Just four minutes into the game, senior captain Lincoln Nash pushed the ball wide from midfield to Pedro Pereira on the left sideline. Pereira connected with senior captain Zane Holmquist, who skillfully chipped a shot over the Pirate keeper to put the Comets on the board early.

With this win, the Comets not only secured sole possession of the Lakes to Prairie Conference title but also earned the #1 seed in their subsection—a fitting conclusion to a season that saw them defeat teams they hadn’t beaten in decades. Along the way, Head Coach Rod Jensen captured his 300th career win, etching his name even deeper into Hillcrest’s storied athletics legacy.

The 1-0 victory was more than just another win. It was a statement. It was proof that this Comet team has the same hunger and heart that made 2015 so special, but with their own identity and fire. The defense absorbed every Lumberjack attack, battling for loose balls and staying composed under duress.

The Comets, fueled by Fischer’s early strike, Selvig’s steady hands, and the tireless midfield work showed that success isn’t always about style points. It’s about resilience, unity, and trusting a process that has produced generations of Comet soccer players molded by Jensen’s steady leadership.

“I was pleased with the opportunities the Comets created offensivel,” Coach Rod Jensen noted. “We must continue to work on finding the back of the net with the opportunities created!  We have some areas of defensive improvements we can work on.  We did have excellent efforts from midfielder Ben Hordnes and defenders Caleb Holm, Charlie Eggiman, and Silas Haugstvedt.

In a few short weeks, the Comets have learned each other’s strengths and weaknesses, how to celebrate a goal, and how to pick each other up when mistakes come. English mixes with Portuguese, Spanish, and Norwegian on the practice field, yet the message is clear: encouragement, resilience, and joy bind them together.

The Comets' defense, anchored by EJ Cho, Gabriel Mazon, and Caleb Holm, showed their determination to protect freshman goalkeeper Will Selvig, who recorded his first varsity shutout with six key saves. Coach Rod Jensen praised his squad for their defensive grit, especially in a game complicated by gusty winds.

Despite the final scoreline, Hillcrest outshot the Deacons 10-6, a testament to their offensive pressure and ability to create opportunities. The Comets didn't simply sit back; they pushed forward, lining up shots and moving the ball into striking positions, gaining valuable experience and confidence in the process.

Coach Rod Jensen praised Morris High School for launching their MSHSL program and acknowledged the challenges of building a new team. Reflecting on the match, Coach Jensen was pleased with the opportunity to rotate players and give some veterans a well-deserved rest. Notably, younger players like Levi DeYounge, David Diniz, and Miles Selvig stepped up, making significant contributions throughout the contest.

The Hillcrest Comets Boys Soccer Team kicked off their season with a resounding 5-1 victory over the East Grand Forks (EGF) Green Wave on Thursday afternoon, demonstrating the team's growing unity and confidence in Coach Rod’s system.

With this impressive win, the Comets now hold a season record of 7-5-1, setting the stage for their upcoming clash with Pelican Rapids on Saturday at 2 PM.

In a homecoming soccer showdown, the HLA Boys Soccer Team traveled across town to take on their friends and rivals, the Fergus Falls Otters. The Comets secured a solid 2-0 victory to start the Homecoming sports festivities.

Hillcrest Boys Soccer boarded the bus Thursday night with a few cards, some bumps and bruises, and a 4-3 win in a scrappy match against Crookston.

The Hillcrest Comets are on a journey that is far from over. With each match, they are building a stronger and more cohesive team, gaining valuable experience along the way. As they prepare for their upcoming conference match in Crookston, the Comets are ready to showcase their unity, resilience, and youthful energy once again.

The Hillcrest Comets Boys Soccer Team's season opener showcased talent and determination. The match was a nail-biting tie that left fans on the edge of their seats. The contest, held at Danielsen Field at Hillcrest, was a thrilling display of both teams' prowess as they battled for dominance on the pitch.