Swedberg Leads in High Scoring Showdown with 6 TD's in Home Opener
The Comets are discovering defining characteristics of who they are early in the season. Traditionally known in the region for having explosive offenses led by talented receivers, Hillcrest is finding success on the ground and is forging aspects of their attack that will make them a challenge later in the season.
In the home opener against Ortonville, the two teams traded blows, keeping the score tight as turnovers led to a high-scoring thriller that kept all eyes on the field Friday night.
The Trojans struck first, with Isaiah Tandoh breaking loose for a 24-yard touchdown run, sending their fans into a frenzy. But the Comets answered quickly. Ethan Swedberg displayed his dual-threat abilities, first with a 46-yard rushing touchdown and then a 3-yard run for the conversion. The score was tied at 8-8.
Ortonville regained the lead with a 10-yard rushing touchdown by Isaac Brown and a 3-yard pass from Brown to Wyatt Sherod for the conversion, making it 14-8.
Isaiah Tandoh continued to shine for the Trojans, breaking free for a spectacular 60-yard touchdown run, extending their lead to 20-8. Quentin Kuefler caught a 3-yard pass from Brown for the conversion, making it 22-8.
The Comets weren't ready to surrender, though. Gabe Swedenberg returned an incredible 90-yard kickoff for a touchdown, closing the gap to 22-14. Swedberg then orchestrated a series of touchdown passes, connecting with Leo Nordick, and Thor Ewan, and the Comets took the lead, 24-22.
Quentin Kuefler's 20-yard touchdown reception from Brown briefly put the Trojans back in front, but Gabe Swedenberg's 80-yard kickoff return touchdown gave the Comets a 30-28 lead at halftime.
The second half started with a bang as Nathan Bermel caught a 19-yard touchdown pass from Swedberg, and the Comets extended their lead. Swedberg and Nordick connected for another touchdown, and the Comets pulled away, leading 38-28.
Isaiah Tandoh returned a kickoff for a 78-yard touchdown, keeping the Trojans within striking distance at 38-34. Quentin Kuefler caught another touchdown pass from Brown, making it 36-38.
The Comets continued to pile on the points, with Swedberg's rushing touchdown and another Nordick reception, pushing the score to 46-36.
In the final quarter, Nordick and Swedberg connected again for a touchdown, and Swedberg found Gabe Swedenberg for another score, giving the Comets a commanding 54-36 lead.
Tandoh wasn't finished, though, breaking free for a spectacular 61-yard touchdown run, bringing the Trojans within striking distance at 42-54.
But the Comets kept pushing. Nathan Bermel and Daaken Helseth added to the lead with a touchdown each, sealing a 68-42 victory for Hillcrest Lutheran Academy.
The home opener was packed with fans due to a new initiative from local businesses to pay the gate admission to support Hillcrest. Red Dot Pest Control gave all Comet fans immediate access to the thrilling game, which had it all: breathtaking runs, pinpoint passes, and incredible special teams plays. It showcased Ethan Swedberg's brilliance as he passed for four touchdowns, ran for two more, and led his team to victory. As the sun set over Hillcrest, the Comets celebrated their hard-fought win, knowing they had played one of the most exciting home openers with likely the most scoring plays in a Comet home opener ever.