News
The four smallest classes in South Dakota high school football begin their playoffs this Thursday, October 18. Here’s a preview of 11B, 9AA, 9A and 9B playoffs.
11B First Round Games
*Denotes At-Large Team
Class 11B - Region 1
#4 Elk Point-Jefferson* at #1 Aberdeen Roncalli (7 PM)
Elk Point-Jefferson (3-5)
Key Wins: at Vermillion 43-27
Loss(es): Tea Area, BEE, SF Christian, Beresford, Sioux Valley
Players to Watch:
Brody Weavill: 110 rush, 509 yds, TD; 26.5 tackles, 4.5 TFL
Riley Schmitz: 69 rush, 387 yds, 8 TD
Ethan Hammitt: 58 rush, 350 yds, 5 TD; 7 rec, 84 yds
Sam Aslesen: 21-44, 287 yds, TD; 43 rush, 71 yds, TD
Dalton Monahan: 4 DEF INT
Coach: Jacob Terry
“I feel we have done a great job of running the football with a variety of guys this season with our triple option offense. We are coming off the Vermillion game where we set a school record 401 yards rushing. We are also very balanced, so teams cannot key on any one individual player. We are +15 on turnovers throughout the season, so we have done a great job protecting the football and forcing some turnovers. We are a very young team, starting only seven underclassmen on offense and six on defense, so playing with confidence is huge. We have played the best teams in the state during the regular season, so our kids are confident going into this first round playoff game.”
Aberdeen Roncalli (5-3)
Coach: Billy Young
Key Wins: vs. Groton 27-7, at WWSSC 13-0
Loss(es): Canton, Mobridge-Pollock, Milbank
Players to Watch:
Brady Morgan: 73-131, 1043 yds, 8 TD; 60 rush, 149 yds, 3 TD
Sami Mounga: 83 rush, 610 yds, 4 TD; 90 tackles, 11.5 TFL
Jaden Karst: 67 rush, 346 yds, 5 TD; 22 rec, 254 yds; 51 tackles, 7.5 TFL
Brandon Fauth: 13 rec, 267 yds, 5 TD
# 3 Mobridge-Pollock at # 2 Groton Area (6 PM)
Mobridge-Pollock (5-3)
Coach: Paul Goehring
Key Wins: Roncalli 14-8
Loss(es): SF Christian, Stanley County, Groton Area
Players to Watch:
Caden Halsey, QB
Isaac Olson
Reese Cerney
Groton Area (5-3)
Coach: Shaun Wanner
Key Wins: Chamberlain 21-8, Mobridge-Pollock 28-26
Loss(es): Roncalli, Beresford, Milbank
Players to Watch:
Jonathan Doeden
Lucas Hinman
Thomas Cranford
Previous Matchup:
Sep 21 Groton Area at Mobridge-Pollock Groton Won 28-26
Class 11B - Region 2
# 4 Sioux Valley at # 1 Canton (7PM)
Sioux Valley (7-1)
Key Wins: vs. Lennox 28-16, at EPJ 22-17
Loss(es): Canton, Beresford, SF Christian, BEE
Players to Watch:
Dalton Hansen: 119 rush, 464 yds, 7 TD
Jaxton Schiller: 68 rush, 443 yds, 2 TD
Tayte White: 46 rush, 249 yds, TD
Parker Puetz: 17/36, 397 yds, 5 TD
Coach: Dan Hughes
“We need to find a way to stop Kayden Verley; he’s pretty good. We also need to improve from our slow start last week.”
Canton (8-0)
Coach: Rich Lundstrom
Key Wins: SF Christian 29-12, Beresford 28-14, Bridgewater-Emer/Ethan 24-17
Loss(es): None
Players to Watch:
Rushing: Kayden Verley - 830 yds; Shea Sheidt - 618 yds
Passing: Scott Peterson - 32 for 62/ 480 yds/ 4 tds/ 1 int
Receiving: Kayden Verley - 10/154 yds; Isaac Dietzenbach - 4/100
Scoring: Kayden Verley - 13 TDs/2 FGs/27 PATs; Shea Sheidt - 11 TDs
Punting: Kayden Verley - 13/37.7 ave./8 inside the 20
Punt Returns: Kayden Verley - 6/182/30.3 ave.
Kickoffs: Kayden Verley - 29/54.3 ave./21 touchbacks
Kick Returns: Kayden Verley - 3/115/38.3 ave.
Ints: Kayden Verley, Josh Lane, Shea Sheidt - 1
Passes Defensed: Kayden Verley and Cody Soderquist - 5 each
Blocked Kick: Shea Sheidt
Forced Fumbles: Isaac Dietzenbach and Kayden Verley - 2 each
Fumble Recoveries: Alex Jorgenson - 2
QB sacks: Dawson Rozeboom - 2
Tackles: Shea Sheidt - 97; Zach Richardson - 72
Tackles for loss: Scott Peterson - 6; Shea Sheidt - 4
Pancake Blocks: Joey Heikkila - 17; Garrett Minihan - 10
# 3 Sioux Falls Christian at # 2 Beresford (7 PM)
Sioux Falls Christian (6-2)
Coach: Jake Pettengill
Key Wins: Winner 36-0
Loss(es): Canton, Tea Area
Players to Watch:
Clay Vinson
Mitchell Goodbary
Collin Reitsma
Parker Nelson
Dawson Mulder
Beresford (6-2)
Coach: Scott Ebert
Key Wins: Groton Area 35-32, Mt. Vernon/Plankinton
Loss(es): Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan, Canton
Players to Watch:
Brad Christensen: 59-94, 834 yds, 9 TD; 63 rush, 307 yds, 5 TD; 75 tackles
Tyler Kropuenske: 74 rush, 467 yds, 4 TD; 17 rec, 255 yds, 3 TD
Jack Antonson: 19 rec, 376 yds, 6 TD; 3 DEF INT
Blake Peterson: 37 tackles, 2 sacks, 9 TFL, FF
Carter Kennedy: 4 sacks, 2 FF
Class 11B - Region 3
# 4 W/WS/SC at # 1 Bridgewater/Emery-Ethan (7PM)
Bridgewater/Emery-Ethan (7-1)
Key Wins: at Beresford 14-6; vs. Madison 21-0
Loss(es): at Canton 24-17
Players to Watch:
Jamin Arend: 147 rush, 872 yds, 13 TD
Brady Hawkins: 70 rush, 433 yds, 6 TD; 40-69, 769 yds, 8 TD
Sawyer Schultz: 14 rec, 295 yds, 3 TD
Carter Dye: 86 tackles, 11 TFL, 6 sacks, 2 FR, Blocked kick
Coach: Jeff Van Leur
“Our team has done a nice jump of working hard and improving every week. We need to win the battle up front on both sides of the ball. Also taking care of the ball and field position will play big.”
Woonsocket/Wessington Springs/Sanborn Central (3-5)
Coach: Jason Kolousek
Key Wins: vs. Chamberlain 13-12 OT
Loss(es): BEE 41-0; MVP 48-13; Stanley County 17-0; Roncalli 13-0; Winner 40-0
Players to Watch:
Cayden Slykhuis, Trey Ulmer, Alex Wormstadt and Seth Tebay
Previous Meeting:
8/24/18 W/WS/SC at B-E-E. B-E-E won 41-0
# 3 Stanley County at # 2 Mt. Vernon/Plankinton (7 PM)
Stanley County (5-3)
Coach: Max Foth
Key Wins: Custer 43-21, Mobridge-Pollock 14-8
Loss(es): Mt. Vernon/Plankinton, Winner, Chamberlain
Players to Watch:
Brady Hoftiezer
Jayden Face
Dylan Gabriel
Riley Hannum
JD Carter
Mt. Vernon/Plankinton (7-1)
Key Wins: Stanley County 40-7, Winner 30-28
Loss(es): Beresford
Players to Watch:
Jesse Hastings: (Injured Shoulder) 111 rush, 1090 yds, 20 TD
Weston Tobin: 68 rush, 541 yds, 8 TD
Colton Tobin: 75 rush, 406 yds, 2 TD
Hayden Haak: 20-55, 345 yds, 5 TD; 59 rush, 294 yds, 4 TD
Hunter Pranger: 47.5 tackles, 9 TFL, 2 DEF INT
Seth Bultsma: 5 sacks, 6.5 TFL
Coach: Brent Olson
“We had 2,686 (7.1 per carry) rushing yards this regular season and our opponents had 412 (2.1 per carry) for the season. We need take care of the football. Players need to step up for the injured players.”
Class 11B - Region 4
# 4 Custer at # 1 Winner (7 PM)
Custer (5-3)
Coach: Russ Bailey
Key Wins: Lead-Deadwood 26-13
Loss(es): Stanley County, Hot Springs, Red Cloud
Players to Watch:
Elmore Dathon: 465 yards passing, 4 TD; 254 yds rushing, 7 TD; 3 DEF INT
Micaiah Grace: 107 rush, 552 yds, 8 TD
Daniel Sedlacek: 261 yds rushing, 5 TD
Jaret Woodward: 68 tackles, 2 sacks
Winner (6-2)
Coach: Dan Aaker
Key Wins: Stanley County, West Central
Loss(es): SF Christian, Mt. Vernon/Plankinton
Players to Watch:
Trevor Peters: 89 rush, 731 yds, 11 TD
Phillip Jorgenson: 83 rush, 565 yds, 5 TD
Brady Fritz: 24-47, 447 yds, 5 TD; 52 rush, 263 yds, 5 TD
Shea Connot: 52 tackles, sack, 9 TFL
Preston Norrid: 37.5 tackles, sack, 8.5 TFL
Joren Bruun: 4 DEF INT, 6 PBU
Coach Aaker:
“When we have played disciplined, we have showed we are good football team. We have progressed in all phases and our offensive production has been pretty good. We have made strides on the line of scrimmage and our play up front will be critical in the playoffs.”
# 3 Red Cloud at # 2 Lead-Deadwood (6 PM MT)
Red Cloud (6-2)
Coach: Duane Big Crow
Key Wins: Custer 46-35
Loss(es): Lead-Deadwood, Todd County
Players to Watch:
Alejandro Rama
Lead-Deadwood (6-2)
Key Wins: Red Cloud 19-16
Loss(es): Upton/Sundance, Custer
Players to Watch:
Janke: 61 rush, 304 yds, 7 TD
Stulken: 79 rush, 600 yds, 10 TD; 8 rec, 135 yds, 2 TD; 3 FF, 6 DEF INT, 7 PBU
Johnson: 22-48, 313 yds, 4 TD; 75 rush, 306 yds, 11 TD
Zak Mau: 39 tackles, 13 TFL, 9 sacks, 2 FF
Mekieh: 7 DEF INT, 6 PBU
Coach: Tom Tieszen
“This year, we have done a great job of controlling the line of scrimmage and preventing big plays. Last week, we struggled to do those two things against Custer, racking up 100+ yards in penalties and allowing four plays of 30+ yards from Custer. This week, to be successful, we know we have to stay committed to our game plan and stay disciplined on assignments to prevent explosive plays from the athletic Ale Rama from Red Cloud. Red Cloud is well-coached and has many athletes that can take its toll on a team. We must control the line of scrimmage and limit mistakes.”
Previous Matchup:
August 17 - Lead-Deadwood 19 Red Cloud 16
Pablo Munoz Fraga made a 48-yard game-winning field goal to put L-D past Red Cloud in the opener this year.
Class 11B - Seed Points Standings
Canton 47.625
Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan 44.875
Beresford 43.875
Mt. Vernon/Plankinton 43.75
SF Christian 43.50
Winner 43.125
Lead-Deadwood 43.125
Red Cloud 42.75
Custer 42.125
Aberdeen Roncalli 41.375
Groton Area 41.375
Mobridge-Pollock 41.375
Stanley County 41.375
Sioux Valley 41.125
Elk Point-Jefferson 40.12
Woon./Wess. Springs/SC 39.75
Class 9AA - Region 1
#4 Miller/Highmore-Harrold at #1 Wolsey-Wessington (7PM)
Miller/Highmore-Harrold (4-4)
Key Wins: Ipswich/EC 48-16
Loss(es): Wolsey-Wessington, Kimball/White Lake, Bon Homme, Gregory
Players to Watch:
Karst Hunter: 114 rush, 1267 yds, 12 TD; 102-150, 1160 yds, 15 TD
Garrett Knox: 45 rush, 279 yds, 2 TD
Jharrett Bloomenrader: 19 rec, 156 yds, 4 TD
Dylan McDonnell: 22 rec, 328 yds, 2 TD; 3 DEF INT
Joey Simpson: 19 rec, 227 yds, 3 TD
Regan Bollweg: 57 rush, 248 yds, TD; 5 sacks
Coach: Will Castle
“It’s going to be an uphill battle for the first round. We need to play mistake and turnover free. Need to get a big special teams play and bend, but not break, on defense. We need to create turnovers and we need to control the line of scrimmage to give our skill guys time to make a play.”
Wolsey-Wessington (8-0)
Key Wins: Bon Homme 38-36 (2 OT), Kimball/White Lake 42-14, Gregory 34-13
Loss(es): None
Players to Watch:
Skylar Zomer: 37-65, 651 yds, 4 TD; 39 rush, 342 yds, 4 TD
Lynden Williams: 83 rush, 1477 yds, 11 TD; 17 rec, 362 yds, 2 TD
Devante Luellman: 79 rush, 1268, 17 TD
Mark Hamilton: 6 rec, 144 yds, TD
Brevan Hooks: 70 tackles, 4 TFL, 14 sacks, 5 QB Hurries
Tanner Horn: 10 sacks, 3 QB Hurries
Coach: Gordon Hooks
“We figured out some things on offense. Our O-line has really improved this year. I think we’re getting better every week. This was a big week off for us to get healthy. Skylar Zomer has shown improvement. Last year we couldn’t throw the ball, this year we feel comfortable with Skylar dropping back and finding people in the passing game.”
#3 North Border at #2 Webster Area (7 PM)
North Border (4-4)
Coach: Trevor Van TIlburg
Key Wins: vs. Potter County 36-20
Loss(es): Faulkton Area, Sully Buttes, Ipswich/Edmunds Cen, Warner
Players to Watch:
Zach Muller: 46-108, 603 yards, 5 TD
Carson Kunz: 149 rush, 882 Yards, 15 TD; 62 tackles, 1.5 sacks, FF
Trevor Sumption: 58 rush, 551 Yards, 4 TD; 10 rec, 194 yds, TD; 36 Tackles, 3 INT, 1 INTTD
Isaac Sumption: 13 rec, 202 Yards, 2 TD; 30 Tackles, 5 INT
Chase Hatlewick: 68 Tackles, 1 INT
Tanner Geffre: 60 Tackles, 4.5 Sacks, 3 FR
Isaac Morlock: 51 Tackles, 1 INT
Webster (6-2)
Coach: Tanner Christenson
Key Wins: Deuel 41-12,
Loss(es): Hamlin, Clark/Willow Lake,
Players to Watch:
Braden Holland: 21/38, 469 yds, 5 TD; 43 rush, 365 yds, 4 TD
Coby Reetz: 75 rush, 487 yds, 7 TD; 7 rec, 184 yds, 2 TD; 3 DEF INT
Kade Gaikowski: 68 rush, 343 yds, 4 TD
Sterling Rausch: 70 tackles, 5 TFL
Tristen Bent: 56 tackles, 6 TFL, 2 sacks
Matchup Preview:
The Titans are one of the better .500 teams around. After starting out 4-0, they’ve run into four playoff teams in a row and dropped them all. They’ve improved on the line and had some blockers really step up. Zach Muller and Carson Kunz have helped balance out this offense, but they’ll need to make big plays on defense against Webster. “We have to stop the run and tackle in space defensively. We have to get our blocks and make plays offensively,” said Coach Van Tilburg. Webster loves to run the football with Coby Reetz, Kade Gaikowski and Braden Holland. If they can execute and continue to pile up close to the 231 yards per game on the ground that they average, the Bearcats will get it done.
Class 9AA - Region 2
#4 Elkton-Lake Benton* at #1 Arlington/Lake Preston (7 PM)
Elkton-Lake Benton (5-3)
Key Wins: Dell Rapids St. Mary 28-20, Castlewood 30-26
Loss(es): Colman-Egan, Arlington/Lake Preston, Deubrook Area
Players to Watch:
Devin Sopko: 102 rush, 683yards
Aiden Erickson: 39 rush, 151 yards
Bryson Sik: 14 rec, 180 yards
Devin Sopko: 10 rec, 238 yards
Gran DeRuyter: 6 rec, 130 yards
Matt Nibbe: 26 – 65, 461 yards (Started QB last 5 games)
Taryn Krog: 70 Solo and 53 Assists, 6 Sacks
Coach: Tal Farnham
“We have changed players around to some different positions and have been improving every game. We have gone on a four-game win streak, beating a very good Castlewood team. Our guys really showed me something last week – after fumbling the opening kickoff, they never hung their heads and played through some adversity throughout the game.”
Arlington/Lake Preston (8-0)
Coach: Steve Gilbertson
Key Wins: Deubrook Area 43-7, Elkton-LB 42-0, Castlewood 60-31, Colman-Egan 34-12
Loss(es): None
Players to Watch:
Devon Heuer
Gavin Holland
Coach Steve Gilbertson (From Watertown Public Opinion)
“I preach physicality a lot,” said Gilbertson. “I think we’ve grown game-to-game and game eight was the most physical we’ve played all year. That’s a good omen going into the playoffs. Elkton-Lake Benton is going to bring some physicality and we’ll have to match that. I think if you can come out more physical right away, you can set the tone a little bit.”
#3 Hamlin at #2 Garretson (7 PM)
Hamlin (7-1)
Key Wins: Deuel 42-18, Clark/Willow Lake 21-7, Webster Area 15-13
Loss(es): Britton-Hecla
Players to Watch:
Nash Grantham: 45-86, 814 yds, 13 TD; 103 rush, 429 yds, 6 TD
Jackson Noem: 63 rush, 519 yds, 6 TD
Connor Bawdon: 18 rec, 252 yds, 4 TD
Hunter Beirne: 32 tackles, 10 TFL, 6 sacks
Cade Poppen: 15 tackles, 7 TFL, 6 sacks, 2 FR
Coach: Jeff Sheehan
“We have grown as team this year. We have learned to compete better each week. We have done a very good job of bouncing back from things that don’t always go our way. They are a big, physical football team and we need to play fast and physical with them. Defensively, we will need to make sure we tackle well and not give up the big plays to their speed backs.”
Garretson (8-0)
Coach: Chris Long
Key Wins: Howard 30-16, Baltic 13-6, Canistota/Freeman 42-22
Loss(es): None
Players to Watch:
Isaiah Robinson: 83 rush, 825 yds, 9 TD
Brennan Mudder: 40-73, 739 yds, 8 TD; 50 rush, 302 yds, 8 TD; 3 DEF INT
Drew Blosmo: 22 rec, 475 yds, 6 TD
Brayden Carmody: 47 rush, 282 yds, 4 TD
Hayden Pierret: 82 rush, 430 yds, 7 TD
Cody Erickson: 34 PAT
Dominic Abraham: 44 tackles, 5 TFL, 4 PBU
Coach: Chris Long
“We have to continue our execution on both sides of the football and play with the effort and intensity we have exhibited the last couple of weeks. If we eliminate our mistakes in the forms of penalties and missed assignments, we are fairly effective on both sides of the football.”
Class 9AA - Region 3
#4 Deuel* at #1 Bon Homme (7 PM)
Deuel (5-3)
Key Wins: Dakota Hills 26-6
Loss(es): Webster Area, Britton-Hecla, Hamlin
Players to Watch:
Carter Hoffman: 104 rush, 911 yds, 14 TD; 7 rec, 142 yds, TD; 4 DEF INT
Nick Kasten: 45 rush, 432 yds, 8 TD
Logan Eide: 34 rush, 252 yds, 6 TD
Logan Stoltenburg: 15-35, 345 yds, 2 TD
Ty Kenyon: 73 tackles, 10 TFL, 4.5 sacks
Logan Kreger: 67 tackles, 13 TFL; 6.5 sacks
Justin TeKrony: 42 tackles, 11 TFL, 2.5 sacks
Coach Dustin Hourigan:
“Defensively, the Cardinals have generated 17 turnovers and created a lot of short fields for the offense. Bon Homme is a well-coached and athletic team that has great team speed. Offensively, we will need to make sure we take care of blocks at the point of attack. The Cavaliers like to bring pressure and do a great job of reading plays and flowing the direction of the play. Our offensive line will need to make sure we talk pre-snap to make sure our blocking assignments are covered. Our best defense will be to keep their offense off the field by sustaining some long drives.”
Bon Homme (7-1)
Key Wins: Kimball/White Lake 25-7, Gregory 7-6, Warner 39-14
Loss(es): Wolsey-Wessington (2OT)
Players to Watch:
Joey Slama: 1400 all-purpose yards; 72-108 passing
Christian Uecker: 9.2 ypc
Josh Schmidt
John Kubal
Cole Bares
Josh Crownover
Coach: Byron Pudwill
“Joey Slama has been a great leader. In thirty-six years of coaching, he was the first off-season captain to be unanimously elected by the players and coaches. We have had a really good year defensively. Nine-man football is hard to coach defensively, these guys play like it's an 11-man game – and we still have two extra bodies.”
#3 Irene-Wakonda at #2 TDA/AC/DC (7 PM)
Irene-Wakonda (6-2)
Coach: Chris Torgerson
Key Wins: Baltic 52-8
Loss(es): Howard, Canistota/Freeman
Players to Watch:
Trey King: 117-168, 2456 yds, 34 TD; 102 rush, 1105 yds, 15 TD; 3 DEF INT
Brannon McDonald: 42 rec, 955 yds, 11 TD; 13 rush, 36 yds
Levi Larsen: 30 rec, 588 yds, 6 TD
Marcus Van Driel: 88 tackles, 6 TFL
Steven Leggett: 75 tackles, 13 TFL, 5 sacks
Tripp-Delmont/Armour/Andes Central/Dakota Christian (6-2)
Key Wins: Burke 40-32, Corsica-Stickney 26-6
Loss(es): Alcester-Hudson, Colome
Players to Watch:
Jace Faulkner: 1325 yds passing, 14 TD; 315 yds rushing 9 TD
Micah Lau: 282 yds rushing, 3 TD; 279 yds receiving 3 TD
Daaron Tronvold: 742 yds receiving, 9 TD
Coach: Mark Gemar
“Most teams have been together their entire high school careers; we have put this together starting this summer. These players are TEAM players. They are competitive and want to win. This attitude and focus carries over from intense practices over to Friday night.”
Class 9AA - Region 4
#4 Baltic at #1 Gregory (6 PM)
Baltic (5-3)
Coach: Alan Baskerville
Key Wins: Viborg-Hurley 28-24, Parker 24-8
Loss(es): Garretson, Canistota/Freeman, Irene-Wakonda
Players to Watch:
Sam Muston: 46-100, 469 yds, TD; 118 rush, 1037 yds, 14 TD
Zach Polzin: 133 rush, 730 yds, 6 TD
Gregory (6-2)
Key Wins: Kimball/White Lake 12-6, Jones County/WR 69-18, Miller HH 36-12
Loss(es): Bon Homme, Wolsey-Wessington
Players to Watch:
Jeremiah Beck: 86 rush, 804 yds, 14 TD; 10 rec, 171 yds, TD; 55 tackles, 3 sacks, 12 TFL
Caleb Stukel: 63 rush, 406 yds, 4 TD; 16 rec, 333 yds, 5 TD
Grant Thomas: 40-87, 688 yds, 9 TD
Ross Oliver: 73 tackles, 10 TFL, 2 sacks
Tyler Murray: 49 tackles, 7 TFL
Coach: Brian Allmendinger
“We have played great defense all year. We have to get better offensively, the keys to the game are to tackle well and limit turnovers/penalties.”
#3 Kimball/White Lake at #2 Jones County/White River (6 PM)
Kimball/White Lake (5-3)
Coach: Dale Taylor
Key Wins: Miller/Highmore-Harrold 24-6,
Loss(es): Gregory, Bon Homme, Wolsey-Wessington
Players to Watch:
Carter Fredericksen
Bo Donald
Jones County/White River (6-2)
Key Wins: New Underwood 66-18, Kadoka Area 42-20
Loss(es): Gregory, Wall
Players to Watch:
Izaiah Sorace
Coach: Troy Krogman
“Our line has really improved on both sides of the ball, but they are really going to get tested this game, because we have not played many teams with size. Tackling in space has been an issue for our backs, but they have been working hard to improve. The key to the game will be maintaining our composure and handling the moments in the game when things get tough.”
Class 9AA - Seed Points Standings
1. Arlington/Lake Preston 46.5
Wolsey-Wessington 46.5
3. Garretson 45.75
4. Bon Homme 45.25
5. Hamlin 44.875
6. Gregory 43.5
7. Tripp-Delmont/Armour/AC/DC 43.125
8. Jones County/White River 42.75
9. Webster Area 42.375
10. Kimball/White Lake 42.125
11. Irene-Wakonda 42
12. Elkton-Lake Benton 41.75
13. Baltic 41.375
Deuel 41.375
15. North Border 41.125
16. Miller/Highmore-Harrold 40.75
Class 9A - Region 1
#4 Potter County at #1 Britton-Hecla (6:30 PM)
Britton-Hecla (8-0)
Key Wins: Hamlin 34-0, Deuel 32-22, Clark/Willow Lake 28-27
Loss(es): None
Players to Watch:
Stanley Haskins Jr.: 108 rush, 1325 yds, 20 TD; 56 tackles, 2 DEF INT
Cole Fosness: 89 rush, 742, 7 TD: 56 tackles, DEF INT, 3 FR
Trevor Zeuhlke: 66-351, 764 yds, 7 TD
Coach: Pat Renner
“Potter Co. has a great team, and they look a lot like us on offense, so we need to stop their power run game, and keep receivers in front of us all game. A strong emphasis this week is making sound tackles on their running backs, and getting nine guys to the ball every play. Our focus this week so far is discipline in our position roles and players doing their job.”
Potter County (5-3)
Key Wins: Sunshine Bible Academy 34-0
Loss(es): Sully Buttes, North Border, Timber Lake
Players to Watch:
Grant Luikens
Cole Nafzier
Dawson Simon
Peter Rausch
Coach: Vern Smith
We have had different players step up at different times and have good games, but in this game, we have to have our whole team step as a team and keep Britton/Hecla's big plays to a minimum.
#3 Clark/Willow Lake at #2 Warner (7 PM)
Clark/Willow Lake (6-2)
Coach: Joel Huber
Key Wins: Webster 31-28
Loss(es): Britton-Hecla, Hamlin
Players to Watch:
Seniors Grayson Florey and Jacob Prouty have combined for over 2,000 rushing yards and totaled 28 touchdowns.
Warner (6-2)
Coach: Kerwin Hoellein
Key Wins: Faulkton Area 18-16, North Border 40-0
Loss(es): Sully Buttes, Bon Homme
Class 9A - Region 2
#4 Ipswich/EC at #1 Canistota/Freeman (7 PM)
Ipswich/Edmunds Central (3-5)
Key Wins: North Border 14-12
Loss(es): Langford, Faulkton, MHH, Warner, KWL
Players to Watch:
Riley Nehlich: 73 rush, 367 yds, TD; 10 rec, 149 yds
Ben Kulesa: 75-159, 994 yds, 8 TD; 51 rush, 248 yds, 2 TD
Daniel Braun: 22 rec, 339 yds, 4 TD; 91 tackles, 5 sacks
Coach: Brian Hogie
“Canistota/Freeman is very explosive on the offensive side of the ball. We need to keep it away from them as much as we can. Defensively, we need to do our jobs and know assignments.”
Canistota/Freeman (7-1)
Key Wins: Howard 36-12, Irene-Wakonda 62-27, Baltic 34-30
Loss(es): Garretson
Players to Watch:
Austin Thu: 117 rush, 932 yds, 14 TD
Trey Ortman: 58-91, 900 yds, 13 TD; 76 rush, 591 yds, 12 TD
Bailey Sage: 63 rush, 380 yds, 4 TD
Tyce Ortman: 23 rec, 333 yds, 5 TD
Tristan Pierce: 52.5 tackles, 8.5 TFL
Coach: James Strang
“We need to play more consistently. We have started fast and started slow in contests, had lulls at times in the regular season. In our first round game, I think it is imperative that we focus on what we do and control our emotional level to do our job.”
#3 Howard at #2 Deubrook Area (7 PM)
Howard Tigers (5-3)
Key Wins: Irene-Wakonda 60-57
Loss(es): Garretson, Canistota/Freeman, Viborg-Hurley
Players to Watch:
Isaac Feldhaus: 36-67, 611 yds, 9 TD
Michael Hofer: 115 rush, 863 yds, 11 TD
Gavin Reisdorfer: 69 rush, 578 yds, 4 TD; 16 rec, 287 yds, 5 TD
Coach: Pat Ruml
“We have had to come from behind quite a bit this season for whatever reason. We need to be disciplined and key our keys on defense to beat Deubrook.”
Deubrook Area (5-3)
Key Wins: Elkton-LB 14-6
Loss(es): Castlewood, Arlington/LP, Colman-Egan
Players to Watch:
Deven Buchholz: 33-73, 412 yds, 4 TD
Clayton Koppatschek: 107 rush, 858 yds, 10 TD; 11 rec, 221 yds; 4 FR, 3 sacks
Trace Vierhuf: 74 rush, 854 yds, 15 TD; 93 tackles, 9 TFL, 3 sacks
Denton Schwartz: 61 tackles, 9 TFL, 6 sacks
Coach: Tim Cariveau
“We have run the ball very well this year. As a team, we are averaging 8.3 yards per carry and rushed for over 2,200 yards. I think a big part of this is that we have multiple threats. It can be challenging to key on just one guy.”
Class 9A - Region 3
#4 Platte-Geddes at #1 Alcester-Hudson (7 PM)
Platte-Geddes (1-7)
Key Win: Herreid-Selby
Loss(es): Potter County, Wolsey-Wessington, Parkston, MHH, Gregory, KWL, Bon Homme
Players to Watch:
Hayes Rabenberg: 12/22; 137 yards
Kade Starr: 568 rush yards, 7 TD; 143 rec yards; 49 tackles, 1 sack, 5 TFL, 2 INT
Landon Schulte: 261 rush yards, 2 TD; 139 rec yards, TD; 60 tackles, 1 TFL
Caden Foxley: 156 rec yards
Stewart Van Zee: 68 tackles, 3 TFL
Hudson Ringling: 28 tackles, 4 TFL, 5 sacks
Sawyer DeGroot: 25 tackles, 2 TFL, 6 sacks
Coach: Marc Aisenbrey
“We have to be able to stop a spread running attack. Alcester-Hudson does a lot of read options, speed options and trap plays to the keep the ball and the clock moving. We also have to vary our offensive attack, using more passes and screens.”
Alcester-Hudson (6-2)
Coach: Brian Haak
Key Wins: TDAACDC 34-12, Corsica-Stickney 26-14
Loss(es): Burke, Colome
Players to Watch:
Jadon Micke: 77 rush, 713 yds, 8 TD; 15 rec, 346 yds, 6 TD
Trevor Stene: 88 rush, 667 yds, 8 TD
Eli Skoglund: 27-52, 552 yds, 10 TD; 80 rush, 524 yds, 8 TD
Logan Serck: 52.5 tackles, sack, 6 TFL, 6 PBU
#3 Lyman at #2 Corsica-Stickney (7 PM)
Lyman (3-5)
Key Wins: Kadoka Area 30-22, Hill City 60-19
Loss(es): Wall, JC/WR, New Underwood, RC Christian, Kimball/White Lake
Coach: Michael Kieffer
We have been banged up all year. We will get a few key players back to start the playoffs, which is exciting. I feel like we have stuck together through a lot of adversity(injuries) to have a shot to make a run in the playoffs. We need to focus on fundamentals doing the little things right.
Corsica-Stickney (4-4)
Coach: Jason Broughton
Key Wins: Gayville-Volin 20-18
Loss(es): A-H, Burke, TDAACDC, Colome
Players to Watch:
Caysen Eide
Blake Moke
Trevor Burke
Jaden Barse
Devin Vanderham
Class 9A - Region 4
#4 Philip at #1 Timber Lake (6PM MT)
Philip (3-5)
Key Wins: Kadoka Area 12-8, Hill City 32-27
Loss(es): JC/WR, New Underwood, Lyman, Wall, Timber Lake
Players to Watch:
Jet Jones: 43-132, 941 yds, 4 TD; 44 rush, 144 yds, 5 TD
McCoy Peterson: 113 rush, 479 yds, 5 TD
Chael Thorn: 6 rec, 262 yds, 3 TD
Colby Fitch: 96 rush, 389 yds, 3 TD; 88 tackles
Brice Hanson: 102 tackles
Coach: Travis Thorn
“Running the ball has been very effective for us this year, with a little power football along with the sweeps, which really opens up the passing game.”
Timber Lake (8-0)
Key Wins: Harding County 58-6, Potter County 48-44
Loss(es): None
Players to Watch:
Rushing - Tucker Kraft - 67 Attempts 828 yards 17 TD
Passing - Ty Ducheneaux - 58-79 1,176 yards 22 TD
Receiving - Trey Bollinger - 371 yards
Isaac Kraft - 351 yards
Tackles: Hank Kraft 33.5
Tucker Kraft 31.5
Coach: Jordan Weisbeck
“So far this season, we have really adapted well to our situation every week. The guys have done a great job of being mentally and physically prepared for each game. They mesh well together and it’s exciting to see them care more about each other than individuals. This week, the big key will be our mindset. We will need to make sure to focus on our keys from last week where we faltered a little and learn from that.”
#3 Lemmon/McIntosh at #2 New Underwood (6 PM MT)
Lemmon/McIntosh (4-4)
Key Wins: Faith 52-20, Bison 60-24
Loss(es): Hettinger/Scranton, Harding County, Timber Lake, Herreid/Selby
Players to Watch:
Cody Thompson: 73-129, 1222 yds, 19 TD; 35 rush, 208 yds, 4 TD
Peyton Anderson: 27 rec, 589 yds, 8 TD; 44 tackles, 5 TFL, 2 sacks
Jaden Kelley: 14 rec, 200 yds, 7 TD
Coach: Josh Anderson
“We replaced 14 starters at the beginning of the year. Defensively, we have to improve on wrapping up, if we want to get past New Underwood.”
New Underwood (5-3)
Coach: Brady Carmichael
Key Wins: Philip 20-18 (OT)
Loss(es): Wall, Kadoka Area, JC/WR
Class 9A - Seed Points Standings
Timber Lake 46.875
Britton-Hecla 46.125
Warner 44.25
Canistota/Freeman 44.125
Alcester-Hudson 43.125
Clark/Willow Lake 42.75
Potter County 41.75
Deubrook Area 41.75
Howard 41.375
Corsica-Stickney 40.75
New Underwood 40.625
Lemmon/McIntosh 40.375
Philip 40.125
Ipswich/Edmunds Central 39.75
Lyman 39.75
Platte-Geddes 37.75
Class 9B - Region 1
#4 Hitchcock-Tulare at #1 Sully Buttes (7 PM)
Hitchcock-Tulare (4-4)
Key Wins: SBA 56-7
Loss(es): Warner, Sully Buttes, Faulkton Area, Langford Area
Players to Watch:
Ty Hofer: 1100 yards rushing, leads team in tackles.
Grant Hamilton: 1000+ yards rushing and 500+ passing.
Coby Stoner: 4 sacks
Peyton Nelson: 4 sacks
Coach: Clint Nelson
“We have played solid defense, as well, especially against the run. We have to keep working on cutting out the mental mistakes and penalties. Play with more discipline. We need to play an all-around game and sustain drives. Also, eliminate the mental mistakes.”
Sully Buttes (8-0)
Key Wins: Potter County 46-20, Warner 58-40, Faulkton 50-12
Loss(es): None
Players to Watch:
Morris Hofer - RB,
Nick Wittler - QB
MacKenzie Weinheimer - RB
Cam Ogle - TE,
Grant Johnson - TE & WR,
Sebastain Frost - WR
Line: Jett Lamb, Jack Mercer, Jack Darling
Defense: Cam Ogle - LB, Jett Lamb - DL, Grant Johnson - DB, Braeden Perry – LB, Nick Wittler - S
Coach: Mark Senftner
We have had a great mix of running and passing the ball. Some games we have leaned one way or the other, but for the most part we have had success with both. Defensively, we have some great talent at all 3 levels - along with good size, speed and quickness.
#3 Langford Area at #2 Faulkton Area
Langford Area (4-4)
Coach: Paul Raasch
Key Wins: Ipswich/Edmunds Central 34-14, Hitchcock-Tulare 44-8
Loss(es): Faulkton, Warner, North Border, Sully Buttes
Player to Watch:
Colin Frey
Faulkton Area (6-2)
Key Wins: Langford 34-14, Hitchcock-Tulare 22-14, North Border 36-6
Loss(es): Warner, Sully Buttes
Players to Watch:
Derek Heitman: 44-90, 697 yds, 9 TD; 66 rush, 429 yds, 7 TD
Tyler Ogle: 93 rush, 633 yds, 11 TD; 18 rec, 309 yds, 5 TD
Alex Aesoph: 102 tackles, 12.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks
Coach: Shayne Geditz
“We have done a nice job of playing defense. We get a lot of guys to the football,l which allows us to make plays. Offensively, we have had a good mix of pass and run. I think our offensive blocking has improved each week.”
Class 9B - Region 2
#4 Dell Rapids St. Mary at #1 Castlewood (6:30 PM)
Dell Rapids St. Mary (3-5)
Key Wins: De Smet 30-20
Loss(es): Arlington/LP, Colman-Egan, Castlewood, Deubrook, Elkton-Lake Benton
Players to Watch:
Connor Libis: 60/121, 889 yds, 9 TD; 110 rush, 479 yds, 9 TD
Weston Geraets: 21 rec, 456 yds, 5 TD; 41 rush, 234 yds, TD
Ethan Geraets: 23 rec, 255 yds, 2 TD
Payton Park: 70 rush, 354 yds, 3 TD
Eli Longville: 85 tackles, sack, INT
Coach: Ross Flemmer
“We will need to come in and play much more aggressively and physically this time around.”
Castlewood (6-2)
Coach: Doug Ruesink
Key Wins: Deubrook 56-20, Colman-Egan 29-16
Loss(es): Arlington/LP, Elkton-LB
Players to Watch:
Brandon Benike: 53-101, 867 yds, 12 TD; 11 TFL
Kaden Eng: 116 rush, 966 yds, 21 TD; 56 tackles, 6 TFL
Noah Wiersma: 34 rec, 577 yds, 9 TD; 64 tackles, 7 TFL, 2 DEF INT
#3 Bison at #2 Colman-Egan (6 PM)
Bison (4-4)
Coach: Charles Harpster
Key Wins: Dupree 34-0
Loss(es): HC, Timber Lake, Faith, Lemmon/McIntosh
Colman-Egan (6-2)
Key Wins: Elkton-LB 36-0, Deubrook Area 58-20
Loss(es): Castlewood, Arlington/Lake Preston
Players to Watch:
Nate Tolley: 9TD Passing
Eli Bowen: 8 TD
Chase Hemmer: 3D
Ryker Hawkins: 7 TD
Coach: Chad Williamson
“The keys to us winning are always going to be the same. Our O-line must play well and our defense must play fast. As a team, we cannot have mental mistakes and must play more physical than our opponent. As always, teams need to win the turnover and special teams battles.”
Class 9B - Region 3
#4 Gayville-Volin at #1 Colome (6 PM)
Gayville-Volin (3-5)
Key Wins: Scotland 46-18
Loss(es): Burke, Colome, Alcester-Hudson, TDAACDC, Corsica-Stickney
Players to Watch:
Jacob Hirsch
Tristan Gustad
Chase Huether
Coach: Patrick Beeman
“We will face Colome this Thursday, and we know they are one of the best in the state in our class. They present many challenges for us – beginning on the line of scrimmage. Their size and speed is unique and they are well coached.”
Colome (8-0)
Coach: Ben Connot
Key Wins: TDAACDC 54-6, Burke 62-12, Alcester-Hudson 62-8
Loss(es): None
Players to Watch:
Jackson Kinzer: 50-81, 930 yds, 14 TD, 0 INT; 52 rush, 715 yds, 12 TD
Chase Dufek: 39 rush, 572 yds, 7 TD
Riley Shippy: 36 rush, 547 yds, 10 TD
Layton Thieman: 22 rec, 416 yds, 10 TD
Wyatt Cahoy: 50 tackles, 9 TFL
Beau Bertram: 7 sacks
#3 Sunshine Bible at #2 Burke
Sunshine Bible Academy (5-3)
Coach: Jamie McClain
Key Wins: Tiospa Zina 22-6, Lower Brule 46-12
Loss(es): Hitchcock-Tulare, Sully Buttes, Potter County
Players to Watch:
Joel Underwood: 90 rush, 710 yds, 11 TD
Teigen Clark: 75 rush, 456 yds, 6 TD; 62 tackles
Ben Deal: 54 tackles, 2 TFL
Burke (6-2)
Key Wins: Corsica-Stickney 26-22, Alcester-Hudson 30-12
Loss(es): Colome, TDAACDC
Players to Watch:
Brock Karbo: 20-62, 461 yds, 6 TD; 84 rush, 489 yds, 9 TD
Finn Hanson: 75 rush, 562 yds, 7 TD; 57 tackles
Ethan DeLong: 29 rush, 348 yds, 4 TD
Kaleb Wells: 6 sacks
Coach: Mike Sebern
“Like any game, winning the line of scrimmage is the most important factor. SBA has solid players throughout their team and their OL and DL are very good. We have been consistent on defense for most of the season. We have been able to run the ball and will need to continue that in order to have success in the playoffs.”
Class 9B - Region 4
#4 Faith at #1 Wall (6 PM MT)
Faith (4-4)
Key Wins: Bison 52-0
Loss(es): Timber Lake, Kadoka, Lemmon/McIntosh, Harding County
Players to Watch:
Treyton Bushong: 68-139, 1257 yds, 21 TD; 102 rush, 261 yds, 3 TD
Joe Alaniz: 57 rush, 298 yds, 4 TD; 74 tackles, 14 TFL, 2 DEF INT
Tyson Selby: 19 rec, 453 yds, 7 TD
Josh Jones: 13 rec, 256 yds, 5 TD
Clayton Larson: 8 rec, 143 yds, 6 TD; 3 sacks
Seth Drum: 78 tackles, 18 TFL, 5 sacks
Coach: Matt Schackow
“The key for the playoff game on Thursday is to contain Wall's sweeps and outside option plays. If we are able to do that, I'm confident it will be a well-fought game going in our favor.”
Wall (8-0)
Coach: Lex Heathershaw
Key Wins: New Underwood 39-0, Jones Co/White River 51-8
Loss(es): None
Players to Watch:
Jacob Bielmaier: 56-96, 1121 yds, 17 TD; 79 rush, 620 yds, 9 TD
Cooper McConahy: 90 rush, 669 yds, 13 TD
Bradan McDonnell: 50 rush, 466 yds, 6 TD; 17 rec, 288 yds, 2 TD; 48 tackles, 19 TFL
Cash Wilson: 12 rec, 328 yds, 4 TD; 10 TFL
Tac Tines: 11 rec, 234 yds, 4 TD
Bridger Amiotte: 70 tackles, 9 TFL
#3 Kadoka Area at #2 Harding County
Kadoka Area (4-4)
Coach: Chad Eisenbraun
Key Wins: Faith 36-20, New Underwood 36-26
Loss(es): Philip, Lyman, Wall, Jones County/White River
Players to Watch:
Marcus Herber: 77-152, 1086 yds, 12 TD; 84 rush, 311 yds, 5 TD
Hudson Johnson: 128 rush, 484 yds, 8 TD; 18 rec, 185 yds, TD; 102 tackles
Richard Lamont: 28 rec, 423 yds, 7 TD
Harding County (7-1)
Key Wins: Lemmon/McIntosh 46-34, Faith 36-20
Loss(es): Timber Lake
Players to Watch:
Camden Hett: 82-137, 1279 yds, 11 TD; 57 rush, 307 yds, 6 TD; 3 DEF INT
Zack Anders: 52 rec, 879 yds, 7 TD; 59 rush, 340 yds, 7 TD; 3 DEF INT
Reese Jensen: 85 rush, 483 yds, 9 TD; 58 tackles
Dane Jensen: 8 sacks
Coach: Jay Wammen
“We have overcome major injuries to key players, and a lot of kids have stepped up in their place. Throughout the course of the year, eight kids have been out with different injuries. [The key to winning] is to play fundamental, turnover-free football. We have to win the line of scrimmage.”
Class 9B - Seed Points Standings
1. Sully Buttes 48.375
2. Colome 46.875
3. Wall 46.125
4. Harding County 43.75
5. Faulkton Area 43.125
Burke 43.125
7. Castlewood 42.75
Colman-Egan 42.75
9. Hitchcock-Tulare 40.75
Langford Area 40.75
Kadoka Area 40.75
12. Faith 40.375
13. Sunshine Bible Academy 40.25
14. Gayville-Volin 39.75
15. Bison 39.625
16. Dell Rapids St. Mary 39.375
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