Comets Fight to the Finish, Build Momentum with Gritty 28-20 Road Victory
Hillcrest's young football team showed growing maturity, resilience, and determination as an 89-yard kickoff return and fourth-quarter touchdown secured a hard-fought win over NCE-Ulen-Hitterdal last night.
Trailing 20-14 in the third quarter after surrendering the lead, the Comets responded with an electrifying 89-yard kickoff return by Maverick Peterson, a fourth-quarter touchdown connection between Jude Moline and Isaac Hamilton, and a defensive stand that kept their opponents scoreless through the final quarter. For Head Coach Korey Fry, the win was something bigger than another “W.” It demonstrated a young team's growing ability to handle adversity, respond under pressure, and finish what it starts. "We fought to the finish," Fry said. "We were in another grind-it-out game where nothing came easy. Our guys had to battle for everything tonight. I'm proud of the way we stayed together, continued to compete, and found a way to win a tough game on the road." Friday night's 28-20 road victory over Norman County East/Ulen-Hitterdal was an important step to their goals for a playoff run.
The Comets have faced a demanding stretch of powerful teams in recent weeks, including matchups against highly ranked opponents that have challenged their execution, physical toughness, and confidence. But those difficult games have also provided opportunities for growth. Against NCE-UH, Hillcrest needed every bit of that experience.
After falling behind 6-0 in the opening quarter, sophomore Eli Walkup answered with a 12-yard touchdown run to even the score. Freshman quarterback Jude Moline then connected with Peterson on a 24-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. Walkup powered his way into the end zone for the two-point conversion, giving Hillcrest a 14-6 lead.
NCE-UH answered with another touchdown before halftime, narrowing the Comets' lead to 14-12. The home team then reclaimed the lead in the third quarter, scoring a touchdown and converting the two-point attempt to move ahead 20-14. Hillcrest faced another defining moment. And this time, the Comets answered immediately.
Peterson fielded the ensuing kickoff and raced 89 yards for a touchdown, tying the game at 20-20 and delivering the spark his teammates needed. "Maverick's kickoff return was huge for us," Fry said. "We needed a spark, and he stepped up and gave us exactly that. Those are the kinds of plays that can completely change the momentum of a football game. Our guys fed off that energy, and it helped us get going." Peterson finished with five receptions for 65 yards and a receiving touchdown, along with 160 yards on four kickoff returns. He also recorded 5.5 tackles defensively, contributing in all three phases of the game.
Hillcrest's determination showed up in the fourth quarter. With the game tied, Moline found Hamilton for a 44-yard touchdown pass to reclaim the lead. The two connected again for the two-point conversion, putting Hillcrest ahead 28-20. The Comets' defense took care of the rest.
NCE-UH had rushed for 316 yards on 54 carries, led by Asher Flaten's 245 yards and two touchdowns on 41 attempts. The physical rushing attack continually challenged Hillcrest's defensive discipline and endurance. Yet when the fourth quarter arrived, the Comets refused to surrender another point. Walkup led Hillcrest with 12 tackles, followed closely by Hamilton with 11. Drake Veldhouse contributed seven tackles, while Peterson added 5.5 and Xander Knutson finished with 4.5.
Walkup's performance was especially noteworthy. Along with his defensive leadership, the sophomore carried the football 14 times for 103 yards and a touchdown. "Eli showed his Ironman ability tonight," Fry said. "He was dominating on defense and carrying the load for us offensively running the football. That's a lot to ask of a young player, but he just keeps showing up and competing. He's physical, he's tough, and he gives us everything he's got."
Hillcrest finished with 281 yards of total offense, including 132 rushing and 149 passing. Moline completed seven of 10 passes for 91 yards and two touchdowns without an interception, while Sam Swensen added 58 passing yards.
The most encouraging development for Hillcrest isn't simply that the Comets won Friday night. It's how they won. They overcame an early deficit, watched an eight-point lead disappear, responded when they fell behind again, and delivered their best defensive effort when the game was on the line. "We've been through some battles these last few weeks against some really good football teams," Fry said. "Our young guys have been thrown into some big situations, and they're learning every Friday night. We've talked about eliminating mistakes, playing together, and understanding what it takes to finish games. Tonight, we found a way to do that."
With a shortened week before their next game Wednesday, Hillcrest has little time to celebrate. The focus quickly shifts toward recovering, preparing, sharpening execution, and carrying Friday's determination into another challenge. "We're growing, and that's what we've been preaching all season," Fry said. "These guys are learning how to fight through adversity and finish football games. I'm proud of them. Now we've got to keep building, stay focused, and continue getting better."