Hitchcock County hosted its home opener Friday evening against the Maxwell Wildcats, and it was also the Falcons' homecoming. Hitchcock County found success on offense and defense, beating Maxwell 46-0.
The Falcons got the scoring started in the opening period. Hitchcock County went seven plays and punched it in on an 18-yard run from Karson Shuler. The two-point conversion was good and they were up 8-0 with 7:37 to go in the first.
No more scoring activity took place and the Falcons had an eight-point advantage heading into the second quarter.
Maxwell struggled to find yardage on offense as the defense from Hitchcock County was tough. Between good coverage in the past game, clogging up the middle, and making open-field tackles, the Wildcats couldn't get free.
In the second quarter, early on, the Falcons drove all the way down to the Maxwell 10-yard line. On third down, Jack Baker made a nice pass to Adam Kisker for a touchdown and the conversion was good. At 11:15 before halftime, it was 16-0. Maxwell again was unable to move the ball and Hitchcock County took the ball. Four plays later, Baker found Shuler on a 19-yard pass. Baker ran in the two-point conversion too and with 5:56 to go in the half it was 24-0.
On Maxwell's next possession, they moved the ball some but again had to punt. The Falcons took the rock but the Wildcat defense stood tall, Chris McKeeman picked off a pass and Maxwell had some momentum. Maxwell had to punt late in the half, but the Falcons brought the house to block the punt and they did so. On the very next play, Jack Baker ran it in from two yards out and converted the two-point conversion and it was 32-0 with 21 seconds to go before halftime.
The Falcons took that lead to the intermission.
In the second half, on the opening possession, Hitchcock Count scored on another pass from Baker this time to Jaret Neben from 26 yards away. The conversion was no good and the Falcons led 38-0. The score held there until the fourth quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Hitchcock County scored one more time with a 20-yard rush from Brody Hubl. The two-point conversion was good.
We caught up with junior Karson Shuler after the game. Our postgame interviews this season are brought to you by Acme Printing Company.
Unofficial Stats for Maxwell
Maxwell was led by Jesse Reyes with 33 yards rushing and 31 yards passing. Kole Jones had 25 yards rushing and 31 yards recieving. The Wildcats had 90 yard of offense. Chris McKeeman had an interception too.
Unofficial Stats for Hitchcock County
The Falcons had 256 yards rushing and 55 yards passing. Jack Baker was 3-5 with 55 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception thrown. Touchdown passes were caught by Jaret Neben, Karson Shuler, and Adam Kisker. Brody Hubl had 14 carries for 76 yards and a score, Jaret Neben had 62 yards rushing, Karson Shuler had 54 yards and a touchdown, and Jack Baker had 34 yards and a touchdown.
Maxwell is 1-1 and will play Maywood-Hayes Center on Thursday which is an RPAC Rundown Featured Matchup. Kickoff is at 7:00 P.M.
Hitchcock County will play at Franklin on Friday at 7:00 P.M.
Check out the highlights from this game brought to you by Prairie Girl Candle Company
