Hayden 47, Holton 32

The Holton Wildcats were able to overcome a fumble on the opening kickoff and rally from a 7-0 and 14-6 deficit, but they were not able to recover from three more turnovers in the third quarter as Hayden scored four of their seven touchdowns on short fields after Holton fumbles and took the District Title with a 47-32 road win.  It was the first win for Hayden over Holton in three tries as the Wildcat rivalry was renewed for the first time since 2013.  

Holton led 26-14 at halftime as they scored on all four possession in the first half and ran for 258 yards before intermission.  Yet, after a long Hayden drive to start the second half, Holton fumbled on their first two plays of the third quarter as Hayden capatilized and retook a 27-26 lead with three scores is a span of just 4:30 minutes.  Holton went three-and-out on the third offense drive of the third quarter, then Jake Heit ripped the ball away from Miles McClintock-Stozier on the next possession and returned it 50 yards for a Hayden score to push the lead to 40-26.  That capped a dominating 26-6 third quarter for Hayden who went on to even their record at 4-4 on the season and improve to 2-0 in District play.  

Holton got a touchdown to pull within 40-32 with 8:34 left in the game, but Hayden answered with a 10-play drive to seal the win.  Connor Hobart ran for 103 yards to pace Hayden and scored touchdowns (61, 33 and 11 yards) on three of his nine carries.  Thomas Stringer added 67 yards and an 18-yard TD while Andrew Smith scored and added 58 yards rushing.  Sampson Huston was just 3-11 passing, but hit Deshawn Hanika for a 34 yard touchdown strike after Holton first fumble in the second half.  Hayden overcame their two turnovers in the second quarter and a 12-point halftime deficit.     

Holton ran for 398 yards with Tyler Price toting the ball 19 times for 89 yards and a pair of touchdowns.  Price also blocked a PAT and had a couple tackles for loss to earn the "Player to Bank On" honors from the CItizens State Bank and Trust Company in Hiawatha.  McClintock-Stozier ran for 112 yards on 13 carries and scored first half TDs from 13 and 45 yards but fumbled three times.  Spencer Baum led Holton with 148 yards on 17 carries, but the Cats did not complete a pass.  Parker Zeller also ran for a short touchdown and Tel Witmer was named the Denison State Bank "Lineman of the Game" for his effort at both sides of the line of scrimmage.  Besides the four costly fumbles, Holton also hurt themselves with 11 penalties for 100 yards.  Holton is now 4-4 on the season, but 1-1 in District, as is Santa Fe Trail.  Holton will travel to face the Chargers next week and must win to qualify for the 19th straight playoff appearance.