JEROMESVILLE — Kael Lewis rewrote Hillsdale history Friday night.
Only a junior, Lewis now sits atop Hillsdale’s career passing touchdowns list with 50. He broke the previous record halfway into the first quarter with a 51-yard TD pass to senior receiver Hayden McFadden — stemming off a trick play.
Six minutes later, Lewis threw his 50th passing TD — again to McFadden, this time a 48-yarder. To top it off, these scores were coming against a state-ranked Wayne County Athletic League foe in Smithville (5-1, 2-1), who the Falcons bested 35-10 in their Homecoming Game.
“It (the record) was definitely on my mind (coming into Friday’s game),” Lewis said. “I wanted to get it last week at the end of the game.”
Although he had to wait another week, the moment unfolded exactly how it was meant to for Lewis.
“To get it to Hayden (McFadden) on a trick play was pretty special,” the junior said.
Lewis aired it out for 159 passing yards in the Falcons’ (6-0, 3-0) statement win — 112 of those going to McFadden. He also rushed for 23 yards and a score.
Lewis said he has looked up to past Hillsdale quarterbacks since he was young. To be among the greats is an honor he doesn’t take lightly.
“To get that record is pretty special,” Lewis said.
His coach, Trevor Cline, agreed.
“That’s an awesome accomplishment for him,” Cline said. “He broke Trey Williams’ record (48), which is Coach (Tom) Williams’, our offensive coordinator, son.”
Below are photos from Friday’s game between Hillsdale and Smithville. The story continues below.
Hillsdale looks to get better each week
After collecting a convincing 35-6 win on the road last week over Dalton, the Falcons trailed 3-0 early Friday after a 24-yard field goal from Smithville kicker Luke Snyder.
But Hillsdale quickly reminded everyone why the Falcons are hungry to return to Canton and the state title ggame.
Rattling off 28 unanswered points, Hillsdale fought to a three-score lead by the end of the third quarter — adding one more TD early in the fourth.
Along with Lewis and McFadden, senior running back Owen Sloan rumbled his way to 173 yards on the ground and two TDs — one from three yards out, the other from 17.
Lewis said experience accumulated during the Falcons’ deep playoff-run last season has fueled Hillsdale’s confidence this year. He specifically spoke highly of this year’s senior class.
“In my opinion, they’re (Class of 2026) the best group to ever come through here,” Lewis said. “They’ve all been starting or at least rotating in since their sophomore years.”
Cline said his team has emphasized staying present this season, embracing each day and each moment. Respecting each week and not looking into the future has been a benefit, he said.
“If you find ways to get better each day and each week, then you’re going to put yourself in a position to compete for a state championship like we did last year,” Cline said.
The Falcons will travel to Waynedale next week. The Golden Bears fell 48-10 to Norwayne in Week 6. Smithville will host Northwestern, who was shutout Friday by Dalton, 38-0.
Below are photos of the Hillsdale High School marching band, as well as the 2025 Homecoming Court.
