Hoisington took advantage of its superior size on the offensive line to swing momentum its way in the second half and claim a 28-21 win over Hillsboro Friday night (Oct. 10) at Reimer Field.
Hillsboro outplayed the visitors in the first half, taking a 7-0 lead on its second possession of the night. Quarterback Jacob Fish hooked up with wide receiver Daniel Jost for a 56-yard touchdown strike with 3:40 left in the first half. Jacob Wiebe kicked the extra point for the 7-0 lead.
Hoisington scored on its first drive of the second quarter when Carl Hickel scored from 23 yards out with 9:48 left in the half. Dustin Mater kicked the extra point for a 7-7 tie.
Hillsboro came right back on its next possession and drove 63 yards in 13 plays when Fish connected with Jost once again, this time from eight yards out. Wiebe?s kick made 14-7 with 4:36 left in the half.
But Hoisington?s Zach Higgins returned the kickoff to the Trojan 29-yard line, setting up a six-play drive with Hickel scoring from six yards out and with 1:33 left in the half. The kick was off target and the Trojans still led, 14-13.
Hillsboro almost scored again before halftime, but ran out of timeouts and ultimately time at Hoisington?s 9-yard line.
In the second half, the Cardinals seemed determined to win the game on the strength of its line. They took the opening kickoff and marched 67 yards in nine plays with Hickel scoring from one yard out. He also ran in the 2-point conversion to give Hoisington its first lead at 21-14.
The Cardinals added their fourth touchdown on their first drive of the fourth quarter. Once more, it was Hickel crossing the goal line, this time from 15 yards out, capping a 76-yard, five-play surge. Hickel?s 38-yard gallop on the opening play of the drive set up the score.
The Trojans added a final touchdown late in the game. With Ben Gottsch in for Fish at quarterback, the Trojans, aided by Hoisington?s third unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty of the night, started their final drive at the Cardinal 22 and scored in five plays with Gottsch connecting on a fade pass to Jost in the end zone with 28 seconds to play. Wiebe?s kick made 28-21.
The Trojans attempted an onside kick, but Hickel recovered the ball for Hoisington at the Cardinal 44.
The loss dropped Hillsboro?s record to 4-2 overall and 3-1 in division play. Hoisington improved to 4-2 and 2-1.
