The #4 (1A) South Hardin football team battled #1 (1A) West Lyon into their most competitive game of the season. The Wildcats won 21-7 in a Class 1A semifinal at the UNI-Dome on Friday, as aired on 99 The Wave. It was the Tigers first state semifinal appearance in program history.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Tigers scored first concluding a 12 play drive with a two yard touchdown run by Kameron Adams to go up 7-0 with 8:06 to go before the half. The Wildcats responded with two rushing touchdowns of 62 yards and one yard respectively to take a 13-7 lead into the break. The Wildcats made it a two possession game with a 21 yard passing touchdown to go up 21-7 with 6:23 left in the third. In the time remaining, the Tigers offense had three promising drives into the Wildcats territory but were turned away from scoring by two interceptions and a turnover on downs. The Wildcats didn’t score again but chewed away valuable time when they possessed the ball to secure advancement. Head Coach Nick Eller.
“Thought we had a great start, a good first quarter, we kind of matched their play, matched their physicality. Then we just had struggles as the game went on, being able to run the ball consistently and then also being able to get out of the pocket and throw. It’s just hard to have time, it makes it tough,” says Eller. “Super proud of our guys for getting to this point and then also playing the way they did tonight. A really good team, so you can’t be mad. You are just hurt because you don’t want to end it.”
Peyton Welch had 155 passing yards, 72 rushing yards and threw two interceptions. Adams had a rushing touchdown. Casey Williamson had nine catches for 79 yards. Sam Benson had three catches for 51 yards and an interception. Benson reflects on his final game and how this group inspired future Tigers.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t come away with the outcome that we wanted. I feel like we all worked our tails off and really just left it on the field knowing it was our last time. It was just a great time out there with my friends. Just working hard, honestly,” says Benson. “I love all the kids looking up to us. We really set the bar for them to go out and get their goals and showed that it’s possible to make it to the Dome.”
The Tigers defense held West Lyon to their fewest points scored in a game this season, the Wildcats averaged 35 points or more entering the matchup. Lucas Perry led the defense with 11 tackles.
South Hardin concludes their season as a state semifinalist at 10-2 overall.
