The South Hamilton Hawks football team returned to action on Friday night, as they hosted the Sailors of Columbus Catholic at Bill Taylor Field in Jewell for the 2nd round of the Class 1A Playoffs. South Hamilton entered with a record of 8-1 and 5-0 in the district, while Columbus Catholic entered with a record of 7-2 and 4-1 out of District 4.
The night started off with a bang for South Hamilton, as Nick Severseike took the 2nd play from scrimmage 75 yards for a touchdown to put the Hawks up 8-0. Columbus Catholic would get to midfield on their first drive, but were stuffed on 4th and short, giving the Hawks a short field. South Hamilton capitalized on a short field with Noah Gunderson punching in a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 16-0 South Hamilton after the first quarter. Columbus Catholic would get on the board in the 2nd quarter off a Parker Kjeldsen 6-yard touchdown run to bring the Sailors within 16-8, but Nick Severseike broke his 2nd long run of the day on a 53-yard scamper to put South Hamilton up 24-8. Columbus Catholic would get in the endzone late in the first half, off a Carter Lockert 10-yard touchdown pass to Nick Merrifield to bring the halftime score to 24-16.
The 2nd half saw Columbus Catholic come out and light it up through the air, as the Sailors first drive of the 2nd half saw Lockert hit Thomas Steele for a 24-yard touchdown pass to make the score 24-22. South Hamilton’s offense was shut down on the ensuing drive, and on the Sailors opening play of their 2nd drive, Thomas Steele took another Carter Lockert pass 63 yards for a touchdown to put the Sailors ahead 28-24. Lockert finished his career day with a 14-yard touchdown pass in the 4th quarter to tight end Nick Merrifield to put the Sailors up 35-24 and secure them the win.
The Player of the Game, sponsored by Jewell Market, was South Hamilton junior running back Nick Severseike, who rushed for 143 yards and 2 touchdowns on 11 carries. Columbus Catholic quarterback Carter Lockert would go 20/34 for 314 yards and 4 touchdowns on the night.
Columbus Catholic advances to face Sumner-Fredericksburg in the Class 1A Quarterfinals, while South Hamilton’s season comes to an end at 8-2.