KSFY News - Sioux Falls, SD News, Weather, SportsFocus on Five #7

The prep football season has hit and passed the mid-point as teams are focused on putting themselves into favorable playoff positions.

Action should again be fast-paced and physical this week as several important games are on the docket. In 11AA, #5 Mitchell (5-1) will host #3 Lincoln (5-1) in a game that may have ramifications for playoff seedings later this month. In 11A, #2 Dell Rapids (4-1) will host #3 and unbeaten Dakota Valley (5-0). Also in 11A, West Central (5-1) will welcome Minnesota AA #10 Jackson County Central (4-1) to Hartford. 9B #1 Avon (6-0) will host 9A #5 Corsica/Stickney (4-1). Finally, a key battle in 9-man football in Minnesota will pit #1 Edgerton-Ellsworth (5-0) against visiting #4 Hills-Beaver Creek (5-0), in what could be a high-scoring shootout.

 A week ago, I did pretty well on my picks, going 4-1 for the second straight week. For the season, I have a 20-10 (.667) mark.  One of these weeks, maybe I can go 5-0 (hopefully not 0-5). This week, the picks include Sioux Falls Lincoln, Dell Rapids, Avon, West Central, and Edgerton/Ellsworth.

Game Previews

11AA #3 Sioux Falls Lincoln (5-1) at 11AA #5 Mitchell (5-1) 

Overview: The Mitchell Kernels will try and make some noise in the 11AA circles when they host #3 and high-scoring Lincoln on Friday night. The Kernels will try and dent the momentum that Sioux Falls schools have had against ESD and other schools outside Sioux Falls. Over the past two years, Sioux Falls schools have won 46-of-48 games vs. non-Sioux Falls opponents and sit 16-0 this season. A week ago, #1 Roosevelt dispatched of then #5 Yankton, 41-0. This time, Mitchell takes it shot at one of the Sioux Falls four. Mitchell will have the home field advantage but must find a way to slow down the potent Patriots, a team that is averaging 51.0 points per game and features arguably the best offense in 11AA circles.

11AA #3 Sioux Falls Lincoln (5-1) defeated Sturgis, 75-0, last week as quarterback Alex Schultz had three TDs in the first quarter and the Patriots starters sat down after one quarter and leading, 42-0. Caden Quintanilla had 105 yards rushing and two TDs while Kevin Diaz also scored a pair of TDs. Besides the Scoopers, the Patriots have defeated four other teams this season including Rapid City Stevens, 64-0; Washington, 37-36; Rapid City Central, 41-6; and Brandon Valley, 60-28. Lincoln's only loss was to top-ranked Roosevelt, 45-29, when the Patriots were #1 and the Rough Riders #2. In 2011, Lincoln has rolled up a 306 to 115 scoring advantage over its opponents, scoring at least 37 points in every game except Roosevelt (29). They have broken the 60-point mark three times, and have scored 176 points combined in the past three games. Schultz has completed 102 of 165 passes for 1,766 yards and 25 TDs with just three interceptions. He has thrown four or more TDs in five of six games and at least three TDs in every game. Schultz has passing yardage games of 393, 355 and 355 this season. The senior signal caller has a host of targets, including senior wide receivers Trey Naasz and Josh Kunzman, both of whom have caught 34 passes. Kunzman has 703 yards (best total in South Dakota) and 12 TDs (also best in SD) while Naasz has 389 yards receiving with five TDs. Nick Goeman has 20 receptions for 425 yards and four TDs. Caden Quintanilla leads the Patriots' rushing attack with 437 yards and four TDs while Kevin Diaz has five rushing TDs.

11AA #5 Mitchell (5-1) #5 is coming off a 34-23 come-from-behind win on the road against Rapid City Central, 34-23. Justin Greenway's 82-yard punt return for a TD with 2:23 remaining put the Kernels on top. A pick six (25-yard TD return) by Dylon Hart with 57 seconds to play sealed Mitchell's win. Jason Greenway, who had 85 yards rushing, had a 73-yard punt return and a 32-yard fumble return for TDs. Also this season, Mitchell has defeated Watertown, 26-0; Brookings, 44-20; Aberdeen Central, 32-13; and Pierre, 61-6. The Kernels only setback was against Brandon Valley, 14-8. This season, Mitchell is averaging 249.7 yards rushing, 84.2 passing and 34.2 points per game. Jason Greenway of Mitchell has 799 yards rushing and seven combined TDs as well as five receptions for 80 yards. He has four games over 100 yards (130, 244, 145, 104, and 91). He has 2,188 career rushing yards. Justin Greenway has 34 carries for 264 yards rushing and four TDs and five receptions for 159 yards and two TDs. Quarterback Brent Havlik has completed 27-of-65 yards for 481 yards and five TDs. He has 61 carries for 208 yards and six TDs. Defensively, the Kernels have 18.5 sacks, including four from Hart. As a team they have recorded 13 interceptions and recovered six fumbles in six games.

Inside slant: Can Hart and his Kernels teammates slow down the explosive Schultz and the Patriots? Will the Greenway twins find space to run against a sometimes vulnerable Patriots defense? How big a factor will the special teams play in this game? Does anyone have the answer to slowing down the Patriots high-powered offense?

Coaches: Aaron Beavers of Lincoln, 91-46, .664; 49-41, .544, at SFL. Kent VanOverchelde of Mitchell, 18-28, .391. Beavers will try and pick up his 50^th win as the Patriots coach.

Series Records: The two teams have not played for several seasons.  

Bottomline: This is a matchup of a pass-based offense in Lincoln vs. a run-focused squad in Mitchell. The Kernels showed vulnerability to the pass in the loss to Brandon Valley while the Patriots bottled up Chase Marso and the Lynx. For the Kernels to stick with the Patriots, they have to limit the big-play ability of Kunzman and Quintanilla. Alex Schultz is poised behind center and has continually found ways to create a big play. It is likely he will again have success moving the ball. Look for Beavers to utilized Goeman, tight Mulder and Diaz this week as the Kernels' will be on Quintanilla and the two senior wideouts. The Kernels must utilize the talents of the Greenways and Havlik with a ground game that will control the clock and the touches by Lincoln. If Mitchell can break off a big play on special teams it will be crucial in their bid to knock off Lincoln Windy conditions could play a factor but not enough to slow down the Lincoln group.

Who Wins? Look for Mitchell to stick with Lincoln early but then the Patriots' offense will break out for a 37-18 win over the Kernels.

11A #3 Dakota Valley (5-0) at 11A #2 Dell Rapids (4-1)

Overview: The matchup of #2 Dell Rapids and #3 Dakota Valley will be one of the most watched matchups on Friday. The 11A tussle will pit Dell Rapids potent rushing attack, led by the Barber twins, against a Dakota Valley team that features an outstanding throwing quarterback in Brock Bergmann and a standout runner back in Tanner Lambert.

#3 Dakota Valley (5-0) picked up a 36-0 win over Vermillion as Lambert rushed 15 times for 204 yards. Dakota Valley held the Tanagers to 16 yards in total offense. In the season opener, they defeated Elk Point/Jefferson, 41-6, and defeated Beresford, 39-3. In week three, they rolled past Canton, 41-21 before shutting down Lennox, 40-0. They have outscored opponents 196-30. Lambert has 63 carries for 596 yards and seven TDs this season to lead the Panthers rushing attack. However, look for the Panthers to mix in Landon Johnson and Michael Rennerfeldt, who scored three TDs in the Lennox win. Rennerfeldt has 232 rushing yards on the season. Quarterback Brock Bergmann has completed 29-of-51 passes for 535 yards and seven TDs.

#2 Dell Rapids (4-1) recorded a 42-21 victory against Tea. After falling behind 7-0, Dell Rapids responded with 42 unanswered points. Zachary Barber rushed for 214 yards on eight carries and had 47, and 80 yard TD runs. DR had 360 yards rushing, including 101 from Channing Barber. In the season opener Dell Rapids defeated Canton, 40-6, and then defeated current #1 West Central, 35-18. In week three, Dell Rapids ran past Madison, 28-7, before suffering a 21-14 setback to 11B #1 Tri-Valley. Zachary Barber leads the Quarriers with 41 carries for 595 yards and six TDs. His twin brother, Channing, has 400 yards rushing and over 300 yards throwing at quarterback. The Quarriers also feature Riley Rinehart and Hunter White in its explosive rushing attack that generates over 310 yards rushing per game. However, they may not have the services of 2010 all-state running back/linebacker Cole Langer, who has been out since the West Central win. Langer has returned to practice but may need more healing time.

Inside slant: Will Dakota Valley find a way to slow down the Barber twins? On the flip side, will the Quarriers have an answer for Dakota Valley's speed-based attack featuring Lambert and Bergmann? This looks like another shootout in Class 11A which begs the question - will a special team play be the difference?

Coaches:  Jason Jund of Dakota Valley, 51-30, .630. Steve Hansen of Dell Rapids, 107-61, .637.

Series Records: Since 2004, the two teams have met five times with Dell Rapids winning all the matchups. A year ago, the Quarriers won 39-34 and also have a 40-14 win in 2009; 21-7 victory in 2006 and 12-3 and 26-0 wins in 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Bottomline: Dell Rapids has shown vulnerability to power running and medium range passes. We think Jund and his Dakota Valley team will utilize their outstanding skill position players and match the Quarriers. Lambert will be a key in the backfield. If they can also receive support from Johnson and Rennerfeldt, they might pose a major problem for Dell Rapids. The Quarriers have speed to burn with the Barber twins. They are especially adept at making explosive plays in big moments.

Who Wins:  This game will go likely be decided in the fourth quarter. With this game in Dell Rapids, look for the Quarriers to prevail, 31-20.  

Minnesota AA #10 Jackson County Central at 11A #1 West Central (5-1)

Overview: Both teams feature speed and strong rushing attacks. The two teams have split a pair of games in the past two seasons.

Minnesota AA #10 Jackson County Central (4-1) has outscored its opponents, 114 to 63 in its five games. Despite several turnovers in its opener, they defeated Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City, 20-0. Then, they rolled past Worthington, 31-6. In week three, JCC shut out Luverne, 35-0. They suffered their first loss in a 44-6 setback to Marshall. Last week they rebounded with a 42-13 win over Redwood Valley on the road. Coach Tom Schiller'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.

#1 West Central (5-1) cruised to a 48-20 win over Lennox last week as Devon Blaine scored three TDs and had 89 yards rushing. Dalton Kuehl added 119 yards on the ground and also caught a 44-yard TD pass from Connor Miles. The Trojans finished with 344 yards in total offense. This season, West Central defeated Vermillion, 41-0,  in the season opener in the DakotaDome. They won the next week, 40-7, over Madison, before falling to then #1 (now #2) Dell Rapids, 35-18, on the road. The Trojans defeated Sisseton, 27-13, and then #4 Harrisburg, 36-15. The Trojans potent ground attack has been led by Blaine with 745 yards rushing and eight TDs while Kuehl has provided 530 yards and five scores rushing. Connor Miles has had a solid season as the signal caller. Two weeks ago Josh Auble had 168 yards rush in a win over Sisseton. The Trojans have a deep, quick and explosive rushing attack. Minus the 35 points against Dell Rapids, the Trojans have given up just 55 total points to the other four opponents.

Inside slant: Will West Central be able to use its speed and explosive rushing attack to success? Can JCC continue to make big plays with its balanced offense? Both teams have scored gobs of points – can they do it in this border battle?

Coaches: Tom Schiller of Jackson County Central. Kent Mueller of West Central, 73-9, .890.

Series Records: JCC and West Central have split two meetings.  In 2010, JCC won 27-13, after West Central won 22-20 in 2009.

Bottomline: This border matchup again will likely go to the team that is able to establish its rushing attack. Look for both teams to move the ball and put points up on the board. West Central will be at home which should be a huge factor for the Trojans.  

Who Wins: The pick here is for West Central to pull out a 24-22 win over JCC.

9A #5 Corsica/Stickney (4-1) at 9B #1 Avon (6-0)

Overview: Top-ranked Avon has been one of the top teams in 9B all season. They have allowed just 41 points and 28 of those were permitted in week two against then 9A #2 Hanson. The Pirates have a powerful and explosive offense, keyed by quarterback Nick Poppe. Corsica/Stickney appeared to be on a roll this season until they suffered a 30-14 loss to 9AA #4 Kimball/White Lake. The Jaguars are led by quarterback Adam Borman and running backs Ryan Honslo and Gunner Baanhofman. 

#5 Corsica/Stickney (4-1)  #5 Corsica/Stickney (4-1) lost to Kimball/White Lake, 30-14. Corsica/Stickney was led by Baanhofman who had 126 yards rushing on 14 carries with a 66-yard TD. They finished with 238 total yards.  The Jaguars, which feature an explosive option-based offense, opened the season with a 42-12 win over Menno and then rolled past Tripp-Delmont/Armour, 70-16. In week three, they handled Colome, 22-0, before topping Andes Central, 43-14, as Borman had 164 yards rushing. Against Kimball/White Lake, the Jaguars lost the services of standout running back Wiley DeLange to injury.

#1 Avon (6-0) defeated South Central, 48-13 last Friday as Jackson Powers totaled four TDs and 160 yards rushing. After falling behind 7-6, Avon scored three straight times and led 26-7 in the third quarter following Nick Poppe's 10-yard TD run. Duffy Ducheneaux had 132 yards rushing and a score. Earlier, Avon rolled to a 36-0 win over Tripp-Delmont/Armour in the season opener before defeating Hanson, 32-28, in the FCA So Dak Bowl in Sioux Falls. In week three, the Pirates handled Gregory, 44-0, and then defeated Andes Central and Scotland by the same 38-0 score. Against Scotland, Poppe rushed for 104 yards and three TDs. The Pirates have outscored opponents, 236 to 41. Avon has scored at least 32 points in all six games. Aside from 28 points scored by Hanson, Avon's other five opponents have totaled 13 points.

Inside slant: Can Corsica/Stickney overcome the loss of DeLange, one of the standouts in the backfield? Do the Jaguars have the answer to slowing down Poppe, Ducheneaux, Powers and the explosive Pirates offense?

Coaches: Tom Culver of Avon. Jason Broughton of Corsica/Stickney, 54-50.

Series Notes: Since 2006, Avon has defeated Corsica/Stickney or Corsica six straight times. Last year, Avon defeated Corsica/Stickney, 20-8, and also won 56-6 in 2009. In 2008, Avon defeated Corsica, 56-6; upended Corsica, 46-0 in 2007; 50-20 in 2006; and 48-0 in 2005. Avon owns a 266-40 advantage over Corsica/Stickney (or Corsica) in the series.

Bottomline: Avon has a devastating rushing attack that uses a multitude of talented players. If the Jaguars' Borman can make some big plays and if Baanhofman and Honslo can step up, they will test the Pirates. Still, Avon has been rolling opponents in recent weeks and look like they are upping their game. Avon looks like they will be too much for Corsica/Stickney, a team stung by a key injury to Delange.

Who wins? The pick is Avon, 36-17.

Minnesota 9A #4 Hills/Beaver Creek (5-0) at #1 Edgerton/Ellsworth (5-0)

Overview: The matchup of #4 Hills Beaver Creek and #1 Edgerton/Ellsworth will be the most highly watched 9-man game in Minnesota this weekend. Since both are Southern Confederacy conference mates, the game has more relevance.

#4 Hills/Beaver Creek (5-0) has rolled up a 236-33 advantage in rolling to a 5-0 record. The Patriots opened the season by defeated Janesville/Waldorf/Pemberton, 36-0. In week two, they handled Madelia, 36-6, before dumping Cleveland, 50-7. In week four, they had a 74-6 win over Alger/Conger and then last week defeated #2 Nicollett, 40-14. In the impressive win over Nicollett, HBC was led by Dalton Bass who had 174 yards rushing on 27 carries and two TDs. Seth Nuffer also scored a pair of TDs. Jordan Larson, who rushed for 53 yards, completed 15-of 26 passes for 123 yards and threw a TD pass to Mutter. Taylor Leuthold added 125 yards rushing.

 #1 Edgerton/Ellsworth (5-0) has been the most explosive team in Minnesota 9-man football this season, rolling up 312 points. They have scored over 60 points in four of the five games and own a 312 to 92 overall points advantage. The Flying Dutchmen opened the season with a 62-18 win over Alger/Conger and then defeated Cleveland, 62-26. In week three, they defeated Janesville/Waldorf/Pemberton, 52-22. In week four, they had a 68-0 win over Granada/Huntley/East Chain/Martin Luther. Last week, E/E also rolled to a 68-26 win over Madelia as quarterback Isaac Heart completed 8-of-11 passes for 163 yards and three TDs. The Flying Dutchmen had 212 yards rushing led by Derek Voge, who had 110 yards rushing on six carries and a 17-yard TD reception. Casey Schilling led the receivers with three catches for 100 yards and TD receptions of 36 and 42 yards. Nate Paulsen added 82 yards rushing on five carries and a 35-yard TD jaunt for E/E, which totaled 212 yards on the ground. Omar Lopez had an 85-yard kickoff return and a 65-yard punt return for TDS, while Austin LaFollette electrified those in attendance with a 91-yard kickoff return for a TD to open the second half.

Inside slant: Both offenses are explosive so which squad has more firepower? Can Hills Beaver Creek slow down the top-ranked Edgerton/Ellsworth offense that has scored 312 points and scored at least 50 points in every game? Does Hills/Beaver Creek's defense play a key role? Will E/E's special teams again make a big play?

Coaches: Andrew Fleischman 0f Edgerton/Ellsworth. Rex Metzger of Hills/Beaver Creek, 12-3, .800

Series Records: Ellsworth/Edgerton, which has been ranked #1 all season, has Hills Beaver Creek three straight times. They captured a 36-12 win in the regular season a year ago and then took a 20-14 win in the playoffs. Two years ago, E/E won, 42-12.   

Bottomline: When all is said and done on Friday, the two teams may combine for more than 100 points. It will be an offensive showdown of two top-five ranked squads. HBC features a standout running back in Dalton Bass and a senior quarterback Jordan Larson, who continues to make big plays. HBC is a run-based offense. Larson was the Southern Confederacy's Co-Conference Back of the Year a year ago. He might be again. Meanwhile, E/E has been number one all season by utilizing a balanced attack, spearheaded by Isaac Heart at quarterback. Derek Voge and Nate Paulsen provide a strong backfield and Casey Schilling is a standout wide receiver. Plus the Flying Dutchman has the capacity to break off big plays on special teams. All of this adds up to a high-scoring affair. While HBC knocked off #2 Nicolett a week ago at home (on homecoming), it may be a bit much for them to also take out the top-ranked team. It is likely that this game is decided late in the fourth quarter.

Who Wins: The pick here is for #1 Edgerton/Ellsworth to win a shootout, 52-46.