Huskies Dominate Nighthawks 20-6 to Claim Range War Trophy
BREAKING: The Hettinger County Huskies have triumphed over their rivals, the Hettinger-Scranton Nighthawks, with a decisive score of 20-6 in a thrilling matchup that just concluded. This victory marks the Huskies’ third consecutive win of the season, allowing them to reclaim the coveted Range War Trophy.
In a standout performance, senior running back Mark Fitterer dominated the field, rushing for an impressive 171 yards on 29 carries and scoring one touchdown. Fitterer’s explosive speed and agility were instrumental in leading the Huskies to victory, as he acknowledged his offensive line’s crucial role: “You can’t run without them. None of my credit goes without my teammates,” he stated.
The game kicked off with a tense atmosphere as the Nighthawks struck first, scoring a touchdown early in the first quarter to take a 6-0 lead. However, momentum quickly shifted when Fitterer and the Huskies orchestrated a lengthy drive, culminating in a touchdown pass from senior quarterback Jordon Jung to Aiden Rafferty, bringing the score to 8-6 after a successful two-point conversion.
Jung not only excelled in offense but also showcased his defensive skills, making two crucial interceptions in the fourth quarter that thwarted the Nighthawks’ attempts to rally back. Huskies head coach Nate Zachmann praised Jung’s performance, noting his savvy play: “Having those two in the back and just be ball hawks is huge.”
Rafferty also made significant contributions, rushing for 49 yards and throwing for 35 yards with two touchdown passes, further solidifying the Huskies’ offensive strategy. Notably, Jung and Rafferty connected again in the second quarter with a perfect 20-yard pass, extending the lead to 14-6.
Despite their efforts, the Nighthawks struggled with costly turnovers, finishing the game with three turnovers and six penalties that resulted in 45 lost yards. Nighthawks head coach Jason LeFebre expressed his disappointment, stating, “It’s just little mistakes here and there. A few bounces go a different way, and it’s a whole different ball game.”
As the game progressed, the Nighthawks made a determined push in the fourth quarter but failed to capitalize on routine passes that could have narrowed the gap. LeFebre noted, “Our guys never quit and played to the bitter end.”
The Huskies will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to face the Standing Rock Warriors on September 12, while the Nighthawks aim to bounce back against Kidder County on the same day. Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting matchups!
