Boys Golf & Soccer Recap
Article Credit: Zach Ulin/KCII
GOLF:
May 15, 2025
Keota Captures Sectional Team Title, Ravens Third, Both Advance to Districts
The Keota Eagle and Hillcrest Academy Raven boys golf teams flew high Wednesday at their Class 1A Sectional meet hosted by BGM at the Brooklyn Victor Country Club. Keota won the team championship with an overall score of 319, edging out second place BGM’s 323. The Eagles were led by sectional runner-up Brennan McGuire. The sophomore sizzled with his round of 73. HLV’s Peyton Roth fired a 70 to win the individual title. Other Eagle scores included Billie Kindred 76, Porter Cave 84, Tucker Sprouse 86, Jake Morris 94, and Cooper Strand 97. Following the meet, top scorer McGuire and lone senior Kindred talked with KCII Sports about the day.
McGuire said, “Nerves for me were there, but I try to calm them and get in the right headspace. Hole four is a little par four and I stuck it to 10 feet, so that was a nice little boost of confidence. (The sectional championship) is pretty good.”
Kindred continued, “I was a little nervous at first, but after the first couple of holes, you’re good to go. I made a few long putts that really got me going. (The sectional championship) feels great!”
Hillcrest Academy also moved on through sectionals with a third place team finish at 330. Senior Liam Schrock led the Ravens, placing third overall with his 73. He was followed closely by teammate Rowan Miller fourth overall with a 74. Other Hillcrest cards included Matthew Chalupa 89, Lawson Schrock and Rylan Good at 94 each, and Ethan Yoder 97. KCII Sports caught up with Liam Schrock and Miller following their rounds.
Schrock stated, “I was maybe a little nervous, but mainly just excited. I always think, they are going to put a score by your name no matter what, so you might as well make it a good one! On the first hole, I made an eight-footer for par and that got me going and saved the round I would say. (Qualifying as a team) makes it more fun. We can go together and hang out together.”
Miller said, “I was excited, usually I get some first-tee jitters, but, after that first swing, things set in and it’s fine. I was four-over through the first four, then I was able to keep it at about that. Then first hole of the back nine, hole nine, par four, I put it on the fringe, put it close, make a putt and that birdie turned it around so I could stay one under on the back. It’s great to qualify as a team. I always enjoy that McDonald stop as a team. It’s better with teammates than just by yourself!”
The Eagles and Ravens, and second place BGM Bears, along with Roth of HLV and Gage Heyne of English Valleys all advance to Monday’s district meet at Wapello to play for a chance at State.
SOCCER:
May 14, 2025
Huskie’s Crazy Comeback Keeps Conference Tourney Run Alive Against Ravens
It took all 80, and then some Tuesday night at Mediapolis in the three vs six seed game in the quarterfinals of the Southeast Iowa Superconference Tournament, but it was just enough time for the Highland Huskies to rally past the Hillcrest Academy Ravens into the semifinals with a 3-2 win in PKs. The first half belonged to the Ravens. Hillcrest built a 2-0 lead at intermission on the strength of first half goals from Micah Gerber, his 11th and Mason Bender his seventh and a pair of assists from Seth Ours, his team-leading eighth and ninth. Backs to the wall, the Dogs responded.
The Huskies cut the lead in half in the 49th minute when Angel Avendano drove a ball to the back of the net, his second goal of the season, to make it 2-1. In the final minute of regulation, Highland found the equalizer, when Jose Ramirez beat the Hillcrest defense for his ninth goal of the year. In penalty kicks, Highland made three of their four to win, with Diaz, Jaydee Macareno and Ramirez all connecting on their kicks. Hillcrest got PK conversions from Gerber and Isaac Beachy. Raven keeper Kyle Neuschwander stopped one Highland kick. Following the match, the Highland trio of Diaz, Macareno and Ramirez talked with KCII Sports about the comeback, PKs and win.
Ramirez said, “(On the tying goal), I saw the ball come straight at my feet and I was like ‘I have to score a big one!’ so I hit it as hard as I could, made sure I curved the ball, it was ecstatic! (On the PK) I have been playing for years, so like I said, it’s all in your mind. You just have to play calm and you’re going to score that. There’s a lot of pride in this win. Highland hasn’t made it this far lately so it feels nice.”
Diaz remarked, “(On Ramirez’ goal) It was a beautiful goal! (On the PK) My mind was clear, I was just singing a song in my head, looking for where I should shoot. (This win) feels like sunshine and rainbows!”
Macareno added, “(On Ramirez’ goal) Goosebumps! That’s all I can say! All I got were goosebumps. (On the PK), I had to make it! I couldn’t fail my team. I had to make it. This just feels awesome, we’re going to go far in this tournament.”
Hillcrest won shots on goal 13-9 and had 12 corner kicks to Highland’s seven. Neuschwander made five saves in goal, Ayden Havel stopped 19 shots for Highland on the back line. The win moves the Huskies to 7-5-2 on the year as they advance into the Superconference Tournament semifinals Friday at Central Lee against Mediapolis who was a 3-0 winner over WACO. The loss drops Hillcrest to 7-4-2 as they get ready for a first round district rivalry match next week with Mid-Prairie.
