Falcons Remain Undefeated and Move to Class D1 Quarterfinals
The Hitchcock County Falcon football team has not allowed an opposing team to score more than 14 points in a game all season, and that strong defense is a significant reason they are advancing to the quarterfinals of the Class D2 State Football Playoffs.
The Falcons delivered another impressive defensive performance in their 24-10 victory over Twin Loup in the second round of the playoffs last Friday night in Trenton.
The game was filled with turnovers for both teams, especially in the first half. The Falcons fumbled the ball on their opening possession, allowing Twin Loup to convert it into points with a field goal, taking an early lead at 3-0 in the first quarter. Hitchcock County’s offense struggled in the first quarter. After a good kickoff return by Brody Hubl, the Falcons found it difficult to gain momentum and were forced to punt.
The Falcons’ defense scored the first points for the team when Brody Hubl recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown with 1:49 remaining in the first period. They successfully converted a two-point attempt, claiming an 8-3 lead. Early in the second quarter, the Falcons made another significant play with an interception near midfield. Shortly after, the offense executed a 37-yard pass from Jack Baker to Grady Erickson, extending their lead to 16-3 with 10:22 left in the second quarter.
The Falcons’ defense generated another turnover on Twin Loup’s next possession. However, the Falcons quickly gave the ball back to the Wolves with a turnover at the 40-yard line. Twin Loup capitalized on this opportunity, driving down the field and scoring a touchdown before halftime, bringing the score to 16-10 at the break.
In the third period, the Falcons’ special teams added to the score. After a defensive stop, they blocked a punt near the goal line with 8:12 left. Brody Hubl picked up the ball and dived into the end zone for a touchdown. With another successful two-point conversion, the Falcons led 24-10. Twin Loup regained possession and mounted a solid drive, reaching a first-and-goal situation inside the Falcons’ five-yard line. However, Hitchcock County’s defense executed a standout goal-line stand, stopping the Wolves on four consecutive running plays and preserving their lead.
As the Falcons’ offense moved the ball and ran down the clock into the fourth quarter, they had to punt again, giving Twin Loup another chance. The Wolves put together another drive and reached a first-and-two situation on Hitchcock County’s 15-yard line. The Falcons’ defense once again rose to the occasion by stopping Twin Loup on fourth down, regaining possession.
The Falcons’ offense executed their best drive of the game, running the ball and managing the clock effectively. After punting just across midfield, Twin Loup had a little over three minutes left and needed two scores to win. Hitchcock County’s defense held strong, ending Twin Loup’s final offensive possession with a Jack Baker interception in the end zone. The Falcons then ran out the clock by taking a knee.
The game saw a total of nine turnovers, with Hitchcock County losing three fumbles and Twin Loup recording three interceptions and three fumbles.
For the game, the Falcons’ offense accumulated 224 total yards, with 169 yards rushing and 55 yards passing. Grady Erickson led the ground game with 16 carries for 78 yards. Jaret Neben contributed with four carries for 14 yards, while quarterback Jack Baker had 12 carries for 77 yards rushing. Baker completed two of his four passes, with Erickson catching one for a 37-yard touchdown and Jayce Hauxwell catching another for 18 yards. Defensively, the Falcons ensured that Twin Loup’s offense was limited to 232 total yards, which included 127 yards rushing and 105 yards passing. Four players finished with double-digit tackles: Karson Shuler led the team with 16 tackles, Brody Hubl contributed 15 tackles, Jaret Neben had 14 tackles along with a crucial interception, while Jayden Loghry made 12 tackles on the defensive line. Jayce Hauxwell added seven tackles, Adam Kisker had six, Grady Erickson and Jack Baker each recorded three tackles, and Noah Caddick was credited with one tackle.
The #3 Falcons remain undefeated at 10-0 and will move on to the Class D2 Playoff quarterfinals, where they will host #6 Wynot, who has a record of nine wins and one loss. Wynot eliminated Hitchcock County from the playoffs in the second round last year, and the Falcons will aim to reverse their fortunes this time around.
