There was royalty under the lights as a homecoming king and queen were crowned in Hill City. However, no homecoming is complete without a homecoming football game, and that is just what was on tap when the Thunder Ridge Longhorns payed a visit to the Hill City Ringnecks.
The two squads facing off also meant a coaching clash of two former standout running backs. Coach Travis Desbien is in his 3rd year leading the Hill City Ringnecks. He was a standout running back on Palco’s 2005 state runner-up team. Coach Joel Struckhoff is leading Thunder Ridge for a second year. In 2011 he led Thunder Ridge to a state title as a running back and he still holds several career yard and point records at the 8-man level.
Both coaches were decorated players, but tonight was about this year’s athletes. Reece Struckhoff, a cousin of Joel’s, got the scoring started when he returned the opening kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown. The Senior running back had to sit out last year due to transfer rules, but he has been making up for lost time this season. He did it again later in the quarter, breaking off a long touchdown run on 3rd and 10. Struckhoff helped his team to a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The Ringnecks struck first in quarter number 2, on a long touchdown pass to junior receiver Brody McDowell, the ensuing conversion was good, making the score 14-8 Longhorns. Each team found one more score before the half, making it 28-16 at the break. Both squads also had a touchdown brought back by a penalty in the quarter.
Hill City started the second half with the ball, but they failed to score and were forced to punt. Thunder Ridge was able to cash in on their next possession as Struckhoff took in another touchdown, making the score 36-14. More solid defense and a pick-six by Struckhoff helped Thunder Ridge ride out an exciting second half, resulting in a 48-22 victory to spoil Hill City’s homecoming.
Struckhoff finished with 22 carries for 253 yards and 5 touchdowns, he also had the kick return touchdown, the interception return, and 12 tackles. Hill City’s junior standout quarterback Jayce Hamel had 124 yards and a score on 26 carries, he also threw for 132 yards and a touchdown. Brody McDowell finished with 6 receptions for 172 yards and 2 scores. Thunder Ridge is 3-0 on the year, while Hill City drops to 1-2.
Thunder Ridge plays the second of a 3-game road trip next Friday when they head to Almena to face District 5 opponent Northern Valley.
Hill City will hit the road as well next Friday when they face undefeated Clifton-Clyde.