Hillcrest builds early lead to secure 40-21 win over Shelley

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) – Hillcrest High School defeated Shelley High School 40-21 Friday night, building an early lead with a pair of first-quarter touchdowns.

Prior to kickoff, in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Hillcrest hosted a ceremony honoring first responders and paying tribute to those who lost their lives.

The Knights took control after stopping Shelley's opening drive, scoring touchdowns on back-to-back possessions. Shelley received the opening kickoff, with Kyrev Hawker providing a solid return to start the Russets' first drive. Hawker then gained a first down on a run up the middle, but Shelley's drive stalled short of the end zone.

Hillcrest took over for its first offensive possession of the game. On the Knights' first play, Logan Taylor threw a touchdown pass over the top to Gavin Lamph. The conversion failed, leaving Hillcrest with a 6-0 lead.

Later in the quarter, Hillcrest moved the ball downfield again as Taylor connected with Lamph on a long pass play into the red zone. Although the ball came loose at the end of the play, officials ruled Lamph down by contact. A few plays later, Maddox Ellingford took a pitch and scored on a rushing touchdown. Following another failed conversion, the Knights pushed their lead to 12-0 en route to the 40-21 victory.

Hillcrest will take on Century next on September 18th, and Shelley will take on Canyon Ridge that same night.