Comets Win First Football Conference Title

Austyn Hocter (15) carries the ball and shakes off defenders. Photos by Hannah Tacy, JTV Sports

Trey Richmond | JTV Sports

Friday October 25th

(10-25-2025): Hanover Horton defeated Michigan Center to win the program’s first conference title, ending the Cardinals undefeated season.

On Center’s second possession, QB Hadyn Hinkle connected with Travis Collins on a big gain of 33 yards. Followed up quickly by a shift in momentum as Brody Burt recovered a fumble to get the Comets the ball back.

Michigan Center held the comets to 4th down again and had the punt team sent out, but a fake punt converted on 4th and 3. Ledger Inman carried the ball on the fake, and followed that up with a 22 yard tote to get the Comet offense started. That play set up a QB sneak TD by Devin Bevier to give HH an 8-0 lead.

The Cardinals offense started off where they left off prior to the fumble, Hinkle found Braylen Brown for a 28 yard connection. The promising drive was ended by Lukas NaDell snatching the ball out of the air that bounced off the receiver’s hands for an interception.

Michigan Center started off the 2nd half hot by forcing a 3 and out and scoring on their first possession after a 37 yard bomb to Tre Collins setting up a 10 rushing TD by Hinkle. MC converted the 2pt try to even the game up at 8 apiece.

As a response to the Cardinal scoring drive, Austyn Hocter had a 33 yard carry leading to another QB sneak TD by Bevier to reclaim the lead for the Comets at 14-8. Brown took a short pass 32 yards to the 10 allowing Hinkle to have back to back carries for a Cardinal TD, tying up the game again at 14.

On a drive starting at the Michigan Center 48, Hocter scored from 44 yards out after breaking several tackles and stretching the ball over the goal line while fighting off defenders to reclaim the lead in spectacular fashion; 20-14.

In a final gasp for the Cardinals to keep their undefeated season alive with just over 2 minutes left, Hinkle threw past the sticks, but JJ Russ came down with the ball for another interception. Hanover Horton claimed the 2025 Cascades Conference title, the first in program history.

Austyn Hocter rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown for Hanover Horton, and QB Devin Bevier ran for 2 TDs. The Comets defense forced 4 turnovers (3 INTS and a fumble). QB Hadyn Hinkle scored both touchdowns for Michigan Center.

Hanover Horton improves to 7-2 and will host a playoff game next Friday, Michigan Center falls to 8-1 and will compete in the Division 5 playoffs.