More from the Falcons' 22-12 state finals win over Jaguars

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

LINCOLN, Neb. — A game report with insights from Hitchcock County players will appear in Wednesday's McCook Gazette.

The Falcons finished their 13-0 season with a 22-12 D-2 championship game win over previously unbeaten and defending state champion Howells-Dodge at Memorial Stadium.

It was Hitchcock County's historic first state title while ending the Jaguars' streak at 25 consecutive wins.

Coach Randall Rath felt like hugging a lot of Hitchcock County fans following the D-2 state title Monday afternoon. Following their 2-6 season in 2018, Rath helped the Falcons reach four consecutive state playoffs capped by Monday's win at Memorial Stadium.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

The Hitchcock County defense contained Howells-Dodge senior Lance Brester late, though he did toal more than 200 rushing and receiving yards Monday. Senior Keegan Shuler nearly intercepts one late Jaguar pass after classmate Kolyn Gaston knocked that football loose.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

Senior Tanner O'Brien made some great plays at defensive end to join classmate Trent Kisker (31), who scored one touchdown and also recovered a fumble for Hitchcock County. Falcon fans were also at Memorial Stadium in force (below) for this historic first state championship football game involving the Falcons.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

Hitchcock County freshmen Karson Hubl (left) and Jakob Wagner are among all the Falcons singing their school song with fans following Monday's Class D-2 state finals win. The Falcon marching band (below) and cheerleaders also delivered a strong performance on Tom Osborne Field during halftime.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette