards and a touchdown, and throwing one pick. His leading receiver was Damien Campbell with 101 yards on nine catches. Ritner had 81 yards and a touchdown.
Unofficial Stats for Hitchcock County
Hitchcock County had 190 yards rushing and 138 yards passing. They turned the ball over three times. They were 3-14 on third down. It was a balanced attack on the ground for the Falcons. Carter Propp had 62 yards, Jack Baker had 59, Jaret Neben had 33 and Karson Shuler had 27. Baker and Shuler each had a touchdown.
Passing, Baker had 147 yards and two scores. Receiving, Adam Kisker had 51 yards and a touchdown, Jayce Hauxwell had 46 yards and two catches, and Karson Shuler had 22 yards and a touchdown. Adam Kisker and Dalten Hagan had sacks and Jack Baker had an interception.
In Wilcox-Hildreth's first season playing 8-man football, they finish 5-4.
Hitchcock County moves to 7-2 and is now the #12 seed in the playoffs. They will play Friday, November 1st, on the road against #5 seed Wynot. More information about the playoffs will be in our blog this week.
We caught up with Karson Shuler after the win. Postgame interviews are brought to you by Acme Printing Company
Check out the highlights brought to you by Prairie Girl Candle Company