Klamath Falls' Henley Hornets Punch Ticket to Third Consecutive State Title Game, Edging Defending Champs Marshfield in Thriller

Well, folks, get ready for another championship run from Klamath Falls! The Henley Hornets have done it again, battling their way to a remarkable third consecutive Class 4A state football title game after a gritty 20-14 victory over the defending champions, Marshfield, on Friday night. It was one of those games that really keeps you on the edge of your seat, a true testament to high school football at its best.

Honestly, you could feel the tension in the air. This wasn't just any semifinal; it was a showdown between two absolute powerhouses. Henley, known for their consistency, went up against a Marshfield squad that, let's be frank, had been dominant, winning 23 of their last 24 games. Talk about a heavyweight bout!

The Hornets, led by head coach Alex Stork, wasted no time asserting themselves, building a 14-0 lead by halftime. It felt like they were really finding their rhythm, you know? But Marshfield, being the champions they are, wasn't about to roll over. They clawed their way back into the game, tying things up at 14-14 during a dramatic third quarter. It was a proper comeback, and for a moment, you wondered if Henley might just falter.

But this Henley team? They've got heart, and a whole lot of fight. They regrouped and managed to score the crucial go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter, pushing the score to 20-14. That's the kind of resilience you just love to see.

Quarterback Shaw Stork, who also happens to be Coach Stork's son, had a phenomenal night for Henley. He was a dual threat, rushing for 55 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries, while also completing 8 of 13 passes for 85 yards. He’s truly the engine of that offense. Running back Logan Whitlock chipped in with 63 tough yards on 17 carries, grinding out those crucial first downs.

The real heroes, though, might just be the Henley defense. In what was arguably the game's most pivotal moment, they dug deep and made an incredible stand late in the fourth quarter. With Marshfield driving, threatening to score and potentially tie or even win the game, Henley's defense held firm, forcing a turnover on downs at their own 29-yard line with just 4:14 left on the clock. It was a nail-biter, a real gut-check moment that they passed with flying colors. Marshfield's talented QB Dom Montiel, despite throwing two touchdowns, also faced immense pressure and threw two interceptions, a credit to Henley's defensive scheme.

Coach Stork couldn't have been prouder, remarking on his team's defensive tenacity and the incredible resilience they showed when Marshfield mounted their comeback. It truly speaks volumes about the character of this team.

So, now the Hornets are off to Hillsboro Stadium for the big one, where they'll face the winner of the Mazama vs. Cascade semifinal. They've been here before, winning the title in 2021 and making it to the final in 2020. This year, they're aiming for gold once more, and if Friday night's performance is any indication, they're certainly a force to be reckoned with. What a journey it's been, and what an exciting finish awaits!