The 2025 football season came to an end for the Halstead Dragons with a 74-24 loss to the Hoisington Cardinals Friday night at Hoisington.
Hoisington tailback Taylen Morales rushed for 237 yards and scored four touchdowns.
Cardinals’ quarterback Mason Martin was on fire with 210 yards and a trio of touchdown passes. Carson Mason caught a pair of scoring passes and Brody Pfannenstiel caught a 44-yard TD pass.
The Cardinals led at halftime 24-3. Halstead’s points came on a field goal by Carlos Martinez.
Hoisington scored on two TDs in the second quarter. Halstead’s Edric Zorn scored on TD runs of 1 and 3 yards in the frame. Martinez kicked the extra points and Halstead trailed 36-17.
Hoisington added a TD and a 2-point conversion to lead at halftime 44-17.
In the third quarter, Halstead quarterback Damien Whillock connected with Noah Diehl for a 9-yard TD pass. Martinez’ PAT kick cut Hoisington’s lead to 44-24.
Hoisington put two more TDs on the scoreboard and led 58-24 at the end of three quarters.
The Cardinals then added two more TDs and two more 2-point conversions for a 74-24 victory.
Hoisington (8-0) will play Hillsboro (6-3) in the second round. Hillsboro defeated Ellsworth 18-17 Friday night.
Ellsworth finished the season with a 5-4 record. Halstead finished the season 2-7.
