Class D2 State Championship - Howells Dodge vs. Hitchcock County

The Class D2 championship game saw two of the most complete teams in 8-man football battle it out in Lincoln. 2021 Class D1 champs and 12-0 Howells-Dodge took on an also undefeated Hitchcock County. Both teams can put up a ton of points, but their bread and butter has been suffocating opponents with their defenses.   It was exactly the type of game you would expect from these two teams. Both teams focused heavily on the run. Howells-Dodge found a little bit more success offensively, but the Hitchcock County defense refused to break. A 45-yard touchdown pass from Keynan Gaston to Trent Kisker gave the Hitchcock offense a spark and the lead to start the second half. A touchdown run by Drew Scott extended the Hitchcock lead to double-digits. The Hitchcock County defense stiffened up in the second half, holding the Howell-Dodge offense to zero points. The Falcons captured their first state championship in school history, winning 22-12.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>   Remember to get registered for the Stock Up Showcase in Council Bluffs, IA on Dec. 4th.   Use code GalindoStockUp2022 to save $10 off your registration fee.   Get signed up <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://events.prepredzone.com/info?website_id=4&event_id=575" target="_blank">HERE</a>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>   Game MVP   Keynan Gaston | 2023 | QB | 5'9 155 lbs   The Falcon's QB Keynan Gaston claims the MVP title with an all-around great performance. He led the Hitchcock County rushing attack with 99 rushing yards on 25 carries. Gaston played a smart, efficient game and kept the Falcons offense on track against a tough Jaguars defense. Despite not being called on often to pass, Keynan opened up the second half in a major way with a 45-yard bomb to Trent Kisker for a touchdown. This TD pass gave Hitchcock County the lead, and they never looked back after that. Gaston also flew around on defense, where he racked up 10 tackles. All around a solid game from Keynan to lock up the Falcon's first championship in school history.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/_maggiekastraba/status/1594853214293311490?s=20u0026t=vRCekHsR62PagPsDeIEoCA </div></figure>   Hitchcock Standouts:   [player_tooltip player_id='330259' first='Keegan' last='Shuler'] | 2023 | LB | 5'11" 215 lbs   An outstanding season for [player_tooltip player_id='330259' first='Keegan' last='Shuler'] is capped off with a great defensive effort on the big stage. Shuler was the leading tackler for the Falcons with 13 tackles and was a key blocker on the offensive side of the ball. Keegan's big frame could be heard colliding with opposing players whenever he made contact. Keegan is a solid athlete that can attack downhill and be as disruptive as possible.   Kolyn Gaston | 2023 | RB/ATH | 5'9" 160 lbs   You had a great day on Monday if your last name is Gaston. Kolyn Gaston had a great game, making a huge impact on defense. Kolyn was second on the team with 12 tackles. Gaston was quick to the ball on nearly every play and showed solid tackling when he made stops.   Howells-Dodge Standouts:   Lance Brester | 2023 | RB/LB   Howells-Dodge RB Lance Brester had the most offensive production in this game as he rushed 172 yards and a touchdown. He's a big, bruising back that used his 34 carries to pound away at the HC defense. Lance also played a heavy hand on defense as well with 14 tackles. Just an all-around football guy that runs hard on offense and loves to bring the pain on defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='400105' first='Aandy' last='Dominguez'] | 2023 | DL/OL | 6'0" 200 lbs   Aandy is a hidden gem in the 2023 class and showed why on Monday. Dominguez is a force on the defensive line and was a valuable asset against the run. He is quick off the snap and did a great job slipping through creases to wreak havoc in the backfield. Dominquez finished the game with 10 tackles and also looked solid as a blocker on offense.   [player_tooltip player_id='400106' first='Jestin' last='Bayer'] | 2023 | LB | 5'10" 200 lbs   The Howells-Dodge defense was flying and hitting hard in the championship game. Among those defenders was linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='400106' first='Jestin' last='Bayer'], who led the game in total tackles with 18. Bayer is a throwback backer that's very smart and physical. Jestin fills in his gaps very quickly, and when he hits, he hits with purpose. Bayer also got into the endzone with on a touchdown run in the second quarter.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/>   Make sure to follow @PrepRedzoneNE on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date with all your Nebraska prep recruiting news.

The Class D2 championship game saw two of the most complete teams in 8-man football battle it out in Lincoln. 2021 Class D1 champs and 12-0 Howells-Dodge took on an also undefeated Hitchcock County. Both teams can put up a ton of points, but their bread and butter has been suffocating opponents with their defenses.