Comets Earn Championship Berth and Prepare for Memorable Sports Weekend

The Comets walked into U.S. Bank Stadium on Thursday afternoon ready for the moment, and by the time the final seconds drained away, the Comets had earned their place in school history. With a 27–21 victory over Kittson County Central, Hillcrest punched its ticket to the State Championship Game, fueled by resilient defense and a determined unity that has defined the Comets this season.

From the opening kickoff, the Comets played like a team on a mission. They moved the ball with purpose. Early completions from Ethan Swedberg to Isaac Blaskowski loosened the defense, and soon Swedberg found Drew Fischer streaking across the middle for a 19-yard touchdown. Moments later, after an exciting interception by Eli Walkup, Swedberg powered into the end zone again, stretching the lead to 13–0 before the Bearcats found their footing.

The second quarter brought a surge from Kittson County Central, but Hillcrest’s response spoke volumes about who they’ve become this season. Instead of tightening up, the Comets elevated. Swedberg delivered throws with remarkable patience. Walkup pushed the pile for extra yards as the middle of the field opened from Swedberg’s passes, allowing Walkup to reach the second level. Their rhythm produced another touchdown to Fischer, followed by a smooth two-point completion to Sean Berge, an 8-point swing that gave Hillcrest a 21–7 halftime lead and all the momentum.

The third quarter saw the Comets shift from finesse to grit. Hillcrest’s offense refused to give KCC a path back into the game. Walkup and Swedberg combined for tough yards, Blaskowski snatched clutch catches to move the sticks, and eventually Swedberg punched in his second rushing touchdown of the afternoon. Meanwhile, the Comet defense dug in. Levi Bowman closed lanes. Griffin Haus brought pressure and delivered a crucial sack. Dane Larby anchored the middle with heavy hands. Berge and Walkup each added interceptions at critical moments. Across every position group, the Comets matched urgency with discipline.

But great wins always come with drama. In the fourth quarter, Kittson County Central mounted a furious comeback, cutting the lead to six and bringing the stadium to a roar. The Comet rallied and played their most poised football of the season. As the Bearcats pushed one last time, optimistic they could charge for a decisive score that would bring them to the championship game, Berge stepped in front of a sideline pass and snatched the interception that sealed the game and sent the offense to the field to run out the clock.

And now, an unforgettable weekend awaits.

On Friday, the entire school community will pack the auditorium for a community send-off pep rally at 11:25 a.m.. Fergus Falls will then line Vernon Avenue as the team rolls out at 1:15 p.m. with an escort to Big Chief. That night, Comet fans can fill the stands for girls’ basketball as they battle Mountain Iron-Buhl at Mayer Lutheran for an evening tournament.

Saturday morning brings an earned moment for Comet Football, where Hillcrest will play Hills-Beaver Creek for the state title. Fans will load the buses at 5:30 a.m., decked out in vintage red and white gear for the Decades theme to flood the stands, waving Winkie Hankies and ready to turn U.S. Bank Stadium into a sea of Comet pride.

Then the day keeps rolling. After the football game, Comet fans can head to Chaska to cheer on the girls’ basketball team again as they face Braham. And on Sunday at 3:00 p.m., the Hillcrest community will fill the Student Activities Center to welcome the football team home and celebrate this incredible journey.