SENIOR TJERDAN JOHNSON of South Hamilton takes a moment to gather his thoughts after Friday’s playoff loss to Waterloo Columbus in Jewell. (DFJ photo by Claire Hewitt)

JEWELL — Everything appeared to be going South Hamilton’s way here Friday night, as the Hawks were on the path to a spot in the Class 1A quarterfinals.

However, Waterloo Columbus came alive, sparking a rally that led to a 35-24 victory, ending a banner season for the 8-2 Hawks.

The Sailors (8-2) advance to host Sumner-Fredericksburg (9-1) this Friday night for a spot in the UNI-Dome and the state semifinals.

South Hamilton raced out to a 24-8 lead in the second quarter on Columbus following a 53-yard touchdown run by Nick Severseike. From there, though, the tides turned, as the Sailors scored 27 unanswered points — led by four TD passes from Carter Lockert.

“We played a good game,” South Hamilton head coach Paul Skartvedt said. “It always hurts when you’re season comes to an end.”

Severseike rushed 11 times for 143 yards and two touchdowns with senior Noah Gunderson adding 74 and a score. The Hawks finished the night with 252 yards on the ground.

On defense, seniors Owen Renaud and Carter Stolee each recorded a sack, with Gunderson finishing with nine tackles and junior Ashton Williams six. Another senior, Prestin Van De Pol, recovered a fumble.

South Hamilton had back-to-back 8-2 campaigns, as the seniors were a part of 28 total wins over the past four years.

“The senior class has been a great group,” Skartvedt said. “They have done great things and have contributed to the growth of our team in toughness, leadership and by showing the younger players how to work.

“They are a great group of kids. We had a great season of growth from a lot of young guys that will flow into the offseason for us.”

This marked the final game for Jonathan Drake, Renaud, Tjerdan Johnson, Ryland Ubben, Van De Pol, Landon Greufe, Gunderson, Kendra Hoversten, Dylan Oskvig, Stolee, Kaden Schwandt, Adley Peters and Owen Duns.