KSFY News - Sioux Falls, SD News, Weather, SportsFocus on Five #4

"Without self-discipline, success is impossible, period." – Lou Holtz.

Every week, the self-discipline of football teams is tested. Will teams hold firm to game plans? Do running teams keep pounding away even if they gains are minimal? When the wind is ravaging the plains, do spread or passing teams, continue to throw the ball? Do teams unleash that trick play at a crucial moment or do they continue staying with what has worked throughout the game?

I don't usually listen much to Lou Holtz, the former Notre Dame, South Carolina and Arkansas head coach (New York Jets too but that isn't worth mentioning), who provides a lot of noise that I dismiss. Yet, sometimes he makes sense. He has been a winner. With this quote listed above, I find he is right. Self-discipline matters in football. It matters that you stay true to who you are as a player and a team. From what I have seen, winning is often a result of self-discipline in strategy and performance.

Perhaps I should invoke some self discipline (if I can understand what that means) in my picks in "Focus on Five." For example when a team appears to have another team's number, maybe the best bet is to follow some measure of logic and pick them.

I must have done something right a week ago when I went 3-2 which pushed my overall record to 9-6.

Still, I can't seem to figure out the Sioux Falls schools. I am a paltry 1-3 in picking matchups involving the city's schools. But maybe I get a break, for the first time this season, we will not feature a Sioux Falls school – don't worry there will be more matchups later.  This "Focus on Five" looks at several intriguing week three matchups, including #1 Canistota vs. #2 Hanson in a 9A battle of heavyweights. Then there is #1 Tri-Valley locking horns with #4 and defending champion Flandreau. Among the five games, we also take look at a matchup of nearby rivals, Luverne and Jackson County Central, across the border in the Gopher State.

Game Previews

11B #4 Flandreau (3-0) at 11B #1 Tri-Valley (3-0) 

Overview: A year ago, the Flandreau and Tri-Valley split a pair of games that were decided in the fourth quarter. Tri-Valley edged Flandreau, 7-3, during the regular season but fell to the Fliers, 12-7, in the quarterfinals of the 11B playoffs. Both teams have strong running games and stout defenses. This will be played on Tri-Valley's homecoming. Expect another battle.  

#1 Tri-Valley has rolled past three opponents by a 139-6 margin. The Mustangs, 7-4 a year ago and 39-16 over the past five years, are ranked #1 in the KSFY/KWSN rankings after dominating three opponents. They feature outstanding line play on both sides of the ball, led by all-state performer Thad Johnson and Kenton Welbig. They also feature speed and toughness in the backfield. Tri-Valley won consecutive 11B titles in 2007 and 2008 and is focused on returning to the DakotaDome.  In a week one 43-7 dismantling of Canton, they used a strong rushing game and quarterback Brett Page's accurate passing to win. Page completed 5-of-7 passes for 109 yards and had three TD throws. In week 2, they rushed for 400 yards in a 48-6 win over Garretson as Logan Koopman had three TDs and Kyle Erickson rushed for 63 yards on 12 carries. Nine players had at least 20 yards or more rushing in the win. In their 45-0 shutout of Elk Point/Jefferson, they were again physical and dominant.  

#4 Flandreau was unranked as the year began, but Chad Stadem's crew, who won the 2010 11B title with a 28-27 win over Mobridge-Pollock in the DakotaDome, has opened with three straight wins. As defending champions, they are going to be a tough cookie to knock off the top rung. Most recently, the Fliers won its 14^th straight game in a 47-14 win over Sioux Falls Christian behind the play of Jacob Patterson, who scored four TDs, including a 25-yard reception, and runs of 3, 16 and 17 yards. Standout quarterback Joe Parlsey had a 57-yard TD run. The Fliers last loss was last season in September to Tri Valley, 7-3. The Fliers, which average 317 rushing yards per game, has been led by Parsley, one of the top talents in South Dakota. He has 339 rushing yards on just 36 carries and six TDs. Parsley also has completed 4 of 11 passes for 76 yards and 2 TDs. David Parsley has added 261 yards rushing on 49 carries with one TD. In addition, Mitchell Foster has 16 carries for 147 yards and two TDs while Jacob Patterson has 159 yards rushing and three TDs.

Inside slant: Can Joe Parsley and the Fliers find a way to dent a rugged and physical Tri-Valley defense? On the other hand will Tri-Valley be able to move the ball consistently against Flandreau? Will this game, like a year ago, go down to the final moments?

Coaches: Brad McDonald of Tri-Valley, record unavailable. Chad Stadem of Flandreau, 58-26, .690. 

2011 Results/Records: Both teams are 3-0. Flandreau opened with a 39-6 decision against Deuel; knocked off then #5 McCook Central/Montrose, 10-7; and Sioux Falls Christian, 47-14. Tri Valley opened with a 43-7 win over Canton, defeated Garretson, 48-6, and ran past Elk Point/Jefferson, 45-0. Tri-Valley has defeated Flandreau nine of the past 10 times the teams have played. The lone Flandreau win was a big one, a 12-7 decision in the 2010 playoffs.

Bottomline:  This is one of the top early 11B matchups. Already we have seen #2 Winner defeat #3 St. Thomas More, utilizing a shutdown defense and strong running game. In the Tri-Valley-Flandreau matchup, the team that wins the battle up front may very well win this game. In that context, Thad Johnson and Kenton Welbig will be key players for Tri-Valley. Flandreau's Joe Parsley seems to be an "in the moment" player. We watched his heroics a year ago in the championship game at the DakotaDome. Flandreau fans likely have grown accustomed to his flash and dash at any moment. He  made a big play in the 10-7 win over then #5 McCook Central/Montrose two weeks ago and he has been one of the best players in the state this season. He will need to shine again. For the Mustangs Logan Koopman offers speed and big-play ability while Kyle Erickson is a physical back. This will indeed be a battle that may hinge on a key turnover or big play late in the game.

Who Wins?  Don't look for a lot of points in this game. In this battle, expect yards and points to come at a minimum. The pick is Tri-Valley in hard-fought 18-14 verdict.

9A #1 Canistota (2-0) vs. 9A #2 Hansen (2-1 at Alexandria

Overview: In a battle of #1 Canistota vs. #2 Hanson, look for both teams to try and establish the run. Hanson lost a 20-8 decision to the Hawks a year ago after dominating the series when Canistota was a co-op Canistota/Bridgewater. This game sets up to be a battle to the wire.

#1 Canistota, 2-0 this season, is in the midst of a 14-game winning streak. They have opened with a 48-0 win over then 9AA #2 Howard and also defeated 9AA #1 Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan, 34-26, in the nightcap of the FCA So Dak Bowl two weeks ago in Sioux Falls. After an off-week, they now face 9A #2 Hanson. Three-ranked opponents in three games – so it goes for the Hawks. This Canistota team is perhaps the top 9-man team regardless of division. They have averaged 275 yards rushing and 95 yards passing while score 41 points per game this season. The Hawks' attack is led by quarterback Cody Bunger who has completed 15-of-23 passes for 190 yards and three TDs. Bunger also has 17 carries for 171 yards (85.5 yards per game) and three TDs. Fullback Troy Hofer, who has 24 tackles as a linebacker, has 22 carries for 167 yards and three TDs. The speed in the backfield is provided by Alex Robertson who has 24 carries for 115 yards and a pair of rushing TDs. Bunger's primary target has been Trevor Schroeder with six receptions for 130 yards and two TDs. Also on defense, Eric Tieszen has 27 tackles.

#2 Hanson has won two of three games, including a 44-14 win over Freeman last week. In the win, Jordan Craig had 161 yards rushing and three TDs while Reid Smith had 166 yards and four TDs (3, 3, 5, 54). Derek Kocer had a 30-yard punt return for a TD and Tyler Pringle added a three-yard TD run. For the season, Smith has 465 yards rushing and broken off runs of 50 yards or more on at least three occasions. Like Canistota, Hanson has a challenging schedule. They have already played 9B #1 Avon (32-28 loss) and now battle 9A #1 Canistota this week. Up next week is 9AA #1 Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan (1-1). Yet Jim Haskamp's crew is always ready to go. The Beavers have won two straight 9A titles and captured a 9B crown in 2008. This a very proud program that is in chase of its fourth straight crown.

Inside slant: Will Canistota extend its winning streak to 15 games? Can the Hawks find space to run the ball against Hanson? Will Smith and Craig continue to pound away? Will the Beavers find openings in the Canistota defense that showed a little vulnerability against BEE?

Coaches:  Jim Haskamp of Hanson, 152-73, .676. Lenny Schroeder of Canistota, 96-66, .593.

2011 Results/Records: Canistota has opened 2-0 with a 48-0 win over Howard and a 34-26 verdict over 9AA #1 Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan. Hanson has a 2-1 record include a 48-14 win over Woonsocket/Wessington Springs/Sanborn Central and a 44-14 rout of Freeman. They lost week two to Avon, 32-28. Since 2004, Hanson has defeated Canistota or Canistota/Bridgewater (co-op until 2010) six of seven times. The 20-8 loss to Canistota a year ago ended at least a six-game winning streak by the Beavers. From 2004 to 2009, they outscored Canistota/Bridgewater, 241-47, and had three shutouts.

Bottomline:  In a #1 vs. #2 confrontation, look for both teams to go with their bread and butter rushing attacks. Canistota appears to have an edge in the aerial game with Bunger and Schroeder. However, against Avon, Hanson made a number of big plays throwing the ball. We foresee plenty of points in this game. Bunger, Hofer and Robertson will likely create big plays for the Hawks while Craig and Smith are likely to break through for the Beavers who will host the Hawks in Alexandria.

Who Wins? Look for Bunger and Hofer to be the difference as Canistota takes this #1 vs. #2 matchup, 34-24.

9AA #5 Andes Central (2-0) at 9B #1 Avon (3-0) 

Overview: Can Andes Central finally solve Avon? The Eagles have lost at least the last nine games to the Pirates. This season #1 Avon has won three straight games, utilizing the talents of quarterback Nick Poppe, talented offensive and defensive lines, and strong running from Duffy Ducheneaux, Jackson Powers and Wyatt Beeson. They also feature a talented tight end with Luke VanGerpen, who caught the game-winning TD pass against 9A #2 Hanson two weeks ago. However, Andes Central has two impressive wins this season and has done it on the ground.

#1 Avon (3-0) used its dominating rushing attack to run past Gregory, 44-0, for a third-straight win last week. The Pirates had 307 yards on the ground, led by  Duffy Ducheneaux, who rushed for 99 yards on eight carries and two TDs. Standout quarterback Nick Poppe had 72 yards on four carries and a TD and also had a TD throw. In its 32-28 win over Hanson two weeks ago, Nick Poppe had 58 yards rushing and 2 TDs (25, 9). Jackson Powers led the defense with 20 tackles and threw the game-winning halfback TD pass to Luke VanGerpen in the Hanson game. Led by Ducheneaux's 94 yards rushing and TD, Avon rolled past 36-0 win over Tripp-Delmont/Armour in week one. Wyatt Beeson had two TDs.  Tom Culver's Pirates, which own four playoff championships, are trying to return to the DakotaDome where they last won a title in 2008 (Gettysburg, 37-8, in 9A). The Pirates last 9B title was in 2005 in a 40-14 rout of Montrose.

#5 Andes Central (2-0), defeated Menno, 48-0, for its second straight impressive win and is now ranked fifth in 9AA. They have outscored two opponents, 96-12. Andes Central, which had 284 rush yards in game 1, was back at it again in its second game. Connor Florey had 93 yards rushing and two TDS (10, 5) while Tommy Gravatt had 141 yards rushing on 19 carries with two TDs (12, 7) in the win on Friday. The Eagles have won 9 of its last 12 games including two straight to open the season.

Inside slant: Will Avon finally solve Avon and win? Will Avon or Andes Central rushing game be better on Friday? Will Culver try some trickery on offense that produced a big score against Hanson?

Coaches:  Tom Culver of Avon. Daryl Duermeier of Andes Central. 

2011 Results/Records: Avon is 2-0. They have defeated Menno, 48-0; and Tripp/Delmont/Armour, 48-12. Avon has opened 3-0. The Pirates began the season with a 36-0 win over Tripp/Delmont/Armour and then edged 9A #2 Hanson, 32-28, at the FCA So Dak Bowl in Sioux Falls. Last week they defeated Gregory, 44-0. Avon has controlled the series with Avon winning the last nine games. A year ago, Avon handled Andes Central, 62-12, in Lake Andes.

Bottomline: Avon has rolled to a 3-0 record and sit atop Class 9A. Now they face a second opponent from outside 9B when they go up against 9AA #5 Andes Central. The Eagles have been impressive in two big wins to open the season but now face a team that they have had trouble with in the past. Andes Central has a strong rushing game led by Connor Florey and Tommy Gravatt. From this observation, the key for the Eagles is slowing down Avon quarterback Nick Poppe, one of the best in 9-man football. Avon will also use Wyatt Beeson, Duffy Ducheneaux, Jackson Powers and others in its powerful and explosive attack. They have outscored three opponents, 112 to 28.

Who Wins: Avon has controlled this series. On Friday night, look for Avon's line play and its rushing attack to continue to shine in a 48-20 win against Andes Central.   

 11A #3 Milbank (2-0) at 11B #5 Groton Area (3-0)   

Overview: In a battle of 11A powers, one of the two ranked opponents will taste defeat for the first time. In looking at their series, they have split the last six meetings. How close is the series? Milbank owns a 112-95 scoring edge in the six games. A year ago Groton lost a 23-6 decision to Milbank. In both 2008 (14-7) and 2009 (21-14), Groton was victorious. Milbank won a 28-21 decision in 2007 while Groton captured a 26-20 win in 2006. In 2005, it was the Bulldogs on the winning side, 20-7. This shapes up as another outstanding battle of northern South Dakota football powers. Both teams have outstanding quarterbacks in Nick Mears of Milbank and Matt Thorson of Groton.

#3 Milbank (2-0) moved up to #3 in the KSFY/KWSN rankings after a 24-7 win over Aberdeen Roncalli.  They opened the season with a 49-7 rout of Redfield/Doland at home. Quarterback Nick Mears had four TDs, including runs of 35 and 90 yards, to lead Milbank over Aberdeen Roncalli in the Bulldogs' first road test of the season. Mears, who was a 1,000 yard passer and 1,000 yard rusher a year ago, is one of the most dangerous and productive players in South Dakota. When he throws the ball, his main target appears to be Seth Phillips, who had three receptions for 127 yards and a TD in the win over the Cavaliers. Mears, who has 10 combined TDs this season, has already accumulated 414 rushing yards and 395 passing yards and is on his way to another 1,000 yards double (rushing and receiving). It is rare that an athlete does that unique double. In the win over Aberdeen Roncalli, Mears had a rare double with 229 yards rushing and 234 yards passing. Milbank, which last won a title in 2009, has gone 48-22 overall since 2004.

11B #5 Groton had a 51-6 win over Webster Area last week as Ryland Strom had 111 yards rushing and three TDs (3, 14, 44). The Tigers' Jamie Jorgensen had 7 receptions for 115 yards and two TDs (34, 10). Groton quarterback Matt Thorson added 13 carries for 61 yards and completed 12-of-16 passes for 177 yards and two TDs.  In week two, the Tigers edged past Sisseton, 20-18, and defeated Aberdeen Roncalli in week one, 34-7. In the win over Sisseton, the Tigers scored with 31 seconds to play for hte win. Eric May had 118 yards receiving and a 56-yard TD from Thorson. In the ninth annual Hub City Bowl in Aberdeen, Groton jumped to a big lead and won going away. They finished with 240 yards rushing. In the win, the Tigers scored a minute into the game on a 59-yard TD run by Strom, who also had a 10-yard run and 147 yards rushing. May caught a 44-yard TD pass. Thorson finished with 93 yards rushing and completed 3-of-9 passes for 74 yards.

Inside slant: Will Groton be able to stop the talented Nick Mears? Can Milbank win a difficult road test? Which team will have the more effective run game? Can Groton's Strom be a factor running the ball?

Coaches:  Jeremy Tostenson of Milbank, 60-31, .659. Shaun Wanner of Groton, 51-44, .537

2011 Results/Records: Milbank is 2-0 with wins over Redfield/Doland, 49-7; and Aberdeen Roncalli, 24-7. Groton has opened 3-0 with wins over Webster Area, 51-7; Sisseton, 20-18; and Aberdeen Roncalli, 34-7. In the last six meetings, the series is tied 3-3.

Bottomline: The belief here is that Groton will not stop the talented Mears, who excels at both running and throwing. Mears is a dangerous player no doubt as he has already recorded a pair of 90-yard TD runs. If Groton is to win, they must slow down Mears and repeat what they did against Aberdeen Roncalli. In that game, the Tigers took a quick lead and used a strong running game to control the game. On the other side, Milbank's defense will receive its first test of the young season. Can they stop Strom and Thorson? The team that controls the ground attack will likely survive this early season encounter. If history teaches us anything, this game will go down to the end.

Who Wins: Look for plenty of points in this matchup. We think Mears makes more plays and is the difference in a 34-27 win by Milbank.

Luverne (1-1) vs. #4 Jackson County Central (2-0)

Overview:  In a crucial matchup in Minnesota, #4 ranked Jackson County Central will seek to reverse a recent losing trend against Luverne, which has won seven of the past 10 games between the two rivals. In what appears to be two evenly matched teams, home field advantage, in Jackson County Central's favor, may prove to be important here. A year ago, Luverne defeated JCC, 10-9 in the regular season and 35-23 in the playoffs. Jackson City Central won the regular season matchup in 2009 by a 20-7 count. However Luverne defeated JCC in the playoffs, 21-17, that season. In addition, the Cardinals picked up a 27-11 win in 2008, 39-13 and 27-6 wins in 2007 and a 28-16 victory in 2005. JCC won 48-28 in 2006 and 35-10 in 2004. 

Jackson County Central has opened 2-0 by outscoring two opponents, 51-6. Despite several turnovers in its opener, they defeated Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, 20-0. Then, last weekend they rolled past Worthington, 31-6. Coach Tom Schuiller's troops have put together five straight winning campaigns, including back-to-back 9-2 seasons. With a rebuilt offensive line¸ Jackson County Central will lean on quarterback Tanner Menke and wideout Zach Copley to provide big plays against the Cardinals, like they did against Worthington (two TDs). The rushing game is led by Cooper Moore and Carson Nyberg, who scored a TD on the ground against Worthington.

Luverne, which was ranked #6 in Minnesota 11AA preseason polls, has been one of the best 11AA squads in Minnesota over the past five seasons. 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 and reached the state semifinals (7-6 loss to Caledonia). In its season opener against. Harrisburg (28-13 loss), little went right for Luverne, who led 7-0 but was outscored 28-6 thereafter. Quarterback Brett Heronimus was 7-of-16 passing for 69 yards and a TD. In game 2 against Redwood Valley, Luverne scored TDs in four of five possessions to begin the game as they cruised to a 33-6 win.  Against Redwood Valley, the Cardinals were led by Harold Bauman with 12 carries for 157 yards and TDs of 5 and 48 yards. Richard Gonzalez had a 37-yard TD run and 53 yards on five carries. Quarterback Brett Heronimus completed 7-of-7 passes for 106 yards and completed a 25-yard TD to Devin Heitkamp.  Luverne had 411 yards in total offense, including 275 on the ground. 

Inside slant: Will Luverne's running attack again rack up yards? How far has the inexperienced Jackson County Central  offensive line developed this season? Will JCC reverse a recent  losing trend against Luverne?

Coaches: Todd Oye of Luverne, 73-33, .692. Tom Schuiller of Jackson County Central. 

2011 Results/Records:  Luverne is 1-1. The Cardinals dropped the opener to Harrisburg, 28-13 and rebounded with a 33-6 win over Redwood Valley. Jackson County Central has a 20-0 win over Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City and a 31-6 decision over Worthington. Luverne has won 7 of the last 10 matchups between the schools.

Bottomline: Luverne will try and establish the run with Gonzalez and Bauman. Heronimus had a solid game a week ago at quarterback and will need to be on fire again. Menke and Copley make a nice combination for JCC, who will look to Moore and Nyberg to take charge in the running game. How far the JCC rebuilt line has come will be a big factor on Friday. Luverne is trying to overcome a disappointing first game loss to Harrisburg (SD) and had a solid effort last week.

Who Wins: Based on recent history, Luverne looks capable of springing an upset over #4 JCC. The pick here is for a 24-20 win by the Cardinals.