Hill City blasts by La Crosse, reaches sub-state

Everett

LA CROSSE, Kansas (Catch it Kansas) – For the first time in eleven seasons, the Hill City Ringnecks compete for the state championship after beating La Crosse 62-12 on Friday night.

The Ringnecks fell to Madison in the 2010 8M-I title game and ended the year 11-2. To make their second title game appearance in school history, they have to pull through Meade next week in the under-state round.

“We’re really busy right now,” said Hill City coach Travis Desbian, “now is a good time to peak in the playoffs. The guys work hard and understand the offensive. “

Hill City defeated LaCrosse 62-12 in an 8-man D1 sectional game on Friday, November 12, 2021. (© Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com)
(Everett J. Royer)

Caleb Atkins reached the end zone of the ringnecks four times, three of them on the ground and one more time through the air. “He’s a weapon for us. He’s so sly, great hands, good runner, the kids are great football players, ”said Desbian.

Hill City defeated LaCrosse 62-12 in an 8-man D1 sectional game on Friday, November 12, 2021. (© Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com)
(Everett J. Royer)

Aiden Amrein is through for five points, three of which come to Senior Derek Keith. Keith also ended the game with a pick in a competition his squad ended in the third quarter.

“The defense played its part in the second half, that was great. You know you bend over but don’t break the feeling in the first half. Coach Amrein hit the boys hard, man, you could say tonight, man, we just came to play. These guys are just thugs, ”Desbian continued.

Hill City defeated LaCrosse 62-12 in an 8-man D1 sectional game on Friday, November 12, 2021. (© Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com)
(Everett J. Royer)

Photos courtesy Everett Royer