Hillcrest climbs to title match

It is not often a No. 6 seed makes it to a title game, but Hillcrest Academy accomplished that feat this weekend.

Friday at Mediapolis, the Ravens faced No. 3 seed Columbus. With 13 minutes left in the first half Will Kolck knocked in the only score of the game on a pass from Jorge Canchola.

The 1-0 win advanced the Ravens to Saturday’s semifinal at Wapello.

No. 2 seed Mediapolis awaited, but the Ravens prevailed 3-1 over the Bulldogs.

Four minutes into the game Kolck sent a pass to Noah Miller, who slotted the ball to the far post. Miller scored again with 8 minutes left in the half as he cranked the ball into the net on a deflected shot.

Mediapolis scored off a deflection with 3:15 left in the game. With less than a minute remaining, Mediapolis pushed their goalie forward. The Ravens sent a long ball forward and Miller and the goalie raced to get to the ball. Miller’s shot was deflected but John Hughes sent a shot in from 25 yards out.

The title game was No. 1 Notre Dame’s third mercy rule win after it beat Danville 11-0 in one half of play and Highland 10-0 in 70 minutes.

The Nikes ended the Ravens match with 6 minutes on the clock to win 10-0.

Hillcrest is 7-5 and hosted Washington Monday. Hillcrest will host Central Lee in district play Thursday.