PHOTOS: Hill City blasts by La Crosse, reaches sub-state

LA CROSSE, Kan. (Catch it Kansas) - For the first time in 11 seasons, the Hill City Ringnecks will play for a shot at reaching the state championship game after a 62-12 win over La Crosse Friday night.

The Ringnecks fell to Madison in the 2010 8M-I title game, ending the year 11-2. To make their second title game appearance in school history, they must get through Meade next week in the sub-state round.

“We’re hitting on all cylinders right now,” said Hill City coach Travis Desbian, “it’s a good time to be peaking right now in the playoffs. The guys are working hard and they understand the offense.”

Caleb Atkins reached the endzone for the Ringnecks 4 times, three of those on the ground and another coming through the air. “He’s a weapon for us. He’s so shifty, great hands, good runner, the kids a great football player,” said Desbian.

Aiden Amrein through for five scores, three of those coming to senior Derek Keith. Keith also finished the game with a pick in a contest his squad ended in the third quarter.

“The defense played lights out in the second half, that was awesome. You know bend but don’t break kind of feeling in the first half. Coach Amrein’s got the guys hitting hard man, you could tell tonight man we just came to play. Those guys are just thumpers,” continued Desbian.

Photos are courtesy Everett Royer

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