HAWKS WIN THE 2025 BATTLE OF LAKOTAS!

HOOKS CONTINUES TO BREAK RECORDS!

Lakota East Football achieved a monumental victory last Friday night, defeating district rival Lakota West 42-28 in front of a sell-out crowd. This win not only marked a significant milestone for the Hawks but also ended a six-year drought against the Firebirds, making it only the second time in school history that East has secured a home win over West.

Star running back Ryder Hooks delivered an outstanding performance, rushing for 290 yards and scoring four touchdowns. His remarkable effort set a new single-season rushing record for the program with 1,733 yards through just ten games—breaking the previous record of 1,608 yards held by Jay Boyd since 1997. Hooks also moved into second place all-time for touchdowns in a single season, now trailing only Paul Bowen’s 20 touchdowns from 2004. With a career total of 4,084 rushing yards, Hooks continues to solidify his legacy as one of the best in Lakota East history.

In addition to his offensive exploits, Hooks made significant contributions on defense, recording a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, five tackles, and a pass deflection, proving himself to be a true two-way player.

Sophomore quarterback Nile Knutson also shone, completing 15 of 21 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns, ending the regular season as the GMC leader in passing with 1,969 yards. His efficiency was complemented by a trio of key receivers: Carter Jones with 57 yards and a touchdown, Pat MacFarlane with 58 yards and a score, and Jayden Seasy, also contributing 58 yards.

Defensively, junior Beckett Bush made an impactful play with an interception, while Carter Fausnaugh led the defensive effort with six solo tackles.

With this victory, Lakota East (7-3) has unofficially secured the No. 6 seed in Division I, Region 4, as confirmed by computer points analyst Joe Eitel. The Hawks are set to host No. 11 Oak Hills (4-6) on October 31, having previously defeated the Owls 14-7 in their earlier matchup on August 29.