KSFY News - Sioux Falls, SD News, Weather, SportsFocus on Five #5

The excitement surrounding area prep football continues to build as the regular season hits its halfway point. Already this season, we have witnessed numerous upsets, favored teams handling their business and others pulling surprises as they try to make noise in 2011.

This week, we once again will be treated to prime time games throughout the area, including the battle of 11A #1 Dell Rapids and 11B #1 Tri-Valley in Dell Rapids. It will be a game definitely worth the price of admission. If you can't attend that game, head to Hartford where 11A #2 West Central does battle with 11A #4 Harrisburg in a key matchup. Yankton will welcome Brookings on homecoming Friday in the river city as the winner gains an upper hand in the ESD race and possibly an early advantage on a favorable 11AA playoff seeding. In 9-man, several top games are on tap but one to watch is the battle between two ranked opponents in different classifications when 9AA Clark/Willow Lake hosts 9B #4 Waverly/South Shore. In Iowa, 1A #3 Spirit Lake travels to face Central Lyon/George-Little Rock in another annual battle.

So far this year, I am still treading above water with the picks, sitting 12-8 (.667). A week ago, I finished 3-2 but missed the Jackson County Central win against Luverne and the Groton win over Milbank. I was correct in my other picks of Canistota over Hanson, Avon over Andes Central and Tri- Valley over Flandreau. This week, I am picking Dell Rapids, West Central, Waverly/South Shore, Yankton and Central Lyon-George Little Rock. Read the previews below and get some inside information on the matchups and the reasoning (good or bad) behind my picks.

 Game Previews

11 B #1 Tri-Valley (4-0) at 9A #1 Dell Rapids (3-0) 

Overview:  For the second time this season, two #1 ranked teams from different classes will meet head-to-head. Dell Rapids has been the top team in class A all season and currently own a 15-game winning streak. Tri-Valley has won four straight in 11B. A week ago, the Mustangs knocked off Flandreau in Colton, ending the Fliers 14-game winning streak. They now have a shot at stopping another winning streak, this time on the road. 

11B #1 Tri-Valley (4-0) defeated #4 Flandreau, 29-13. Tri-Valley has outscored its four opponents, 165-26, in four victories. While the Mustangs didn't dominate statistically in their win over Flandreau, like good teams they produced when it mattered. Tri-Valley, which trailed Flandreau, 7-0, led 15-13 at halftime despite just 49 yards in total offense.  In the fourth quarter, Tri-Valley quarterback Brett Page connected with Andrew Buchmann on a 50-yard scoring play for a 21-13 lead. Then after Kenton Welbig had an interception late, Page scored on a TD run to seal the win. The Mustangs 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 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.  

11A #1 Dell Rapids has one of the outstanding backfield in South Dakota, featuring Channing Barber at quarterback and his twin brother Zachary at running back. All-state performer Cole Langer was injured in a week 2 win over West Central and did not play in the win over Madison last week. One of the state's best players, Langer's status is unknown. However, Hunter White is another fast and quality performer in the backfield. Dell Rapids lost four all-state performers in the line off last year's team but have overcome those losses to graduation. The Quarriers had been impressive this season by outscoring three opponents, 103-31. They opened with a 40-6 win over Canton in the season opener followed by a 35-18 win over West Central and the 28-7 win over Madison, when Zach Barber had three TDs, rushing for 143 yards. The tea accumulated 339 yards on the ground. Against Canton, they had 362 yards rushing as a team.  Zachary Barber continues to lead the team in rushing with 26 carries for 339 yards and has four TDs (five overall).

Inside slant: Will Tri-Valley's defense be able to stop the speed of the Barber twins and Hunter White? Will Langer see action? What quarterback, Brett Page of Tri-Valley or Channing Barber of Dell Rapids, have a better game? Will the more experienced Tri-Valley line prove to be the difference? Both teams have good speed - so does Barber or Koopman make a play on special teams or a long TD scamper?

Coaches: Brad McDonald of Tri-Valley, record unavailable. Steve Hansen of Dell Rapids106-60, .639

2011 Results/Records: The two teams have played seven times since 2004 with Dell Rapids holding a 4-3 advantage. A year ago, Dell Rapids rolled past Tri-Valley, 26-6. In 2009, Tri-Valley had a 27-0 win over Dell Rapids and also won 26-6 in 2008. From 2005 to 2007, the Quarriers won three straight, 33-7, 7-0, and 28-14 in 2007. Tri-Valley had a 20-15 win in 2004. Overall, Dell Rapids owns a 125 to 100 scoring edge in those seven games.

Bottomline: Tri-Valley has been dominant this season but struggled to move the ball in the first half against Flandreau last week. However, the Mustangs' has rolled up a lot of points this year and featured a shutdown defense. Logan Koopman and Brett Page have had big seasons already. The biggest question will hinge on whether they can handle the speed of Dell Rapids' offense. Channing Barber is an electrifying quarterback and go past defenders in a split second. Zachary Barber has stepped up in the absence of Langer to provide big plays for the Quarriers. Hunter White has also provided big plays and Riley Rinehart also provides strength in the backfield. We think this game will be decided late.

Who Wins? In what should be one of the primetime matchups this season, the pick here is for Dell Rapids to defeat Tri-Valley, 24-20.

11A #4 Harrisburg (3-1) at 11A #2 West Central (3-1)

Overview: Both teams have been ranked in 11A all season. Currently, West Central is 3-1 and ranked #2 in the KSFY/KWSN rankings. Harrisburg, also 3-1, was ranked #2 but fell two spots to #4 after a week four loss. However, the rankings point total separates #2 from #4 by just two points.

 #4 Harrisburg (3-1) dropped a 13-8 decision to 11aa Huron (2-2) as the Tigers had three turnovers in the opening half and missed a field goal in the second half while failing to score in the red zone on two other occasions. The Tigers finally scored late in the fourth quarter when Andrew McCuen connected with Trevor DeSchepper on a 37-yard TD pass with just over a minute to play. The Tigers opened the season with a 49-0 shutout of Madison. They upended Luverne, 28-13, in Harrisburg in a matchup of ranked teams from neighboring states. In week three, they cruised past Lennox, 63-13. Tigers' running back Thomas Hudson has 459 yards rushing and two TDs. Quarterback Andrew McKuen has thrown for 721 yards this season.

#2 West Central (3-1) won for the third time in four games with a 27-13 decision over Sisseton (1-2). Devon Blaine rushed for 183 yards on 23 carries and had a 14-yard TD run to lead the Trojans. With the win, West Central moved up two spots in the rankings. The Trojans opened the season with a 41-0 win over Vermillion and then blasted Madison, 40-7. In week three, West Central dropped a 35-18 decision to Dell Rapids. Blaine leads the team in rushing with 76 carries for 566 yards and 5 TDs rushing this season. He also has five receptions for 135 yards and two TDs. Quarterback Connor Miles has completed 20-of-48 passes for 339 yards and four TDs. Dalton Kuehl has 54 carries for 316 yards and four TDs.

Inside slant: Was Harrisburg's mistake-filled loss to Huron, just a bump in the road? How big a factor will turnovers be in the game? West Central also had a turnover-filled game in their only loss so do they hang onto the ball against another top 11A team? Will Harrisburg be able to establish its pass offense against the fast West Central defense? Will the Trojans be able to sustain its ground gain against the Tigers?

Coaches:  Brandon White of Harrisburg, 12-4, .750. Kent Mueller of West Central, 71-8 (75-20 overall).  

2011 Results/Records: Both teams are 3-1. In head-to-head meetings, West Central has won eight of the last 10 meetings, including four shutouts. A year ago, the Tigers picked up a 21-19 win over the Trojans, snapping a four-game losing skein to West Central. The Trojans defeated Harrisburg, 38-28, 2009; 14-0, 2008; 16-0 and 17-0 (playoffs) in 2007; and 17-0 in 2006. Harrisburg's last win before 2010 was a 28-14 decision in the 2006 playoffs. In 2005, West Central captured 43-21 and 42-21 (playoffs) wins. Overall, the Trojans have a 219-110 scoring edge.

Bottomline: Both teams feature speed and solid quarterbacking play. Andrew McKuen has effectively taken over for all-state Steve Miller and thrown for 721 yards. His main target has been Schepper, who has had several big moments already this season. Thomas Hudson is a bruising runner back and Brandon Miller has had his moments. For West Central, Connor Miles has had a solid season in his first season under center. Blaine is one of the elite backs in 11A. Both teams will likely move the ball. If you attend this game, don't blink or you may miss something. It will be a wire-to-wire tussle.

Who Wins: In a game that it likely to feature several momentum swings, the pick here is a 30-28 win by West Central.

 11AA Brookings (3-1) at 11AA #5 Yankton (4-0)

Overview:  In this traditional battle of ESD rivals, fifth-ranked Yankton will try and win its fifth straight game against a talented Brookings team that is 3-1 this season.

#5 Yankton (4-0) has dominated four opponents this season, owning a 147-51 points advantage. They have defeated Pierre, 43-20; Huron, 26-0; Watertown, 48-18; and Aberdeen Central, 30-13. The Bucks raced to a 24-0 lead after one quarter and won their fourth straight game with a 30-13 decision of Aberdeen Central (0-4) in its most recent victory. In that game, the Bucks received a TD pass from Michael Rucker (6-11-1-54 yards) and one by Connor Fitzsimmons, who had 50 yards rushing on 10 carries. The Bucks rushed for 195 yards rushing on 44 carries with Evan Schroeder providing 46 yards on 13 carries and a TD. Already this season, Rucker has completed 44-of-72 passes for 665 yards and 6 TDs with four interceptions. Connor Fitzsimmons has eight combined TDs (five rushing, two receiving, 1 passing) and 34 carries for 337 yards rushing along with 12 catches for 187 yards receiving. Jackson Pasco has 193 yards receiving on 12 catches with two TDs and also has 117 yards rushing and a TD. Evan Schroeder has 10 receptions for 166 yards and 3 TDs.

Brookings improved to (2-2) with a 34-14 win over Pierre on Friday. The Bobcats were led by Brycen Nelson who rushed 32 times for 206 yards and two TDs to lead the Bobcats. Landon Busch was 8-8 passing for 90 yards and had two rushing TDs. Matt Thomas had a six-yard TD run. The Bobcats' Nelson now has 95 carries for 475 yards and seven TDs. Quarterback Landon Busch is 36 of 67 passing for 535 yards and four TDs.

Inside slant: Both teams feature outstanding backfields, which beg the question of whether Rucker or Busch will be the difference in this game? Can Yankton's passing attack click this week after registering just 95 yards against Aberdeen Central? Will Brookings standout Nelson have another big game on the ground?

Coaches: Gary Maffett of Brookings, 33-28, .541. Arlin Likness is 101-39, .721 at Yankton and 219-71, .755 overall. Likness won his 100^th game at Yankton two weeks against in the win over Watertown and coached his 290^th game last week.

2011 Results/Records: Since 2004, Yankton has won six of seven games, including a 20-17 decision a year ago. In 2009, Yankton handled the Bobcats, 48-26. Brookings won 16-14 in 2008. From 2004-07, Yankton won four straight game by scores of 35-21, 2004; 21-14, 2005; 25-13, 2006; and 7-0, 2007. During that run, Yankton held a 170-107 scoring advantage.

Bottomline: The River City should be fired up for this homecoming game with Brookings especially with another home  game set for next week against top-ranked Sioux Falls Roosevelt. This is a big moment for the Bucks, who aim to rekindle their past tradition of excellence. For Yankton, coach Likness has built a fast start around a balanced offense featuring Fitzsimmons, Schroeder and Pasco along with junior quarterback Rucker, who has been outstanding this season. Brookings has a three-pronged attack with Busch at quarterback, the dynamic and explosive Nelson in the backfield and all-state receiver Matt Thomas. Brookings will look to get back into the race for the ESD title with a win while Yankton will try to stay atop the conference with a win. Yankton appears to be on a roll right now with a balance of run and pass. However, Brookings poses a dangerous threat.

Who Wins: The pick is for Yankton to prevail with a 27-14 win over Brookings.

9B #4 Waverly/South Shore (3-0) at 9AA #2 Clark//Willow Lake (3-0)

Overview: A  matchup of two ranked teams from different 9-man class 9B #4 Waverly/South Shore will take its explosive offense to 9AA #2 Clark/Willow Lake, which features a strong rushing attack and solid defense. Both teams sit 3-0.

9B #4 Waverly/South Shore most recently defeated Wilmot, 44-6, led by four TDs by Brent Zemlicka, who had 55 yards rushing and 83 receiving. He ran for three scores and caught a 47-yard TD pass from his cousin Taylor Zemlicka, who finished 19-for-25 for 267 yards and a TD. He also ran for a score. Tyson Zemlicka added six receptions for 95 yards receiving. The Coyotes opened with a 40-14 win over Hamlin and then registered a 54-19 win against Tri-State. In three games, the Coyotes have a 138-39 scoring advantage over its opponents. This season, wide receiver Tyson Zemlicka has  17 receptions for 201 yards and three TDs this season. Brent Zemlicka has rushed 67 times for 605 yards with 13 TDs. He has a season-high of 287 yards rushing vs. Hamlin in the season opener. His cousin, quarterback Taylor Zemlicka, has completed 39-of-73 passes for 622 yards with 5 TDs and one interception this season. 

9AA #2 Clark/Willow Lake opened up a 32-0 lead at half and defeated Tiospa Zina Tribal, 52-0, last Friday . The Cyclones finished with 160 yards rushing including 61 yards on five carries from Garrett Schmidt, who had a five-yard TD run. Jeff McGraw also had two TDs and Jed Hanson had 55 yards rushing. Clark/Willow Lake hammered Grant/Deuel, 36-9 in the season opener and edged Hamlin 34-26 in overtime during week two action. Clark/Willow Lake, which was an 11-man program a year ago, has made the transition to 9-man. This season, they have quickly moved up the rankings with a strong rushing game supplemented by a tough defense. They have outscored opponents, 122-35.

Inside slant: Will Clark/Willow Lake be able to slow down the Zemlickas and the explosive Waverly/South Shore offense? Will Schmidt, McGraw and Hanson be able to find room to run and thereby help C/WL control the clock?

Coaches: Billy Kirch of Waverly/South Shore. Joel Huber of Clark/Willow Lake.

2011 Results/Records: Waverly/South Shore and Clark/Willow Lake have not played in their current co-op arrangements. However Waverly South/Shore is 0-4 vs. Clark in games played from 2005-08. Clark won in 2005 by a 49-0 score and then had 55-26, 26-18 and 54-36 victories from 2006-08. Clark's scoring advantage in those four wins was 184 to 80. The two squads have played one common opponent - Hamlin. Waverly/South Shore blew out Hamlin, 40-14, in the season opener while Clark/Willow Lake won in overtime, 34-26.

Bottomline: This game matches two teams that have the capacity to light up the scoreboard. Clark/Willow Lake appears to prefer the ground game and employing a stout rush defense. They will face their most difficult task of the season in Waverly/South Shore, who have one of the most dynamic pass combinations in state history with Taylor to Tyson Zemlicka. Plus, Brent Zemlicka has been a major factor in the rushing game. This game may hinge on whether Waverly/South Shore offense is as good as advertised or if Clark/Willow Lake's strong line play and hard-hitting ground game will control the clock and the game.

Who Wins:  In a mild upset, the pick here is for Waverly/South Shore to go on the road and take a 38-34 decision.  

1A #4 Spirit Lake at Central Lyon/George/Little Rock (3-1)

Overview: Both teams have had impressive starts to open the 2011 campaign. Spirit Lake is outscoring its opponents 48 to 8 (ppg.) and has moved up to a tie for third in the 1A Iowa prep rankings. Central Lyon/George-Little Rock received support in this week's top 10 poll but remains unranked. Spirit Lake, which is 12-34 over the past five years, has found their winning groove this season after a 6-4 season a year ago. Central Lyon/George-Little Rock, 4-5 a year ago, is trying to rekindle their tradition of success. They own three titles in 1976, 1977, 2006 and also have had five runner-up finished (1991, 1996, 1999, 2007, 2008).

2A #3 Spirit Lake has opened with a 5-0 record, including a 42-14 win over then #7 Sheldon last Friday. The Indians opened the season with a 52-6 win over Washington. In week two, they handled Spencer, 49-14, and then dispatched Storm Lake, 55-2, in week three. Two weeks ago, they defeated Western Christian, 42-7. In a dominant early season run, they have outscored opponents 240 to 43. Against Sheldon, standout quarterback Paul Brown tossed two TDs and Cody Poock also threw a TD pass on a gadget play.  The win pinned Sheldon with its first loss of the season. For the night, Brown was 8-of-14 for 139 yards and threw a  TD pass to Zach Herrig, who ended up with 84   yards on three catches and a pair of TDs. He caught the 50-yard throw from Poock on a wingback pass. Spirit Lake built a 28-0 lead behind its shutdown defense. Andrew Broocks had nine tackles, three tackles for loss and a fumble recovery

Central Lyon-George Little Rock is led by quarterback Ross Ackerman, halfback Ryan McCarty and Josh Hunt and fullback Terron Gerdes. Senior Matt Nagel is a standout defensive end and tight end. They opened the season with an impressive 51-0 victory against Sioux City West. In week two, they upset #4 West Lyon, 16-14, by scoring in the closing seconds. Ackerman connected with Eric Schilling on the game's final play to steal a win over #5 West Lyon in Rock Rapids, Iowa. Schilling had caught a 43-yard pass from Ackerman to set up the winning play. CL-G-LR had 216 yards rushing, behind the running of McCarty, and 75 yards through the air. Boyden Hull/Rock Valley stopped CL-G-LR, 27-13 in week three. Last Friday, the Lions rebounded with a 35-0 decision over Lincoln Central in Estherville. Josh Hunt, who scored on TD runs of 7 and 12 yards, had 185 yards rushing on 25 carries to key the win. Terron Gerdes added two short TD runs. 

Inside slant: Can Central Lyon/George-Rock contain the explosive Spirit Lake offense? Will Spirit Lake's defense be up to the task of shutting down Gerdes, McCarty and Hunt?   

Coaches: Toby Lorenzen of Central Lyon/George-Little Rock, 132-47, .739. Lorenzen will be coaching his 180^th career game. Josh Bolluyt, 14-19, .424.

2011 Results/Records: Central Lyon/George-Little Rock owns a 2-1 series edge. A year ago, Spirit Lake took a 31-14 decision. CL/G-LR won in 2009, 24-22; and 2008 by a 33-0 score.

Bottomline: Spirit Lake has been impressive in rolling to five wins this season. They have shown a balance on offense and a shutdown defense. Central Lyon/George-Little Rock has returned to its bread and butter ground game with results as they have built a 3-1 record after four games. Defensively, they have been stout with the exception of the Boyden/Hull Rock Valley loss. This game is in Rock Rapids, which is a big factor for the Lions.

Who Wins:  The pick here is for Spirit Lake to move to 6-0 with a 27-15 win over CL-G-LC.