In what promises to be one of the most anticipated matchups of the 9AA postseason, No. 4 Hill City (8–1) will host No. 5 Hamlin (8–1) in a quarterfinal showdown this week. Both teams enter with identical records and explosive offenses, with only one team advancing to the state semifinals.
When the Class 9AA playoff bracket was first released, Hill City was the #5 seed, with Hamlin being the #4 seed. After a recalculation of the tiebreakers, the Rangers jumped the Chargers, making Hamlin travel the six-hour drive to Hill City instead of vice versa.
Hill City has been dominant all season, averaging 49 points per game while allowing just 14. The Rangers’ only loss came in a one-point thriller against Philip on Oct. 3. Quarterback Brensen Veneklasen leads the offense with 1,301 passing yards and 15 touchdowns, while also rushing for 754 yards and 17 scores. Senior running back Caleb Sobolik adds 893 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, and receiver Zane Messick has hauled in 584 yards and nine scores.
Defensively, Hill City has recorded 533 total tackles, 49 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks. Senior Nick Schroeder leads the unit with 72 tackles and three interceptions, while Karson Kolb has 10 tackles for loss and three sacks.
Hamlin, the defending 9AA state champion, will make the six-hour trip west with momentum on its side. The Chargers have won eight of nine games, with their only loss coming against No. 2 Elkton-Lake Benton. Led by returning all-state quarterback Jackson Wadsworth, Hamlin averages 43 points per game and allows just eight.
The winner will advance to the 9AA semifinals, with a potential matchup against either No. 1 No. 1 Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy or No. 9 Kimball/White Lake. Kickoff from Ranger Field is scheduled for 6:00 PM.
