HILL CITY — In 2021, Devin Buehler was thrust into the starting quarterback spot for the Hill City Rangers. 

Buehler, then a 115-pound freshman, and the Rangers went 1-7 that season. But Buehler showed flashes and Hill City had its quarterback of the future. 

“In hindsight, it was good for him,” Hill City coach Brett Eckert said. “It gave Devin a huge opportunity and Devin just kind of embraced it and he’s definitely grown.”

Buehler and Hill City’s growing pains continued the next two seasons. The Rangers won two games in 2022 and won three games in 2023. But currently 6-1, the Rangers have equaled their win total from the past three seasons combined and are having their best season since 2013, when they won eight games. 

Buehler, a senior quarterback/safety, has been largely responsible for the resurgence and he couldn’t be prouder. 

“It’s just been a blessing,” Buehler said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better group of guys and just overall how we’ve progressed so much throughout the season. It’s remarkable and I am forever going to be grateful for it.”

A 5-foot-11, 155-pounder, Buehler is engineering a high-powered Ranger offense that’s averaging 50.9 points per game and he has scored 38 total offensive touchdowns. He’s completed 80-of-112 passes for 1,550 yards and 19 touchdowns, while rushing for 720 yards and 19 more scores. Buehler has passed for a school-record 3,644 yards and has thrown 35 passing touchdowns. 

But numbers aside, Eckert said it’s his football instincts that set him apart as a quarterback.

“Devin has been playing great,” Eckert said. “The thing that he does the best and what has really helped us to play well is understanding what teams are giving you and being content in taking what they will give you and trusting all the guys around you.”

Hill City's Devin Buehler (7) carries the ball through the tackle attempt of Philip's Randen Wishard (10) during a game on Oct. 4 at Ranger Field in Hill City. (Matt Gade / 605 Sports)

Buehler doesn’t rely heavily on his arm strength, but instead picks apart defenses with the intermediate throws and his precision passing to orchestrate the offense.

“I definitely pride myself in the short ball because it’s easy quick yards,” Buehler said. “You don’t always have to have the bombs that are big momentum plays. But if you can keep shifting your way down the field with those little increments of yards, that’s all you need.”

On offense, Hill City also features running back Caleb Sobolik (435 rushing yards/8 TDs), wide receiver Zane Messick (605 receiving yards/11 TDs), tight end Brensen Veneklasen (455 receiving yards/4 TDs) and wide receiver Nick Schroeder (208 receiving yards/3 TDs).  

“One thing that really helps is the athletes that I have around me,” Buehler said. “I can give them a quick route and they can make it from three yards all the way to 15 yards. Because they’ve been priding themselves on their athleticism and their elusiveness as well.”

The Rangers’ resurgence season has also been aided by the move to Class 9AA from Class 11B, which they’ve been in the past three seasons. 

“Luckily we kept the same kind of scheme that we had in 11 man,” Buehler said. “But you can definitely tell the difference between two more guys on the field and then two less. We can use our speed a lot more in nine man.”

The Rangers immediately experienced success dropping down to Class 9AA. They picked up wins over Stanley County (48-6), Lemmon-McIntosh (41-8) and Dupree (55-14) to start the season. After a 50-43 setback against Class 9A No. 5 Harding County/Bison, the Rangers are back on track with wins over Faith (53-0), Bennett County (63-44) and Philip (53-0).

Eckert said the convincing victory over Stanley County helped set the table for Hill City’s turnaround season.

“It really kind of set the tone for us and it allowed the kids to believe we can really compete at this level, too,” Eckert said. “It was a huge shot in the arm and it definitely has bolstered our confidence and allowed us to play pretty well.” 

Hill City will close out the regular season at Kadoka Area on Oct. 11 and then its the postseason, which it hasn’t qualified for since 2013. 

But Buehler said the Rangers are still keeping things in perspective. 

“We are definitely very confident, but at the same time coach always tells us we have 24 hours to feel good about the win,” Buehler said. “But then it’s always onto the next week, and we just have to keep staying locked in and preparing to the best of our ability.”

Buehler, who also competes in basketball and track and field, hopes to play either football or basketball at the next level. 

“I love both the sports and I played them for a long time,” said Buehler, who maintains a 4.0 grade point average and is a member of the National Honor Society. “I am not sure what I am going to do yet. But I am excited for what’s to come especially and I am going to keep working hard in both sports and we will see what happens.”

But no matter where he ends up, he’s left a lasting impression at Hill City.  

“You can’t speak highly enough about him,” Eckert said. “He does a lot of really good stuff and more than just on the football field.”