Football Recap: Rawlins County Takes a Loss

Rawlins County was the 48-28 winner over Hill City when they last played one another back in September of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The Buffaloes were beaten by the Ringnecks 58-20 on Friday. The Buffaloes have now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.

Dominique Paz

Rushing Yards

09/12/25 @ Greeley County	78
09/05/25 vs Dighton	132
09/19/25 vs Trego	173
09/26/25 vs Hill City	178

Despite the defeat, Rawlins County saw an underclassman step up: sophomore Dominique Paz rushed for 178 yards and two touchdowns while picking up 8.1 yards per carry, and also threw for 36 yards and one TD. Those 178 rushing yards set a new season-high mark for Paz.

Even if they lost, Rawlins County's defensive line still kept up the pressure with three sacks. The team can thank three different players for their defensive prowess: Owen Bowles, Tucker Prideaux, and Daylan Fairchild, who each picked up one sack apiece.

Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Hill City to victory, but perhaps none more so than Tate Balthazor, who rushed for 167 yards and three scores on only 11 carries, and also threw for 202 yards and three TDs while completing 77.8% of his passes. Those 167 rushing yards gave Balthazor a new career-high. Tyler Ashbaugh was Balthazor's top target, picking up 15 receiving yards.

Rawlins County's loss dropped their record down to 2-2. As for Hill City, they pushed their record up to 3-1 with the win, which was their fifth straight on the road dating back to last season.

Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming contests. Rawlins County will face off against Stockton at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Hill City, they will square off against St. Francis at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. The Indians' defense has only allowed 11.5 points per game this season, so the Ringnecks' offense will have their work cut out for them.