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Two future Northwestern Wildcats wrapped up their high school careers as state champions this weekend as wide receiver Berkeley Holman and safety Austin Hiller both earned some hardware.
Out in California, Holman, who committed in June, played an integral role in helping national powerhouse St. John Bosco win the California Interscholastic Federation Open Division championship over De La Salle by a score of 56-33. Holman, a speedy highlight machine who busted a couple big plays on national television earlier this year, had seven catches for 95 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown pass. Eric Sondheimer, who covers the team for the Los Angeles Times, had this to say about St. John Bosco, which finished No. 2 in the nation behind Bishop Gorman:
Too bad St. John Bosco can't play Bishop Gorman next week for national title. Bosco much better. But no one has beaten Tate Martell.
— eric sondheimer (@latsondheimer) December 18, 2016
As for Holman, well, he was ecstatic:
IMA STATE CHAMP
— Berk™ (@BHolman__) December 18, 2016
Never been more proud of a group of young men. They put the work in and the results came with it. Love you guys. #State #56 pic.twitter.com/YUJlc2F2gQ
— James Leeman (@JamesTLeeman) December 18, 2016
All Glory to the most high, blessed to be a part of this team and finish off my high school career as a State Champ. Brave for life pic.twitter.com/JXOeMYKE0e
— Berk™ (@BHolman__) December 18, 2016
Down in Texas, Hiller helped lead Lake Travis all over The Woodlands 41-13, winning the Texas 6A, Division I state title at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cavaliers, who lost in the 6A, Division II championship game last year, didn’t allow a first down in the first quarter and cruised to victory from there.
Congrats Lake Travis HS @LTHSCavFootball - Texas high school 6A State Champions! Awesome job! @austinhiller_ @NorthwesternU pic.twitter.com/FN2TmDm8xC
— Tim Kopra (@astro_tim) December 18, 2016
Lake Travis fans got jokes (seen at the Texas Class 6A Division I state championship game). #txhsfb pic.twitter.com/MPZUiC678b
— Sam Khan Jr. (@skhanjr) December 18, 2016
As expected, Hiller was all over the place:
Nice open field tackle on Schmid by Austin Hiller and The Woodlands will punt #txhsfb #UILState
— Matt Stepp (@Matt_Stepp817) December 18, 2016
Woodlands QB Eric Schmid executes zone read bu Austin Hiller wraps him up for no gain on 3rd down. That would get 10 v. lotta other teams.
— Thomas Jones (@ThomasJonesAAS) December 18, 2016
Austin Hiller breaks up the pass for LT. He prevented the Woodlands from crossing midfield for the first time tonight. #UILState UIL
— Matthew Adams (@MatthewAdams60) December 18, 2016