Comets Claim First Win of the Season

Comet Football lit up the field in their season opener, defeating the Northern Freeze in a decisive 44–8 victory. But it wasn’t only the scoreboard that made the night unforgettable, after the final huddle, Coach Korey Fry proposed to Hillcrest alumna Laura Tungseth in front of the team, families, and fans.

From the opening whistle, the Comets set the tone with relentless energy. Senior quarterback Ethan Swedberg wasted no time, rushing for three touchdowns in the first half, including a lightning-fast 76-yard dash that brought the home crowd to its feet. Swedberg finished the night with 133 rushing yards, 189 passing yards, and five total touchdowns, pacing an offense that seemed to score at will.

The Comets leaned into their balance, mixing hard-nosed running from Eli Walkup with precise passing connections to Drew Fischer and Griffen Haus. By the time the third quarter ended, Hillcrest had piled on 22 unanswered points, leaving the Freeze reeling.

Defensively, the Comets were just as sharp. Jerry Oleson anchored the unit with seven tackles, while Eli Walkup broke through for the team’s lone sack. Hillcrest’s defense forced three fumbles and limited Northern Freeze to just 92 passing yards.

The rhythm of the contest showcased a Comet team hitting its stride early. The first-quarter burst provided momentum, but it was the composure after Northern Freeze scored in the third that demonstrated maturity.

Instead of faltering, Hillcrest answered with confidence, pounding in three more scores to erase any doubt. It was a game of initiative, response, and resolve, the kind of performance that builds belief in a young season.

When the final whistle blew, players gathered in their traditional post-game prayer, joining hands at midfield. Their team huddle followed, as parents and fans formed the traditional receiving line to celebrate the victory. Helmets tapped, hugs exchanged, the evening already felt special.

Then came the surprise.

As the Comets finished their high-fives, Coach Korey Fry called Laura Tungseth onto the field. With players, parents, and friends surrounding them, Fry dropped to one knee, ring in hand. The crowd erupted as Laura said yes, turning a football win into a life-changing memory.

The young men who had just fought through four quarters became witnesses to a moment of faith, family, and community woven together under the lights.

With a 1–0 start, the Comets carry momentum into the heart of their season. But for Coach Fry and Laura, the journey now includes more than a schedule of Friday nights. It begins with a promise, celebrated in the presence of the Hillcrest family.