Hillcrest Comets Roll Past NCE-Ulen Hitterdahl, 55–20

It was a storybook night at John Lucky Field as Hillcrest Lutheran Academy celebrated both Homecoming and Senior Night with a commanding 55–20 victory over NCE-Ulen-Hitterdahl. The stands were packed with alumni, families, and fans who witnessed one of the most complete performances of the season from a Comets team playing confident, unified football.

The Comets launched onto the scoreboard early. On the opening drive, quarterback Ethan Swedberg sliced through the defense for a 15-yard touchdown, setting the tone for what would become a first-half clinic in balanced, disciplined play. Swedberg followed his rushing score with pinpoint passes to Isaac Blaskowski, Drew Fischer, Sean Berge, and Maverick Peterson, giving Hillcrest a 34–0 halftime lead.

The offensive precision was paired with a smothering defense. Griffen Haus intercepted a pass in the first quarter, while Eli Walkup, Dane Larby, and Isaac Hamilton delivered key tackles to stall NCE drives. By halftime, Hillcrest had outgained its opponent 300–11 in total yards, with the Comets’ defense forcing multiple three-and-outs and setting up short fields for the offense.

Swedberg was electric under the Friday night lights, completing 12 of 14 passes for 211 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 101 yards and another score. His ability to stretch the field and read pressure made the Comets nearly unstoppable.

Drew Fischer led the receiving corps with five catches for 82 yards and a touchdown, while Sean Berge hauled in three receptions for 77 yards and another score. Hillcrest’s offense also found rhythm on the ground: Eli Walkup and Levi Bowman each rushed for touchdowns, and Micah Rasmussen capped the night with a 53-yard touchdown sprint that ignited the Hillcrest crowd in the fourth quarter.

In total, Hillcrest amassed 452 yards of total offense, 233 on the ground and 219 through the air, highlighting a versatility that will make them a dangerous postseason contender.

The Comet defense dictated the pace for much of the evening. Eli Walkup led the unit with 7.5 tackles, Rasmussen added 5.5, and Luke McGuire tallied 3.5 stops and the team’s only sack. The defense held NCE scoreless until late in the third quarter and consistently shut down rushing lanes with strong pursuit and gang tackling.

While NCE-Ulen Hitterdahl broke free for a few late touchdowns on long runs, the Comets’ defensive front and secondary had already sealed the tone of the game, fast, physical, and disciplined.

Special teams continued to be a quiet strength for Hillcrest. Kian Stender went a perfect 5-for-5 on extra points and consistently flipped the field with deep kickoffs. On returns, Levi Bowman provided steady field position, and Maverick Peterson added crucial tackles and a pair of punt returns to give the Comets early offensive momentum.

After the game, Head Coach Korey Fry reflected on the win with pride and focus:

“It’s always nice to get a win, especially on Homecoming night. Our guys are steady, improving each and every day, and getting better every game. We have to clean up a few penalties, but I think we are clicking on all cylinders and playing complete football. The goal is to continue to play four full quarters and keep growing as a team. Next week we play a rivalry game against Underwood, and we can’t look past them.”

As the final whistle blew, Hillcrest’s seniors embraced one another under the lights, players who have poured years into the Comet program and now lead a team poised for one of its strongest seasons in recent memory. The 55–20 win wasn’t just another tally in the win column; it was a reflection of growth, chemistry, and belief, a fitting way to honor the seniors and celebrate Homecoming at John Lucky Field.