KEARNEY, Neb. - Garden County captured its first state football championship in school history Friday night, defeating Southwest 41-22 in the Class D6 title game at Ron and Carol Cope Stadium in Kearney.

Garden County (12-0) led 33-6 at halftime and finished with 267 yards of total offense, including 171 rushing yards. Senior Wilsie Lobner ran 17 times for 105 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Eagles. His scoring plays covered 31, 41 and 7 yards.

The Eagles also scored through the air, beginning with a 42-yard touchdown pass from Kyan Kramer to Javis Underwood early in the second quarter. Lane Brenneman added a 37-yard touchdown reception from Carver Corfield later in the quarter. Kramer and Corfield combined to complete 4 of 6 passes for 96 yards.

Southwest (11-1) totaled 288 yards. Quarterback Houston Billeter threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns, including a 9-yard scoring pass to Deric Kelley in the second quarter, Ja. Gutierrez-Barber added a 2-yard touchdown reception in the third and Billeter connected with Hammaond for a 44-yard score midway through the final period. 

Garden County’s defense forced four turnovers, including a fourth-quarter interception returned 61 yards for a touchdown by Jase Roberson to put the Eagles ahead 41-14.

The championship marks Garden County’s first in program history.