KSFY News - Sioux Falls, SD News, Weather, SportsFocus on Five - #2

Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry once said: "Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable." Outstanding, if not "unbelieveable" performances, underscored prep football action across the state in week one.

As prep football enters week two, the schedule provides a horde of great, or as the late Landry might have said, "incredible" matchups. So get set, the action will be fast, furious and noisy good. I was 4-1 with my "Focus on Five" picks in week 1.  Not bad, but I missed on Central Lyon/George-Little Rock's 16-14 upset of West Lyon. As legendary Green Bay head coach Vince Lombardi said, "the harder you work, the harder it is to surrender." So there will be no "no mas." We move on.

In week 2, this preview blog won't venture far from Sioux Falls, where football fever is definitely at a high pitch. This weekend in the Sioux Falls area, all five "Focus" games will be played, featuring some of South Dakota's (and Minnesota) best in both 9-man and 11-man football. On, Friday, the first annual FCA So Dak Bowl will feature three games, including two 9-man matchups that look to be "incredible." The So Dak Bowl will also include an 11B matchup with Elk Point/Jefferson (0-1) and Sioux Falls Christian (0-1), a pair of teams looking for their first win.

The FCA So Dak Bowl will be held at Bob Young Field in Sioux Falls. The two 9-man games pits 9B #1 Avon vs. 9A #2 Hanson at 1 p.m., followed by the 11B game at 4:30 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., 9A #1 Canistota will face off with 9AA #1 Bridgewater-Emery. In addition, 11A #2 Harrisburg hosts Minnesota 11AA #6 Luverne.

On Saturday the four Sioux Falls 11AA schools, ranked from 1-4 in the KSFY-KWSN rankings as  well as the SD Sportswriter's poll will face off in the 20^th annual President's Bowl at Howard Wood Stadium. The first game features #2 Sioux Falls O'Gorman (1-0) vs. #4 Sioux Falls Roosevelt (1-0) at 4:30 p.m. That game will be followed by the matchup between #1 Sioux Falls Washington (1-0) vs. #3 Sioux Falls Lincoln (1-0).

Previews --

#3 Sioux Falls Lincoln (1-0) vs. #1 Sioux Falls Washington

Overview: Both teams opened with impressive wins. #3 Lincoln Patriots recorded a 64-0 win over Rapid City Stevens, rolling up 564 yards in total offense, including 318 through the air. The Patriots feature standout quarterback Alex Schultz, who has 3,988 career passing yards and 34 TDs. He completed 13-15 passes for 261 yards and 5 TDs passing in the first half. Lincoln also had a pair of 100-yard receivers in Trey Naasz (105, 2 TDs) and Josh Kunzman (113, 2 TDs). In the backfield, sophomore Caden Quintanilla had 127 yards rushing, including a 44-TD gallop. He also had an 85 yard KO return TD.  Obviously, the Lincoln offense is loaded but on defense they also shined in recording a shutout.

#1 Washington extended their winning streak to 27 games with a 42-6 verdict over Rapid City Stevens. Against Lincoln, the Warriors will try and tie the 1994-96 Yankton team for the eighth-best consecutive wins mark in South Dakota with 28. The Warriors exhibited a variety of ways of scoring in their opening night win. The Warriors defense, which returned just three starters, answered some questions by holding Rapid City Central to 25 yards in the first half (71 overall) as SFW built a 35-0 lead. All-state linebacker Devon O'Farrell had 12 tackles and a sack to lead the defense, which also had a defensive TD on an Austin Benson pick six. Junior quarterback Jon Hander had an impressive first start as the Warrior's signal caller. He completed 9-of-14 passes for 113 yards and tossed a 33-yard TD pass to Keyen Lage, who finished with 58 yards receiving on three catches. Hander also rushed for 41 yards and had a nifty 19 yard TD run late in the first half. The SFW rush game was led by Devonte Clay with 64 yards rushing. Nate Gerry, who had 34 yards receiving, had a 53-yard punt return TD.

Inside slant: Can Washington extend its winning streak to 28 games? Will Lincoln end a three-game losing streak to Washington? Will Washington's defense, which returned just three starters from a year ago, continue its impressive play against a fast-paced, high scoring offense? Both teams have dynamic return specialists so will special teams play will have a role in this game?

Coaches: Brian Hermanson, 62-13, .827; Aaron Beavers, 87-46, .654, (@SFL) 45-41, .523

2011 Results/Records: Both teams come into the game 1-0. A year ago Washington defeated SF Lincoln, 42-0 in the 11AA playoffs and 38-12 in the regular season. In 2009 SFW won 49-21 in a regular season encounter. The last Lincoln win over Washington was a 27-20 in the Class AA state title game in 2008 at the DakotaDome.

Bottomline: In week 1 wins, both teams exhibited ability to score in a variety of ways. We think that SF Lincoln owns the best offensive talent in South Dakota this season, regardless of class. SF Washington has a fast and physical defense along with an offense that is balanced and full of playmakers. SFW will need to control time of possession to limit Lincoln possessions which make Devonte Clay a huge factor and a key to the SFW offense. Nate Gerry, Chris Parker and Keyen Lage are big play performers that Lincoln will need to hold in check. Also the Warriors secondary must keep the talented Patriots' receiving corps in front of them and try to prevent the electric Caden Quintanilla from break a big play.

Who Wins? We think Sioux Falls Lincoln is out to deliver a message in 11AA circles. This game may well be decided on the game's final possession. In an early season showdown, #1 SF Washington falls, 24-23.  

 #4 Sioux Falls Roosevelt (1-0) vs. #2 Sioux Falls O'Gorman, President's Bowl, Howard Wood Stadium, 4:30 p.m.

Overview: O'Gorman exhibited a powerful running game in a week 1 blowout of Brandon Valley with 497 yards rushing (527 yards total offense) on 69 carries. The Knights rushing attack was led by senior fullback Sam Steffl, who had 185 yards and three TDs. Steffl now has 1,608 career yards and 21 TDs. Flynn Donelan added 173 yards and a TD. Quarterback Connor Schaefbauer, who completed 3-5 passes for 30 yards and a TD leads the attack. They also showed a dominating defense.

Roosevelt features one of the state's top duo attacks with quarterback Scott Tyler and the Andrew Smith, who had 95 yards rushing and 37 yards receiving including a 27-yard TD reception. Tyler finished 13-15 for 188 yards and three TDs. Wideout Josh Angulo had 131 yards receiving, including a 78 pitch and catch with Tyler. The Roosevelt defense pitched a shutout and had a safety and interception return for a score (John Wessel, 22 yards).

Inside slant: Will the O'Gorman defense be able to stop Roosevelt's dynamic duo of Tyler and Smith? Can Roosevelt's defense find a way to slow down the Knights powerful rushing game?

Coaches: Steve Keuter, 256-72-1, .780. Kim Nelson, 17-6 at SF Roosevelt.

2011 Results/Records: Both teams are 1-0. A year ago, O'Gorman advanced to the state title game with a 28-27 win over Roosevelt on a missed Rough Riders extra point in the 4^th quarter. Roosevelt defeated O'Gorman, 12-9, in week three of the 2010 season. O'Gorman has won five of the last seven games between the schools dating back to Roosevelt's 28-21 win over the Knights in the 2006 title game at the DakotaDome.

Bottomline: This is Roosevelt's opportunity to make a statement and exact a little revenge for its frustrating playoff loss last fall to the Knights (28-27). O'Gorman will try and continue its early season momentum. O'Gorman features a powerful rushing attack while Roosevelt utilizes a spread offense that was electric in the opening game victory over Aberdeen Central.

Who Wins: Based on the number of close games in recent years between the two schools, this rivalry game will be close and like the Lincoln/Washington game will likely hinge on the final possession. For sure, it will be decided in the fourth quarter. Both teams will move the ball which leaves that a crucial turnovers or a big play on special teams could decide it. Look for the Knights to edge the Rough Riders, 31-28, in a barnburner.

 9AA #1 Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan (1-0) vs. 9A #1 Canistota 

Overview: This is a classic matchup of two top-ranked teams who have opened the season impressively. Canistota, the defending 9B champions, has won 13 straight games and is ranked #1 in 9A. 9AA #1 Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan won its sixth straight game dating back to a loss to Canistota last Oct. 15. During that run, the Seahawks have outscored their opponents, 214-68.

Canistota opened the season with a 48-0 thumping of 9AA #2 Howard. Quarterback Cody Bunger, in his first start, completed 11-of-15 passes for 82 yards and 3 combined TDs (15 yard rush, 10, 48 passes).  Tight end Trevor Schroeder had 63 yards receiving and caught a pair of TD throws. Alex Robertson had TD runs of 1 and 10 yards while Nick Hofer had six carries for 89 yards and a 75-yard TD run. Troy Hofer added a four-yard TD run. Overall the Hawks had 230 yards rushing.

9AA #1 Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan Seahawks rolled to a 54-8 decision over Freeman. The Seahawks were led by the phenomenal special team's performance of Seth Wethor, who scored on a 47-yard punt return and 75-yard kickoff return. BEE had 243 yards rushing, including a 30-yard jaunt by fullback Anthony Huber (his only carry of the game). Wade Miller led BEE in rushing with 85 yards on 17 carries and added a six-yard TD run. In addition, Kendall Lindeman had two TDs in the season opener. BEE led 40-0 in the first quarter and 46-6 at halftime.

Inside slant: Can BEE develop a rushing game against Canistota? Will the explosive Canistota offense continue to rack up points? Will BEE's Seth Wethor make a big play on special teams that play a role in the outcome?

Coaches: Jeff Van Leur of BEE, 197-92, .681; Lenny Schroeder of Canistota, 95-66, .590

2011 Results/Records: Both teams are 1-0 after impressive season-opening wins. A year ago, Canistota rolled to a 46-2 win over Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan in week seven.

Bottomline: Expect this game to be decided in the fourth quarter. Both teams have strong rushing attacks and players that can make the make game-turning plays. Since the beginning of the 2010 playoffs, the Hawks have outscored its opponents by a 278-8 margin.

Who Wins: Canistota looks like the best team in 9-man football, regardless of class, in the South Dakota prep ranks. The Hawks beat the Seahawks, 33-25 in an exciting, action-filled affair.

9A #2 Hanson (1-0) vs. 9B #1 Avon (1-0)

Overview: This is an early season matchup of two teams that have waged some classic battles over the past few years. Hanson has won four of the six games between the teams since 2007. A year ago, Hanson upended Avon, 46-30 in the 9A playoff semifinals and went on to win the 9A title. In 2009, Hanson, lost a regular season game at Avon, 30-0, before rebounding to win the 9A title with a 20-16 decision over the Pirates at the DakotaDome. However, the two teams will not meet in the playoffs this year with Avon moving down to 9B.

#2 Hanson trailed early (6-0) to Woonsocket/Wessington Springs/Sanborn Central, before scoring three TDs in a span of 30 seconds at the end of the first quarter and early in the second quarter to change momentum as they won for the 10^th straight time, dating back to a 20-8 loss at Canistota last Sept. 17. Reid Smith had 198 yards rushing and two TDs to lead Hanson, which had 380 yards rushing and 413 total yards. Jordan Craig had nine yard and seven yard TD runs while Tyler Pringle had a 42-yard TD jaunt. The defense also jumped into the scoring action as Jacob Bartscher had a 22-yard interception return for a score.

#1 Avon, led by Duffy Ducheneaux's 94 yards rushing and TD, lived up to its top billing with a 36-0 win over Tripp-Delmont/Armour. Wyatt Beeson had two TDs. The Pirates, which has won four 9-man titles, features an outstanding quarterback in Nick Poppe. Jackson Powers is another outstanding player for the Pirates. The Avon offensive and defensive lines are big and strong and will play a key role in this battle.

Inside slant: Will Avon's defense be able to slow down the vaunted Hanson rushing attack? Will Hanson have the answers to an Avon team that also showcases a powerful rushing attack?

Coaches: Jim Haskamp of Hanson, 151-72; Tom Culver of Avon, NA

2011 Results/Records: Both teams are 1-0 after season opening victories.   

Bottomline: While Avon has stepped down a class, Culver's squad again features a strong rushing attack and a shutdown defense. Hansen, who suffered some serious losses to graduation including all-state back Pierce Smith, seems to reload year after year. Haskamp's troops will again feature a strong running game led by another Smith (Reid) and a group of big play performers.

Who Wins: This is a tough call but the pick here is that Hanson defeats Avon, 28-24, in an in another shootout between two of the best 9-man programs in South Dakota.

11A #2 Harrisburg (1-0) vs. 11AA #6 Luverne, Minn., Harrisburg

Overview: A year ago Harrisburg ventured into Luverne and pulled off an upset, ending the Cardinals' six-game winning streak to open the 2010 campaign. The Cardinals will try and return the favor in 2011. Still, the fact is Harrisburg has held the upper hand in the series. In four meetings, Harrisburg has won three times with Luverne's lone win, a 23-7 decision in 2009.

Harrisburg, ranked #2 in the KSFY-KWSN 11A rankings, opened some eyes on Friday by handling Madison, 49-0, and limiting the Bulldogs to seven total yards. In fact, Madison didn't get a first down until the 4^th quarter. Coming into the season, there had been some discussion about how the Tigers would deal with the loss of all-state quarterback Steve Miller. The Tigers have provided a quick answer. Led by quarterback Andrew McCuen and Miller's brother Brandon, Harrisburg rolled up 378 total yards, including 256 on the ground in their opening game victory. Miller had 134 yards rushing and scored three TDs. McCuen was efficient at quarterback by completing 7-of-13 passes for 88 yards and two TDs. Thomas Hudson added 80 yards rushing on 12 carries.  Camera Andela had three catches for 78 yards. On defense, the Tigers standout was Ben Fuhr, who had 11 tackles and recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for a score.

Since the 2006 season, Luverne, which is ranked #6 in Minnesota 11AA preseason polls, has been one of the best 11AA squads in Minnesota. They have reached three title games in five years and rolled up a 53-14 record. While a championship has evaded Luverne, the Cardinals were 9-3 a year ago reached the state semifinals. The nine wins last season ended a run of four straight seasons when they won at least 10 games. With 20 letter winners returning, including six starters on both offense and defense, the pieces appear to be in place to finish for another double digit win campaign. A year ago, the Cardinals' option I offense averaged 26.33 points per game while generating 242 yards rushing per game. The Cardinals return its explosive offensive backfield, including senior Hayden Bauman, who had 1,300 yards and scored 10 TDs. His backfield running mate is senior fullback Richard Gonzalez, who scored 10 TDs. Junior Brett Heronimus will be back as the Cardinals' starting quarterback. A year ago, he rushed for 381 yards and threw for 651 with 12 combined TDs. Junior Alex Weis will be Heronimus's main passing target.

Inside slant: Can Luverne get revenge on Harrisburg after a loss a year ago? After a successful season opener, will the Tigers again run the ball effectively? Or will it be Luverne with the explosive Bauman that controls the running lanes?

Coaches: Brandon White of Harrisburg, 10-3, .769; Todd Oye, 72-32, .692

2011 Results/Records: Harrisburg, 1-0, 49-0 win over Madison. Luverne was 9-3 last year and lost 7-6 to Caledonia in playoff semifinals. This game is the season opener for the Cardinals, which will look to exact some revenge after a 33-21 loss to Harrisburg a year ago.

Bottomline: The critical question about the game's outcome hinges on which team controls the ball and the clock. Both teams featured outstanding teams, led by physical and punishing running attacks and strong defenses. Luverne may have some struggles early as the Tigers already have played a game and worn off the first-game rust that most teams experience in their opener. Still, the Cardinals look like an explosive offensive group and likely have some revenge on their mind for an area rival.

Who Wins: Look for plenty of points in this matchup with Luverne prevailing, 27-24.