Hitchcock rallies for 30-28 playoff thriller over 'other' Falcons

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

BARTLEY, Neb. — In photos above and below, Hitchcock County junior quarterback Jack Baker finds running room (above) behind blocks from Jayce Hauxwell (33) and Dalten Hagan (27) among others then breaks loose for an opening D-2 playoff touchdown (right) Thursday night vs. the Wilcox-Hildreth Falcons.

The Falcons delivered a 30-28 comeback win, shutting out Wilcox-Hildreth after halftime where they trailed 28-16.

Baker's 30-yard run and 22-yard TD pass to Karson Shuler made it 16-6 before the visiting W-H Falcons scored 22 unanswered points.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

Yet Hitchcock County rallied, closing within 28-22 on another Baker six-point pass to Adam Kisker.

Following a huge defensive stand inside their own five, the host Falcons regained their lead on Shluer's second touchdown from one yard way. Their defense shut out Wilcox-Hildreth those final 7:15 to preserve the playoff win.

Hitchcock County (7-2 record) continues playoffs next week against an opponent to be announced.