CEDAR FALLS, IA — The Nighthawks fell to the Harlan Cyclones 42-28 in the class 3A championship in Cedar Falls Friday afternoon.
The Cyclones were the first to get on the board after a 25 yard pass from Teagon Kasperbauer to Connor Frame. That score was equalized by the Nighthawks after Tanner Te Slaa found Vance Katzfey for a 30 yard touchdown pass. Harlan would add two consecutive scores, the first on a time consuming 4:33 drive finished off with an Aidan Hall 5 yard run. The second also by Aidan Hall, on a 57 yard interception return for a score. At the end of the first quarter Harlan led 21-7.
Boyden Hull Rock Valley would pull within 7 after Caleb Kats finished off a 80 yard drive on a 5 yard TD reception from Tanner Te Slaa (21-14). Harlan would extend the lead again after scoring on a William Kenkel 4 yard full back dive. The Nighthawks would pull back within 7 after an electric 66 yard screen pass to Landyn Van Kekerix from Caleb Kats on a reverse pass. Then Harlan would fight back and make it 35-21 at half time with a 28 yard pass from Kasperbauer to Joey Moser.
Both teams would trade scores in the second half. First the Nighthawks went 82 yards in 15 plays, scoring on a Landyn Van Kekerix 2 yard run. Harlan would finish off the scoring with a 10 play 65 yard drive, scoring on a William Kenkel 2 yard run.
Harlan would hold off a couple more drives for the Nighthawks and earn the victory against the Nighthawks. The Nighthawks finished with a 12-1 record, and finished runner up for the 3rd time. The Cyclones earn their first championship since 2009, 13th overall.
