The Jefferson West Tigers traveled to Hiawatha on Friday night and picked up a thrilling Big 7 league win of 16-14. 

The Redhawks (1-1) started strong less than three minutes into the game when Connor Kettler intercepted a pass and ran it back 60 yards for a touchdown. 

The Tigers (1-1) would respond in the second quarter with a 19-yard touchdown run by Brodie Thelan. They would add the two-point conversion to lead the game 8-6 at halftime. 

Both teams would score touchdowns in the third quarter. Hiawatha regained the lead on a 9-yard touchdown pass from Alex Pyle to Kettler which gave them the 14-8 lead after the two-point conversion. 

Jefferson West would follow with a 13-yard touchdown run by Crayton Holman and the Tigers would retake the lead 16-14 after their two-point conversion. 

Both touchdown drives in the third quarter were 62-yard drives that took up nearly the entire third quarter time. 

Both teams each had two possessions in the fourth quarter and they would combine for two fumbles, a punt, and an interception. 

Thelan intercepted Bradyn Newell in the final minute of the game to seal the win for Jefferson West. 

Thelan was the KNZA player of the game as he finished with 15 carries for 80 yards and a touchdown while grabbing two interceptions on defense. 

Connor Kettler had a nice game for the Redhawks before leaving the game with an injury. He had the pick-six in the opening minutes plus a touchdown reception. 

The Tigers pick up their first win over Hiawatha in three years and will host Sabetha in week three while Hiawatha will travel to Holton.