KSFY News - Sioux Falls, SD News, Weather, SportsFocus on Five #8

As the area prep football season hits week eight, the drama continues to build as teams vie for spots and positioning for the playoffs.

This week, we again focus on several top match ups in the area. Focus on Five looks at the ESD match up of 11AA Yankton at #4 Mitchell in a battle for first place and more. Mitchell will try and end a losing skein to their rivals to the south. We also look at #1 West Central who travel to face Milbank in 11A. A battle between two ranked teams in different classes has 11B #1 Tri-Valley venturing into the den of 11A #3 Dakota Valley. The Mustangs already claim a victory over 11A #2 Dell Rapids, also on the road, so do the Panthers stop Tri-Valley? In 9-man, we feature 9B #2 Viborg/Hurley, who travel to face unranked 9A Hanson. In addition, a Minnesota 1A game between #3 Adrian and unranked Minneota/Lincoln will also be part of the Focus on Five.

Last week, our 3-2 record was a bit down from the 4-1 results of the previous two weeks. Mitchell and Corsica/Stickney pulled surprises. Still, we are 23-12 (.657) overall, which isn't bad. This week, the picks include Mitchell, West Central, Tri-Valley, Viborg/Hurley and Adrian.

Game Previews

11AA Yankton (5-2) at 11AA #4 Mitchell (6-1) 

Overview: Yankton, which has lost two straight games, faces #4 Mitchell, a team coming off a one of the season's biggest come-from-behind wins. They edged Sioux Falls Lincoln, 50-49, rallying from 13 points down with just over two minutes to play. Yankton is 5-0 in the ESD and remains ahead of Mitchell at 4-1. This should be a shootout between two teams with talented offenses but defenses that have shown vulnerability.

Yankton (5-2) lost for the second straight time in a 29-14 setback to Washington (5-2). Michael Rucker completed 18-of-39 passes for 220 yards and a TD but had three interceptions.  He had a 31-yard TD throw to Connor Fitzsimmons. Two weeks ago, the Bucks fell to top-ranked Roosevelt, 41-0 at home. However, Yankton opened the season with five straight wins including victories over Pierre Riggs, 43-20; Huron, 26-0; Watertown, 48-18; Aberdeen Central, 30-13; and Brookings, 39-6.  The Bucks have averaged 28.6 points per outing, featuring a balanced attack that averages 182 passing yards and 200.6 rushing yards per game. Keying the attack is Rucker, who has completed 84-of151 passes for 1,177 yards with eight TDs and eight interceptions. One of Yankton's top weapons is Connor Fitzsimmons, who has 62 carries for 493 yards and six rushing TDs along with 19 receptions for 399 yards and four receiving TDs. Evan Schroeder has added 39 carries for 310 yards and five TDs on the ground while hauling in 17 receptions for 232 yards and two TDs. Jackson Pasco has 23 receptions for 295 yards and 131 yards rushing with a TD. At fullback, Brady Knodel has been a bull with 48 carries for 216 yards and five TDs.

11AA #4 Mitchell (6-1) rallied from 13 points down in the fourth quarter to claim a 50-49 win over Lincoln at Joe Quintal Field in the Corn Palace city on Friday. Mitchell quarterback Brent Havlik, who completed 12-of-18 passes for 189 yards and two TDs, had the game-winning TD run. He had 13 carries for 44 yards on the night. Jason Greenway provided 203 yards rushing and three combined TDs, including a 79-yard kickoff return, and both 70 and a 93-yard scoring runs. Justin Greenway added six carries for 31 yards and a TD and had six receptions for 56 yards. The win was the second straight come-from-behind victory by the Kernels, who also rallied for a 34-23 come-from-behind win on the road against Rapid City Central two weeks ago. Justin Greenway's 82-yard punt return for a TD with 2:23 remaining put the Kernels on top against Central. 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. On the season, Jason Greenway has 123 carries for 1,002 yards and six TDs. This season, he has five games rushing over 100 yards and two over 200 (130, 244, 145, 104, 91, 85, and 203). In his career, he has totaled 309 carries for 2,393 yards and 24 TDs. Justin Greenway has 40 carries for 295 yards and five TDs. Havlik has 74 carries for 252 yards and seven TDs while completing 39-of-83 passes for 670 yards and seven TDs.

Inside slant: Can Yankton avoid turnovers which have hurt them in the past two weeks? Can Mitchell end its losing streak to the Bucks? Will the Greenways break a big play on special teams or one of their patented long runs? Which quarterback will be better, Rucker or Havlik? Can either defense stop the other team's offense?

Coaches: Arlin Likness of Yankton, 220-73, .751 overall and 102-39, .723 at YHS. Kent VanOverchelde of Mitchell, 19-28, .404.  

2011 Results/Records: The Kernels have struggled against the Bucks in recent years. Dating back to the 2004, Yankton has won seven straight by a 205-97 scoring margin. A year ago, the Bucks won at Crane-Youngworth Field, 42-41. In 2009, Yankton was victorious, 45-7. The Bucks edged Mitchell, 7-6, two years ago, and won just 19-14 in 2007. In 2006, Yankton won 35-21; defeated Mitchell 50-2 in 2005, and took a 26-20 win over the Kernels in 2004.

Bottomline: With a long losing streak to Yankton, Mitchell has the pieces together and home field advantage to end the losing skein to their ESD mates. The key for Mitchell is to get Jason Greenway into open space. Justin Greenway will also be a dangerous weapon with his running and receiving skills. Mitchell quarterback Brett Havlik must continue to exhibit good decision making.  Yankton, which features several dangerous weapons in Fitzsimmons, Schroeder and Pasco, will also need a big game from its quarterback Rucker. Knodel could cause some problems inside for the Mitchell defense. The Bucks need to hang onto the ball and avoid the turnover problem which has caused major problems in its two-game losing streak. Both teams have been vulnerable to the run. Mitchell has had a number of big plays from special teams this season which have been critical in a couple of wins.

Who Wins? Look for a down to the wire act between these two ESD schools. Our pick is for Mitchell to prevail, 34-28.

11B #1 Tri-Valley (6-0) at 11A #3 Dakota Valley (5-1)

Overview: 11B #1 Tri-Valley ventures into another ranked 11A school's home turf when they face Dakota Valley, ranked #3 in 11A. This should be a physical matchup, pitting teams with solid defenses and good running attacks. Both quarterbacks have had solid seasons in 2011.

11A #3 Dakota Valley (5-1) dropped a 20-7 decision to #2 Dell Rapids on Friday. Tanner Lambert had 148 yards rushing. Brock Bergmann, who scored the Panthers' only TD on a fourth quarter seven-yard run, completed 8-of-23 passes for 124 yards. Two weeks ago, the Panthers upended Vermillion, 36-0, 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 two. In week three, they rolled past Canton, 41-21 before shutting down Lennox, 40-0. They have outscored opponents 204-50. In fact, they have two shutouts and held four opponents to six or fewer points. On the season, Lambert has 86 carries for 744 yards and seven TDs to lead the Panthers rushing attack. However, the Panthers also mix in Landon Johnson and Michael Rennerfeldt, who scored three TDs in the Lennox win and has 260 yards rushing this season. Bergmann has completed 37-of-74 passes for 659 yards and eight TDs.

11B #1 Tri-Valley (6-0) recorded a 36-7 win against Tea Area (3-3). Cooper Hausman had 25 carries for 165 yards and a TD to lead the Mustangs. Hausman had a 30-yard TD run while Sam Mader added a 20-yard TD run. Against Tea Area, Kenton Welbig scored on a 17-yard run and a 15-yard pass from Brett Page, who also had a 16-yard scoring jaunt. Overall, the Mustangs had 300 yards rushing. Tri-Valley opened the season with a 43-7 dismantling of Canton. In week two they rushed for 400 yards in a 48-6 conquest of Garretson as Logan Koopman had three TDs and Kyle Erickson rushed for 63 yards. A week later, they shut out Elk Point Jefferson, 45-0. The Mustangs ended Flandreau's 14-game winning streak in a 29-13 win in week four. On Sept. 23, they defeated then 11A #1 Dell Rapids, 21-14, ending the Quarriers' 15-game winning streak. The Mustangs' Sam Mader scored the game-winning TD on a third-yard run late in the third quarter in the win over the Quarriers. He finished with 79 yards on 18 carries. Tri-Valley also received a 10-yard TD run from Andrew Buchmann in the first quarter and a 20-yard TD pass from Brett Page to Dominick Burggraff in the second quarter which tied the game. The Mustangs have outscored foes, 222-47. Tri-Valley's defense has been physical and dominant by holding every opponent to 14 points or less and four teams to seven points or less.

Inside slant: Can Lambert find running room against a strong Tri-Valley defensive front led by Thad Johnson? Will Tri-Valley's rushing attack find success pounding the ball against a physical Panthers' front? Which quarterback, Brett Page of Tri-Valley, or Brock Bergmann of Dakota Valley, will have better game? Does this game go to the wire?

Coaches: Jason Jund of Dakota Valley, 51-31, .621. Brad McDonald of Tri-Valley.

2011 Results/Records: The two schools have split the last six games dating to 2005. Tri-Valley has won three in a row by scores of 14-7, 28-7 and 6-0. In 2007, Dakota Valley won 19-6 and the two previous years, in 2006 and 2005, had 16-12 and 14-13 decisions over the Mustangs.

Bottomline: This will be a physical battle between two rivals. Tri-Valley already owns a win over 11A Dell Rapids, who beat Dakota Valley last week. However, the Panthers have a strong rushing attack led by Tanner Lambert and an outstanding quarterback in Bergmann. The Mustangs will need to establish its running game, but if halted, will have to make plays with its pass game directed by Page.  This will be another game that will likely be decided in the fourth quarter. The Mustangs have made the plays down the stretch while the Panthers still have questions in that area. The game is in North Sioux City, so home field advantage may play a role in what should be a rough and tumble affair. 

Who Wins: Look for Tri-Valley to stay unbeaten with a 20-14 win over Dakota Valley.  

11A #1 West Central (6-1) at Milbank (4-2)

Overview: West Central is ranked #1 in the KSFY/KSWN poll and appears to be on a role with a four-game winning streak. The Trojan's rushing attack appears to be deep and talented and getting better by the week. Milbank has one of the state's top players in quarterback Nick Mears, who is one of the few athletes capable of throwing for 100 yards and rushing for 100. He has broken off big plays on a regular basis an may be on his way to another 1000-1000 season (rushing and passing yards). However, the Bulldogs have a big task in front of them as they finish the season with games against #1 West Central and #2 Dell Rapids.

#1 West Central (6-1) cruised to a 47-7 win over Minnesota AA #10 Jackson County Central (4-2). Connor Miles threw two TD passes of 13 and 33 yards to Danny Kapperman. Devon Blaine had 17 carries for 114 yards and two TDs while Dalton Kuehl added 33 yards rushing and three TDs. Earlier this season, the Trojans opened with a 41-0 win over Vermillion and defeated Madison, 40-7. After a 35-18 loss to then #1 Dell Rapids, West Central has reeled off four straight wins. They defeated Sisseton, 27-13; Harrisburg, 36-15; Lennox, 48-20; and Jackson County Central (then #10 in Minnesota 11AA). As a result, West Central owns a 257-97 scoring advantage over its opponents. In their four-game winning streak they have rolled past opponents to the tune of a 178 to 49 advantage. They have scored over 35 points five times in seven games. Kuehl has 563 yards rushing and eight TDs this season while Blaine has 859 yards rushing and eight TDs. Quarterback Connor Miles has completed 27-of-59 passes for 477 yards and seven TDs.

Milbank (4-2) defeated Britton/Hecla (3-4), 21-7 as QB Nick Mears accounted for three TDs, including two passing and a 28-yard run on Friday. In the win, Milbank rushed 44 times for 263 yards as Mears had 24 carries for 138 yards and Adam Cloose had 20 carries for 125 yards. Mears was also 6-15 passing for 93 yards. Milbank, which has been ranked as high as #4 this season, opened with a 49-7 win over Redfield/Doland as Mears had combined six TDs. They handled Aberdeen Roncalli, 24-7, in week two as Mears had four TDs, including runs of 35 and 90 yards. He finished withy 229 yards rushing and 234 yards passing. Seth Phillips had three receptions for 127 yards receiving and a TD. In week three, the Bulldogs fell to Groton, 28-13, despite a pair of scores by Mears. Milbank rebounded with a 46-23 win over Madison as Mears had five combined TDs (two throwing) and 198 yards rushing.  They fell to Sisseton in week five, 28-7, as the offense struggled. On the season, Mears has accumulated 905 yards rushing and 650 yards throwing with 21 combined TDs, including 10 passing. He has had five games over 100 yards rushing and three times has at least 100 yards rushing and throwing in the same game. Three times he has rushed for at least 185 yards and owns two runs of better than 90 yards.

Inside slant: Will Nick Mears find a way to move the ball against a fast West Central defense? Can Milbank stop the deep, fast-paced and explosive Trojans rushing game? Will being at home help the Bulldogs?

Coaches: Jeremy Tostenson of Milbank, 62-33, .653; Kent Mueller, 74-8, .902.

Series Notes:  Since 2004, West Central has a 6-0 record and has dominated the series with an overall 323 to 93 points advantage in those games. A year ago, the Trojans won, 54-20. In 2009, West Central defeated the Bulldogs, 55-20, and took two in 2008, 63-19 and 41-0. The Trojans won 61-21 and had a 49-13 win in 2005 in the state title tilt at the DakotaDome.

Bottomline: For Milbank to give West Central trouble, Mears needs to have his best game of the season. He is electric with his ability to run and throw. However, he was shut down by Sisseton and limited by #3 Groton, both losses. West Central, as the norm, will try and get out fast with a quick and up-tempo rushing attack led by Blaine and Kuehl. Connor Miles is a poised signal caller for West Central. Milbank is at home but they probably don't shut down the explosive Trojans.

Who wins? We like West Central, 33-17.

9B #2 Viborg/Hurley (5-1) at 9A Hanson (4-3)

Overview: This is a 9-man battle between two different classes that will receive some attention. Viborg/Hurley, ranked #2 in 9B, has opened with a 5-1 record and have only lost to 9A #1 Canistota (58-21). Hanson, winner of two straight, is unranked but have only lost to 9-man teams ranked #1 when they played (9B, Avon, 32-28; 9AA Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan, 26-8; and 9A #1 Canistota, 48-0).

#2 Viborg/Hurley (5-1) rolled to a 50-0 win last week against Centerville behind running back Tyler Gerdes, who had four TDs. He scored on runs of 6, 11 and 89 yards and had a 55-yard kickoff return for a TD. Overall, he had 111 yards rushing on four carries. Standout wide receiver Dennis DeNeui caught three TD passes from Trevor Jacobson, who finished 4-of-4 for 121 yards. DeNeui had TD catches of 50, 60 and 42 yards. The Vikings defeated Alcester/Hudson, 49-0 on Sept. 16. They opened the season with a 50-0 win over Gayville-Volin, defeated Baltic, 49-0, in week two and then rolled past Parker, 66-12. Viborg/Hurley owns a 285 to 70 scoring advantage against its opponents. The Vikings have averaged 211 yards rushing and 111 yards throwing with 47.5 points per game. Quarterback Trevor Jacobsen has completed 14-of-20 passes for 415 yards and six TDs. DeNeui leads the receiving corps with 14 catches for 407 yards and six TDs. Matt Jensen has 440 yards rushing and 13 combined TDs while Tyler Gerdes has 426 yards rushing and 12 combined TDs

Hanson (4-3) defeated Howard (1-4), 38-18, as Jordan Craig had 151 yards on 14 carries with three TD runs last Friday. In the win, Hanson rushed 47 times for 356 yards: Hanson's only losses this year are to teams ranked #1 in respective 9-man classes (at the time they played). In two straight wins, Hanson has a 78 to 24 advantage over its last two opponents. Overall, they have a 206 to 158 scoring advantage against its opponents. Hanson opened the season with a 48-14 win over current 9AA #4 Woonsocket/Wessington Springs/Sanborn Central. In week two, they dropped a 32-28 decision to then 9B #1 Avon at the FCA So Dak Bowl in Sioux Falls. They rebounded with a 44-14 win over Freeman before falling to 9A #1 Canistota, 48-0, at home. A week later, 9AA #1 Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan claimed a 26-8 decision. At 2-3, the Beavers won two in a row, including a 40-6 win over Mt. Vernon and the victory over Howard. Hanson is led by running backs Jordan Craig and Reid Smith, both who have registered multiple 100 yard rushing games this season.

Inside slant: Will Hanson be able to punish the Vikings with its powerful running attack? Will Viborg/Hurley continue to get big plays from Matt Jensen and Dennis DeNeui? Will V/H's Gerdes continue to be a physical presence and generate yards in the middle? Can Hanson's defense slowdown the Vikings' offense that averaged 47.5 points per game?

Coaches: John Nyhaug of Viborg/Hurley, 187-114, .621; Jim Haskamp of Hanson, 154-75, .672.

2011 Results/Records: The two schools have not met in Viborg/Hurley's current co-op.

Bottomline: Both teams can be explosive and have generated points by the bushel-full this season. This game will likely hinge on Hanson's ability to assert itself on the ground with Smith and Craig. Hanson has the capacity to throw but will focus on its bread-and-butter rushing game. Viborg/Hurley has a balanced offense that includes one of the top receivers in 9-man football in Dennis DeNeui. Tyler Gerdes has been a bull inside and Matt Jensen has been a big-play scoring machine for the Vikings. If Hanson can limit Viborg/Hurley's possessions, it will be a huge factor in their efforts to pull off an upset. Look for this game to be decided late.   

Who Wins: The pick is Viborg/Hurley, 32-26, over Hanson.

Minnesota 11A #3 Adrian (6-0) at Minneota/Lincoln High

Overview: A pair of rivals hook up in a key 11A game in Minnesota as #3 Adrian takes its 6-0 record against 5-1 Minneota/Lincoln High. Both teams like to establish the running game. 

Minneota/Lincoln (5-1) has a 5-1 record and earned votes in this week's 1A Minnesota rankings. The Vikings opened the season with a 53-0 win over Lakeview and defeated Russell/Tyler/Ruthvon, 34-6. The team's only loss is a 31-13 setback to MACCRAY. Since that defeat in week three, they have rolled past three opponents by a 122 to 47 margin. M/LH had a 52-14 win over Tracy/Milroy/Balaton, a 33-12 conquest of Fulda, and a 37-21 decision over Murray Co. Central last Friday. Against Murray Co. Central, M/LH broke from a third-quarter tie with a pair of fourth quarter TDs to claim the win. The Vikings were led by Adam Josephson who had 186 yards rushing on 27 carries and three TDs. He also had 14 tackles on defense. M/LH also received 12 carries for 63 yards and a TD from Cory Drietz and a TD run from Jacob Bottelberghe. Against Fulda, Minnesota accumulated 418 yards total offense, including 294 on the ground, again keyed by Josephson.

#3 Adrian (6-0) defeated Lakeview, 46-0 on Friday night. Kyle Kilgore scored on a 25-yard run and caught a 12-yard TD pass from Nate Loosbrock. They also had four other rushing TDs from Nate Lynn, Zach Albertson, Jake Tiede and Logan Rogers. Adrian had a 40-0 lead at halftime. Earlier Adrian defeated Murray County Central, 27-13 in the season opener. They then took down Tracy/Milroy/Balaton, 41-14; Fulda, 20-6; Russell/Tyler/Ruthton, 32-26; and MACCRAY, 28-20. Against MACCRAY, Adrian had 282 yards rushing and Kilgore had an 85-yard kickoff return for a TD to key the win. The Adrian ground attack was led by Nate Lynn with 152 yards and a TD. Mitchell Sieve directed the offense, finished with 75 yards on 11 carries and a TD. Zach Albertson also had 55 yards rushing.

Inside slant: What team establishes the run game? Will home field advantage help Minneota/Lincoln? Can Adrian's rushing attack led by Nate Lynn punish the Vikings' defense? Will Josephson be the key? Does Kilgore provide a big play?

Coaches: Chad Johnson of Minneota/Lincoln. Randy Strand of Adrian, 195-85, .696.

2011 Results/Records: In eight meetings since 2004, Minneota/Lincoln holds a 5-3 series advantage. A year ago, Minneota/Lincoln won 49-12 and they won defeated Adrian twice in 2009, 43-13 in the regular season and 42-21 in the playoffs. Minneota/Lincoln won 19-14 in 2008 and 17-13 in 2005. Adrian's wins in the season included a 41-14 decision in 2007, a 26-23 win over 2006 and a 24-21 decision in 2004.    

Bottomline: This appears to be a prime-time matchup with two teams that appear to mirror the other. In terms of common opponents, Adrian defeated MACCRAY, 28-20, while Minneota/Lincoln lost 31-13. However overall with common opponents, Minneota/Lincoln has a 222 to 84 scoring advantage while Adrian sits at 194 to 79. The series has swayed M/L's way in recent years.

Who Wins: The pick here is Adrian, 30-26.