Hawks look for eighth straight Rangeland title, Vikings look to play spoiler

Hat High has taken the last seven titles, making them the team to beat in the conference. Vikings’ first-year head coach Scott Wendell says he knows about the Hawks’ strong record in recent years and views his team in an underdog role.

“We get to come in here, we have nothing to lose. We get to play fast, play aggressive and really get to be the spoilers.”

Running back Abdul Kiawne says if his team were finally able to prevail over the Hawks it would not only mean a lot to him, but to his school as well.

“I have been trying to beat Hat High for years now. So if we got this win it would be a big accomplishment to the program, and the school as a whole.”

Even coming off a dominant 58-0 win over the McCoy Colts in their semi-final matchup, the Hawks aren’t taking any matchup lightly.

Long-time head coach Quinn Skelton says his team has been working hard all season, and that doesn’t change now.

“The boys have been working hard since the middle of August,” he says. “They know Crescent Heights is going to be coming out prepared, and we have worked hard all week so I know the boys are excited to play in the championship game.”

Wide receiver Cole Ricken was one of the main contributors in the Hawks’ semi-final win, with two touchdown catches in the game.

He agreed with his coach, saying, “I know they’re a really aggressive team, I know they come out running the ball really hard, I know we have to play just as hard or harder. We need to take what they do, and do it better.”

Kickoff between the two schools will take place at 7 p.m. Friday from the Methanex Bowl.

— with files from Gates Guerin

by Aidan Boelsgaard

Hawks look for eighth straight Rangeland title, Vikings look to play spoiler

Our Community