The Horace Hawks’ huge win over the Watford City Wolves places them in the playoffs for the first time in program history, entering in as the 5th seed. The game on Thursday, October 19, was filled with exciting moments as it was the Hawks first senior night. Roughly 18 minutes before the game started the parents, fans, and students cheered as they thanked the 15 seniors for an amazing season. It was a game to remember for the Hawks, especially running back Dylan Johnson. Dylan had 3 rushing touchdowns total—the first one he ran in for 15 yards followed by two others in the second quarter. The scoring didn’t stop there, as quarterback Tayler Stefonowicz connected with Ty Geray for a pass of 19 yards and then Israel Bauer for a 20-yard pass. Later in the second quarter Ty Geray picked up a 3-yard rushing Touchdown. By halftime, the score was already 40-0, and the Hawks coaching staff decided to put in the JV for the rest of the game. At the end of the 4th quarter Watford finally broke through the JV defense to put 6 points on the board ending the game with a 40-6 Horace victory.
With Watford’s defeat, the Hawks are going to a state playoff game for the first time in program history. Head coach McMahon says the team showed, “…commitment, sacrifice, love, brotherhood, and altruism. These are all things I want coached in my program and they exemplify that.” This coaching strategy is a success as Horace’s program earned a spot in the state playoffs in only the 2nd year of the varsity program—something that Sheyenne and Davies did not accomplish in their first two years as new high schools. On October 27, the Hawks will travel to Dickinson to compete in their Quarter-Final game. The Hawks are putting in the work this week and Coach McMahon comments that team is planning on, “Maximizing each play as one play can either extend your season or end your season.” Coach McMahon also told the players that this is a special moment and make sure to enjoy it. When the Hawks win, it sets them up for a spot in the semifinal game facing off against the winner of the Fargo North and Valley City game.
