KSFY News - Sioux Falls, SD News, Weather, SportsGridiron Blitz #9

As the South Dakota prep football season moves into the final week of the regular season, a lot of teams face must-win scenarios as they try to wrestle a berth in the playoffs or earn a favorable seeding spot.

In 11AA, Roosevelt sits at top of the power rankings with 58.125 points and host Washington, tied for fourth at 53.125, on Thursday. The Warriors need a win to try and secure one of the top four seeds and a first round bye with 12 AA teams making the playoffs. Roosevelt may need a win to secure the #1 seed. Also on Thursday night, O'Gorman with 56.375 points (second) hosts Sioux Falls Lincoln (55.375, third). Yankton (tied with Washington for fourth at 53.125 points) will host Brandon Valley (50.25, seventh) and can win the ESD outright with a win. With a win Lincoln gets one of the four first round byes. However a loss by the Patriots opens the door to Yankton and Mitchell.  The Kernels have at 51.250 (sixth) power points but need help (Brandon Valley win over Yankton, Roosevelt win over Washington) to get a top-four seed. Others likely in the playoffs include Brookings (47.75, eighth), Rapid City Central (45.375, ninth), Rapid City Stevens (43.875, 10th), Aberdeen Central (43.5, 11th) and Huron (42.125, 12th). If Huron loses to Mitchell on Thursday and Pierre upends Watertown, Pierre may slide past Huron for the final berth. If Washington loses to Roosevelt, they could drop as far as sixth.

Out as of now: Pierre (41.25), Watertown, (40.625), Sturgis (40.0) and Douglas (31.625) are the bottom four teams and out of the playoffs at this point.

In 11A, 11B and all 9-man classes, the top three teams (by power points) in each region and the next four teams with the highest power totals regardless of the region make the playoffs.  Here are the power point totals as well as teams in and out of the playoffs as of today.

11A -  Region 1: Dell Rapids, 56.174; West Central, 52.25; Milbank, 50.143; Sisseton, 50.143; Madison, 37.714. Region 2: Dakota Valley, 50.0; Tea Area, 47.143; Harrisburg, 44.25; Vermillion, 42.125; Lennox, 35.714. Region 3: Todd County, 51.75, Little Wound, 48.286; Chamberlain, 44.143; Cheyenne Eagle, 43.0. Region 4: Belle Fourche, 51.0; Spearfish, 46.5; Pine Ridge, 43.429, Hot Springs, 42.5.

In: Dell Rapids, West Central, Milbank, Sisseton, Dakota Valley, Tea Area, Harrisburg, Todd County, Little Wound, Chamberlain, Belle Fourche, Spearfish, Pine Ridge, Cheyenne-Eagle Butte, Hot Springs and Vermillion. Out: Lennox and Madison are out and will not earn enough power points to move up.

11B -  Region 1: Groton Area, 57.571; Britton/Hecla, 46.75; Mobridge-Pollock, 46.75; Deuel, 46.286; Redfield/Doland, 45.429; Aberdeen Roncalli, 43.125; Webster Area, 34.429. Region 2: Tri Valley, 60.857; Flandreau, 54.143; McCook Central-Montrose, 52.125; Garretson, 46.714; Sioux Valley, 41.714; Crow Creek, 38.429; Sioux Falls Christian, 35.286. Region 3: Winner, 56.125; Platte-Geddes/Dakota Christian, 49.571; Canton, 47.143; Wagner, 46.714; Elk Point/Jefferson, 42.857; Beresford, 38.429; Bon Homme, 38.143. Region 4: St. Thomas More, 57.571; Custer, 55.143;, Bennett County, 48.714; Lead-Deadwood, 46.429; Red Cloud, 42.571; Hill City, 41.714; St. Francis Indian, 36.143.

In: Tri-Valley, Winner, Groton Area, Flandreau, McCook Central, Britton Hecla, Mobridge-Pollock, Platte-Geddes/Dakota Christian, Canton, St. Thomas More, Custer, Bennett County, Wagner, Garretson, Deuel and Lead-Deadwood. Close Calls: Redfield/Doland is just out as this point but could be in depending on Thursday's results. Out: Aberdeen Roncalli, Webster Area, Sioux Valley, Crow Creek, SF Christian, Parkston, Elk Point/Jefferson, Beresford, Bon Homme, Red Cloud, Hill City, St. Francis Indian.

9AA – Region 1: Clark-Willow Lake, 51.286; Miller, 51.286; Leola/Frederick, 51.143; Tri State, 49.571; Florence-Henry, 40.143; Ipswich/Edmunds Central, 36.571; Tiospa Zina, 34.0. Region 2: Deubrook Area, 51.286; Woonsocket/Wessington Springs/Sanborn Central, 48.75; Great Plains Lutheran, 46.286; Elkton/Lake Benton, 45.143; Howard, 43.857; DeSmet/Iroquois, 43.429; Baltic, 35.286. Region 3: Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan, 56.714; Kimball/White Lake, 52.75; Andes Central, 49.571; Gregory, 42.714; Parker, 41.0; Tripp/Delmont/Armour, 41.0; Freeman, 39.429. Region 4: White River, 50.0; Gettysburg/Hoven, 46.286; Newell, 43.429; Stanley County, 41.857; Lemmon/McIntosh, 36.875; McLaughlin, 36.143.

In: Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan, Clark-Willow Lake, Miller, Leola/Frederick, Deubrook Area, Woonsocket/Wessington Springs/Sanborn Central,  Great Plains Lutheran, Kimball/White Lake, Andes Central, White River, Gettysburg/Hoven, Newell, Tri-State, Elkton-Lake Benton, Howard, DeSmet/Iroquois. Six teams from Region two are projected in. Close Calls: Gregory, Parker, Stanley County, Tripp/Delmont/Armour. Out: Florence/Henry, Ipswich/Edmunds Central, Tiospa Zina, Baltic, Freeman, Lemmon/McIntosh and McLaughlin.

9A: Region 1: Wilmot, 55.429; Herreid/Selby, 52.714; Eureka/Bowdle, 51.429; Warner, 51.429; Wolsey/Wessington, 51.143; Highmore/Harrold, 44.429; Waubay/Summit, 37.0. Region 2: Canistota, 58.429; Colman/Egan, 57.0; Hanson, 52.75; Mount Vernon, 50.571; Chester Area, 49.143; Hamlin, 47.143; Arlington, 45.714; Region 3: Corsica/Stickney, 60.429; Irene/Wakonda, 54.571; South Central, 50.571; Alcester/Hudson, 48.0; Gayville/Volin, 42.429; Marty Indian, 38.571. Region 4: Wall, 58.429; Faith, 56.286; Lyman, 51.857; Timber Lake, 48.714; New Underwood, 46.571; Kadoka Area, 39.714; Philip, 38.429.

In: Wilmot, Herreid/Selby, Eureka/Bowdle, Canistota, Colman/Egan, Hanson; Corsica/Stickney, Irene/Wakonda, South Central, Wall, Faith, Lyman, Warner, Wolsey, Mt. Vernon and Chester Area. Close Calls: Alcester/Hudson, Timber Lake, Hamlin, and New Underwood. Out: Highmore/Harold, Waubay/Summit, Arlington, Gayville/Volin, Marty Indian, Kadoka Area, Philip.

9B – Region 1: Waverly/South Shore, 62.0; Dell Rapids St. Mary, 52.857; Castlewood, 50.429; Grant-Deuel, 49.286; Estelline, 46.429; Lake Preston, 40.714; Oldham/Ramona/Rutland, 37.714; Region 2: Avon, 57.0; Viborg/Hurley, 56.0; Centerville, 44.571; Scotland, 44.571; Plankinton, 42.714; Menno, 39.0; Marion, 38.125. Region 3: Sully Buttes, 56.571; Langford Area, 54.571; Hitchcock-Tulare, 47.571; Faulkton Area, 46.714; Northwestern, 41.857; Sunshine Bible Academy, 40.875; Lower Brule, 35.571. Region 4: Harding County, 57.714; Jones County, 53.571; Colome, 53.286; Dupree, 52.0; Bison, 46.286; Edgemont, 39.0; Rapid City Christian, 38.571.

In: Waverly/South Shore, Dell Rapids St. Mary, Castlewood, Avon, Viborg/Hurley, Centerville/Scotland, Sully Buttes, Langford Area, Hitchcock-Tulare; Harding County, Jones County, Colome, Grant-Deuel, Dupree, Estelline and Faulkton. Close Calls: Centerville (play 9A Alcester/Hudson) and Scotland (face Marty Indian) are in a battle for the third spot in region 2 or might be out otherwise. In addition Faulkton (46.714) and Estelline (46.429) are just in and Bison (46.286) just out, which could change depending on Thursday night's game results. Out: Plankinton, Menno, Marion, Northwestern, Sunshine Bible Academy, Lower Brule, Edgemont, and Rapid City Central.

South Dakota HS Playoffs Schedule

The prep playoffs for South Dakota begin next week on Tuesday, Oct. 25 with first round games. The quarterfinals will be held on Monday, Oct. 31 with semifinals held on Saturday, Nov. 5. The championship games are set for Nov. 10-12 at the DakotaDome.

11 Remain Unbeaten

As of now, 11 teams remain unbeaten, including five in 11-man and six in 9-man. In 11AA, only top-ranked Roosevelt is unbeaten through eight games. In 11A Todd County has completed its regular season at 8-0. In 11B, the top three teams are the remaining unbeaten and untied teams. They include #1 Tri-Valley, #2 Winner, and #3 Groton Area. Winner is done with the regular season at 8-0 while Tri-Valley and Groton Area sit at 7-0. In 9AA, every team has a defeat. In 9A, five teams are left without a loss including #1 Canistota, #2 Irene/Wakonda, #3 Colman/Egan, #4 Wall and unranked Faith, all at 7-0. In 9B, only top-ranked #1 Waverly/South Shore is undefeated.

Canistota Looks to Extend Winning Streak to 20 Games

Canistota, the 9A #1 ranked team, owns the state's longest winning streak at 19 games. As they conclude the regular season at Freeman, the Hawks will try and pick up its 20^th straight victory. This season, they own a 354 to 55 scoring advantage over its opponents. After defeating 9AA #1 Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan, 34-26, Canistota has rolled up a 262 to 29 advantage on its next five opponents. This season, the Hawks have score 48 points or more six times and broken the 50 points mark four times. In the past 19 games, Canistota has a 981 to 93 point differential with opponents. In that period, they have 17 games over 40 points, 13 over 50 and three over 60. What is remarkable is that on Thursday, Canistota will go over 1,000 points scored over the past 20 games.

In 2011, the Hawks are averaging 306 yards rushing and 50 through the air. Cody Bunger leads the way with 49 carries for 674 yards and eight rushing TDs (10 overall TDs) and three games over one hundred yards including a season best 256 yards against Hanson. He has completed 33-of-63 passes for 581 yards and 11 TDs with no interceptions. He is definitely a candidate for player of the year. Also for Canistota, Alex Robertson has 13 combined TDs to go with 83 carries for 609 yards rushing (eight TDs) and eight receptions for 135 yards receiving (four TDs). Fullback Troy Hofer has 64 carries for 509 yards and 11 TDs while Nick Hofer has 207 yards rushing and four TDs. The leading receiver is Trevor Schroeder with 19 receptions for 350 yards and five TDs.

Mitchell Unable to End Long Losing Streak to Yankton

The then #4 Mitchell Kernels dropped a 34-29 decision to Yankton last Friday at Joe Quintal Field in Mitchell, which continued its long futility against their ESD neighbors to the south. As a result of their win, the Bucks have defeated the Kernels 28 straight times, dating back to the playoffs in 1987, according to James Cimburek of the Yankton Press and Dakotan. In 1987, Mitchell won the regular season encounter before dropping a playoff game to Yankton. With the victory, Yankton has clinched a share of the ESD title, which is the 31^st title in school history.

Nick Mears – A Rare 1,000-1,000 Player

Nick Mears is one of the most talented quarterbacks in South Dakota and a rare player that in all likelihood will surpass 1,000 yards rushing and a 1,000 yards passing for the second straight season.  A year ago, Mears had 1,653 passing yards and 1,090 rushing yards. Mears, who is also a three-year two-way starter (defensive back), is has 111 carries for 973 rushing yards and 10^th TDs while completing 62 of 112 passes for 909 yards and 11 TDs (just four interceptions) this season. In his standout career, he has completed 292 passes in 520 attempts for 4,365 yards and 55 TDs (14 interceptions). He has rushed 435 times for 2,838 yards and 32 TDs. He has 88 combined career TDs.  He also has 112 tackles and five interceptions (one returned for a TD). He may become one of the few players in history with 4,000 yards passing and 3,000 yards (needs 162 rushing yards for 3,000).

Highlight Reel

Several performances make the our "Highlight Reel, including Logan Dolen of Canton who had 351 yards rushing on 26 carries with three TDS (35, 54, 60) in Canton's 53-24 win over Elk Point-Jefferson. He is the first Canton player ever to top the 300-yard rushing mark and his effort is the top rushing performance in South Dakota this season. Canton's team's total of 615 total yards is the best in 11-man football this season. In a losing effort, Brock Zeller threw for 345 yards and four TDs while wideout Blake Donnelly had three more TDs and 130 yards receiving for EP/J. Dylan Schwartz rushed 24 times for 277 yards and five TDs to lead Deubrook Area past Arlington, 55-18. Bailey Friesz had five TDs for Mobridge in a 48-7 win over Chamberlain. Isaac Lukes had 34 carries for 207 yards and two TDs in Garretson's 44-15 win over Beresford. Kendall Lindeman rushed 19 times for 227 yards and three TDs (48, 1, 23) for 9AA #1 Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan. Chavis Shull had 221 yards and four TDs to lead Wall to its seventh straight win. Mark Moeller had 197 yards rushing and five total TDs for Tri-State in a win. Matt Vandeberg led Brandon Valley to a win with 10 catches for 138 yards and three TDs.

Taylor Zemlicka Cracks 5K Passing on way to 100 Career Combined TDs

Quarterback Taylor Zemlicka of 9B top-ranked Waverly/South Dakota has directed his team to 396 points or a gaudy, 56.0 per game. This season, Zemlicka has completed 86-of-128 passes for 1,522 yards for 21 TDs while rushing 28 times for 203 yards and eight TDs. In his career, the senior quarterback has 317 completions on 550 attempts for 5,030 yards and 63 TDs. He also rushed for 1,091 yards on 386 carries and 30 TDs. As such he now has 93 combined TDs in his career. It is possible for Zemlicka to finish with a combined 100 TDs in his career (needs 7). His twin brother Tyson Zemlicka has 28 receptions for 468 yards and 10 TDs. In his career, the 9-man receptions all-time leader has 127 receptions for 2,187 yards and 30 TDs. Brent Zemlicka has 104 carries for 1,068 yards for 16 TDs and 13 receptions for 136 yards and two TDs. In the season opener (40-14 win over Hamlin), he rushed for 287 yards, one of the top rushing performances of the season. He also had 228 rushing yards in the win over Great Plains Lutheran (three quarters) last Friday. In his career, he has 127 carries for 1,226 yards and 20 combined TDs. Sam Pond has 31 receptions for 646 yards and six TDs this season, including seven receptions and 231 receiving yards in a 68-28 win over Clark/Willow Lake.

Number Notes

From available information, the state's top rusher is Chavis Shull of Wall, who has 140 carries for 1,440 yards and 23 combined TDs. Shull has had seven straight games of 178 yards or better and has four games of 200 yards or better (218, 220, 226 and 221). He has scored four TDs rushing twice. Chek Giannonatti of Harding County has 79 carries for 1,208 yards with 18 combined TDs. BEE's Kendall Lindemann has 132 carries for 1,192 yards and 17 total TDs. Jason Greenway of Mitchell has 145 rushing attempts for 1,145 yards and eight TDs. Waverly-South Shore's Brent Zmelicka has rushed 104 times for 1,068 yards with 16 TDs for the top-ranked Coyotes. Sully Buttes' Herman Kleinsasser now has 19 TDs and 1,091 yards rushing on the season Another 1,000 yard rusher is Andrew Kappenman of McCook Lake/Montrose with 1,078 yards and 15 TDs. (Note: there may be other 1,000-yard rushers this year but we do not have that information.)

O'Gorman, one of the state's most persistent and consistent rush offenses, has two players in the same backfield nearing 1,000 yards.  Junior Flynn Donelan has 955 yards and 12 TDs while senior Sam Steffl has 925 and 11 TDs.  

In passing, Alex Schultz, Lincoln's star quarterback, is nearing 6,000 career yards passing. He has 5,901. Taylor Zemlicka of Waverly-South Shore is also over 5,000 yards passing and is one of two quarterbacks this year to have at least 4,000 career yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing along with Mears (see note on Mears above).

Points Keep Going Up At Rapid Rate

In South Dakota prep football, points continue to ring up. In week eight, 19 teams scored at least 40 points, 16 had 50 or more, and four broke the 60-point mark. Seventeen teams were shutout in week seven. Through eight weeks of the season, a total of 245 teams have scored 40 or more points in a game. One-hundred four teams have surpassed 50 points and 37 have reached 60 or more. Six teams have bettered 70 points while White River, has gone over 80, twice.  A total of 131 teams have been shut out.   

11AA

KSFY-KWSN Rankings: 1. Sioux Falls Roosevelt (8-0) 2. Sioux Falls Gorman (7-1) 3. Sioux Falls Washington (6-2) 4. Sioux Falls Lincoln (6-2) 5. Yankton (6-2)

#1 Roosevelt (8-0) rolled Rapid City Central, 38-3 as Scott Tyler completed 10-of-17 passes for 114 yards and had four combined TDs. He had three TDs throws (18, 25, 2). Andrew Smith led Roosevelt in rushing and receiving with six carries for 58 yards and a 14-yard TD run to open the scoring. He also had three catches for 40 yards and a 25-yard TD reception. Josh Angulo had three receptions for 37 yards and an 18-yard TD catch. Notes: The Rough Riders have outscored its opponents by a 326 to 70 margin. They have a 184-9 scoring advantage over the past three games. On the season, Tyler has completed 93-of-142 passes for 1,162 yards and 13 TDs. Angulo has 31 catches for 541 yards and seven TDs.

#2 O'Gorman (7-1) won for the fifth straight time with a 41-6 win over Aberdeen Central.  Flynn Donelan had 174 yards rushing and a TD while Sam Steffl had 78 yards rushing and two TDs for O'Gorman who had 336 yards rushing in the win over Aberdeen Central. Notes: O'Gorman has a 306-74 advantage over its opponents. They have given up a season high 19 points in a close loss to Roosevelt (19-14 in the President's Bowl). Other than against Roosevelt, no other team has more than 14 points while five opponents have seven or less. Five times this season, O'Gorman has had at least 320 yards rushing and has two games over 450 (69-497; 44-155; 56-237; 45-284; 48-463; 49-321; 52-381; 54-336). In terms of consistency, how about O'Gorman's carries per game they have had at least 44 rushes in every game. For the season Steffl has 155 carries for 925 yards and 11 TDs while raising his career marks to 404 carries for 2,318 yards and 29 TDs. Donelan has 113 carries for 955 yards and 12 scores and now has 1,399 rushing yards in his career and 23 TDs.

#3 Washington (6-2) rolled to a 42-0 win on the road at Rapid City Stevens. DaVonte Clay had 140 yards rushing while Jon Hander connected with Keyen Lage for three TD passes (14, 21, 10) in the first half. The Warriors led 35-0 as Hander and Lage connected on 14, 21 and 10 yard TD strikes. Hander completed 14-of-20 passes for 196 yards and three TDs along with a one-yard TD run. Notes: Clay leads the ground game with 134 carries for 831 yards and 11 combined TDs. Hander has connected on 83 of 132 passes for 1,200 yards and 12 TDs with just five interceptions. Nate Gerry has 19 receptions for 351 yards and eight combined TDs. Keyen Lange has 20 receptions for 342 yards and five TDs.

#4 Lincoln (6-2) defeated Brookings, 34-7, as Alex Schultz completed 9-of-14 passes for 168 yards and TDs and just one interception. Caden Quintanilla had 99 yards rushing and two TDs. Josh Kunzman had 67 yards receiving and a 65-yard TD run on a reverse. Brookings was led by Brycen Nelson with 125 yards on 27 carries and a TD pass. Notes: Alex Schultz has completed 128-of-222 passes for 2,175 yards and 29 TDs with just four interceptions. For his career, he has 415 completions in 754 attempts for 5,901 yards and 56 TDs.  Josh Kunzman has a team-high 42 catches for 855 yards and 14 combined TDs (13 receiving). Trey Naasz has 40 catches for 487 yards and seven TDs while Nick Goeman has 23 catches for 477 yards and five TDs. In his career Naasz has 179 catches for 2,155 yards and 26 TDs. Kunzman has 104 receptions for 1,965 yards and 22 TDs in his career. Also for Lincoln, Caden Quintanilla has 82 carries for 669 yards and nine TDs and 14 receptions for 206 yards and a TD. Kevin Diaz has nine combined TDs, 260 yards rushing and 110 yards receiving. Lincoln has scored 389 points for 48.1 per game.

#5 Yankton (6-2) ended a two-game losing skein as they defeated previously #4 Mitchell (6-2), 34-29 as Michael Rucker hit Connor Fitzsimmons with a 24-yard TD pass with 2:39 to play to rally the Bucks to the win. Fitzsimmons had eight catches for 96 yards and 14 carries for 64 yards and a TD receiving and rushing. Rucker hit on 15-of-20 passes for 174 yards and two TDs. He rushed 10 times for 43 yards and a TD. Notes: Yankton, which is putting up 29 points per game, is averaging 193.3 yards rushing and 179.5 passing per game. Rucker has completed 97 of 168 passes for 1,339 yards and 10 TDs. Fitzsimmons has 13 combined TDs and leads the Bucks with 565 yards rushing on 77 carries (seven TDs) and 26 receptions for 494 yards (five TDs). Evan Schroeder has 40 carries for 312 yards and five TDs with 18 receptions for 258 yards and three TDs. Jackson Pasco has 24 receptions for 294 yards and two TDs.

Others

Mitchell (6-2) dropped a 34-29 decision to Yankton (6-2). Jason Greenway finished with 143 yards rushing on 22 carries with two TDs. Quarterback Brent Havlik had 83 yards passing and rushed 15 times for 75 yards and a TD. Notes: On the season, Greenway has 145 carries for 1,145 yards and eight TDs This season, he has six games rushing over 100 yards and two over 200 (130, 244, 145, 104, 91, 85, 203 and 143). In his career, he has totaled 331 carries for 2,537 yards and 26 TDs.

Aberdeen Central (2-5) dropped a 41-6 decision to #2 O'Gorman.

Huron (3-5) dropped a 6-0 decision to Watertown (1-7) on the road.  

Watertown (1-7) won for the first time with a 6-0 win over Huron (3-5) as Adam Fjeldheim connected with Blake Heiser on a 15-yard TD throw in the second quarter. Fjeldheim had 78 yards rushing on 16 carries

11A

KSFY-KWSN Rankings: 1. West Central (7-1) 2. Dell Rapids (6-1) 3. 3. Todd County (8-0) 4. Dakota Valley (5-2) 5. Spearfish (4-4)  

#1 West Central (7-1) defeated Milbank (4-3), 44-7, as Dalton Kuehl had 13 carries for 175 yards and three TDs (65, 52, and 11) in the first half. The Trojans had 490 yards rushing. Josh Auble had a 52-yard TD run and Devon Blaine added a 30-yard run while Mike Becker scored from 26 yards. Notes: Clearly the Trojans are on a roll. They have won five straight since a 35-18 loss to Dell Rapids. In the past four games they have rolled opponents to the tune of a 175to 49 advantage. They have scored over 35 points six times in eight games. Kuehl has 738 yards rushing and 11 TDs this season while Blaine has 889 yards rushing and nine TDs.

#2 Dell Rapids (6-1) recorded a 41-15 win over Sisseton (4-3) as Hunter White had eight carries for 165 yards and a 41-yard TD run. Zachary Barber had a TD run of three yards and a 26-yard TD pass. Channing Barber completed 4-of-6 passes for 81 yards and two TD passes. Overall the Quarriers had 35 carries for 253 yards.  Notes:  They have outscored opponents, 220-95.  

#3 Todd County (8-0) defeated Little Wound, 57-19, as Doug Stenberg had 176 yards rushing on 25 carries with three TDs, two rushing and an 86-yard interception return. Clyde Colombe added 111 yards rushing on 11 carries and had a 40-yard TD reception. For the game they had 62 carries for 479 yards rushing while compiling 522 yards in total offense.  Notes: Todd County enters the playoffs with an 8-0 record for the first time. They have won their last two games by a combined 107 to 19 margin. This season they have six games of 40 or more points and have to two wins, 14-6 over Bennett County and 22-14 over Chamberlain. As a team they average 248.9 rushing yards and 49.9 passing yards along with 41.0 ppg. Doug Stenberg leads the team in rushing with 107 carries for 598 yards and nine TDs. He has 14 overall TDs including one by pass and four by return (two 82-yard KO return TDs, 60-yard punt return TD and an 86-yard interception return). He averages 12.3 points per game and owns four 100-yard rushing games (101, 105, 113 and 176), including three in a row. Clyde Colombe has 52 carries for 493 yards and seven TDs along with five catches for 199 yards and three scores. Isaiah Snead has 14 carries for 196 yards and three TDs as well as six interceptions, one of which is a pick six. T.U. Whirlwind Soldier has five interceptions including two returns for TDs.

#4 Dakota Valley (5-2) dropped a 34-14 decision to 11B #1 Tri-Valley.

#5 Spearfish (4-4) rolled to 60-10 win over #5 Belle Fourche (5-2) as Nate Rotert had 18 carries for 220 yards with three overall TDs. He had TD runs of 89 and 23 yards and a 35-yard interception return for a TD. Brandon Kemp completed 8-14 passes for 148 yards with three TDs, all to Jay Darling of 4, 17, 54 yards. Notes: Spearfish has lost 3-of-4 games to AA schools and also have a 25-20 loss to 11B #4 St. Thomas More.

Others

Belle Fourche (5-2) lost to Spearfish, 60-10 in a game ended by mercy rule in the 4^th quarter. The loss to Spearfish ended a two-game losing streak for Belle Fourche, which also lost to Custer, 27-6 earlier this year.

Milbank (4-3) loss to West Central, 44-7. Nick Mears had 10 carries for 52 yards and completed 6-of-18 passes for 95 yards and a TD. Andy Buchele had 120 yards receiving and a 20-yard TD reception.

Sisseton (4-3) fell to #2 Dell Rapids, 41-15. The Redmen were led by Brandon LaBatte with 21 carries for 137 yards and a 1-yard TD run. Casey Goodhart had 85 yards rushing and a 33-yard TD run. Sisseton gave up 253 yards rushing to the Quarriers. Overall this season, Sisseton owns a 181 to 119 scoring edge.

Harrisburg (4-4) dropped a 28-0 decision to Tea Area.

Vermillion (3-5) defeated Madison (1-6), 29-28 with a late rally. D'Andre Fore had 97 yards rushing and two TDs for the Tanagers. Kyle Weiss threw for 103 yards. Madison led 21-13 at halftime. Rush Milne had 72 yards rushing and two TDs while Nick Page had 18 carries for 84 yards and a TD for Madison.

Tea Area (4-3) defeated Harrisburg, 28-0.

11B

KSFY-KWSN Rankings: 1.Tri Valley (7-0) 2. Winner (8-0) 3. Groton (7-0) 4. St. Thomas More (6-1) 5. Flandreau (6-1)

#1 Tri-Valley (7-0) upended 11A #3 Dakota Valley, 34-14, led by an offense that produced 352 rushing yards. Cooper Hausman had 16 carries for 91 yards and two TDs while Kyle Erickson had 95 yards rushing to lead the way. Kenton Welbig caught a 15-yard TD pass set up by Thad Johnson's blocked punt. Brock Bergmann had a 35-yard TD pass to Michael Rennerfeldt. Notes: Hausman leads the powerful Mustangs' rushing attack with 83 carries for 502 yards and six TDs. Logan Koopman has 31 carries for 341 yards and three TDs while Andrew Buchman has 31 carries for 291 yards and seven combined TDs. Kenton Welbig has 10 catches for 199 yards and five TDs. Quarterback Brett Page has 34 carries for 105 yards and three TDs and has completed 18-of-28 passes for 407 yards and nine TDs. Overall, Tri-Valley has outscored opponents 256 to 61 this season.  The Mustangs average 283.5 rushing yards and 61 passing yards per game. Tri-Valley has a huge edge over opponents in the second and third quarters when they have a commanding 144 to 22 scoring advantage.

#2 Winner (8-0) defeated Wagner (4-3), 28-17 by rolling up a season-high 344 rushing yards in the win. Ben Connot had 14 carries for 79 yards and a TD while Kyle Bertram had 14 carries and 76 yards and Austin Richey, seven carries for 63 yards. Jack Robinson scored two TDs for Wagner, one by rush and one by pass. Wagner is the first South Dakota team to score a TD against Winner. Notes: Through eight games, Winner owns a 279-26 scoring advantage over its opponents. They have allowed a total of 20 points to South Dakota teams this season.  A team with a definite ground focus, Winner has rushed for at least 228 yards all eight games. The rushing totals included 279, 289, 241, 287, 228, 245, 282 and 344. Bertram has 62 carries for 642 yards and four TDs while Ben Connot has 65 carries for 468 yards and eight scores (11 overall). Austin Calhoon has added 53 carries for 341 yards and four TDs. As a team, the Warriors have six players with at least 139 rushing yards this season.  

#3 Groton (7-0) was off this week. Two weeks ago they defeated Mobridge/Pollock, 34-14 as Ryland Strom rushed for 168 yards on 26 carries and scored four TDs. Quarterback Matt Thorson had 14 carries for 85 yards and a TD while complete 4-of-12 passes for 118 yards. Jamie Jorgensen had three receptions for 60 yards. 

#4 St. Thomas More (6-1) rolled to a 50-0 win over Lead-Deadwood as Jake Sullivan completed 11-of-15 passes for 171 yards and three TD passes (8, 14, 6) He also rushed for 44 yards. Taton Bolton had a 10 carries for 49 yards and a 10-yard TD run. Notes: STM owns a 237 to 96 points advantage. In their five-game winning streak, they are averaging over 42 points per game. Quarterback Jake Sullivan has completed 46-of-86 passes for 897 yards and 11 TDs and one interception. He has also rushed for 421 yards and three TDs. Bolton has 65 carries for 390 yards and four TDs.

#5 Flandreau (6-1) recorded a 47-0 shutout of Bon Homme (0-7). David Parsley had two rushing TDs while Joe Parsley threw for two TDs. Flandreau held Bon Homme to 82 yards rushing. Notes: The Fliers have won three straight with an 131-6 advantage in those three games. They own a 240-62 overall scoring margin against its opponents. Since its 29-13 loss to #1 Tri-Valley, Flandreau has outscored opponents, 131-6. Four players have at least 325 yards, led by David Parsley, who has 69 carries for 476 yards and five TDs. Jacob Patterson has 47 carries for 402 yards and five TDs while quarterback Joe Parsley has 37 carries for 373 yards and eight TDs. He has completed 13-of-28 passes for 265 yards and eight TDs. Mitchell Foster has 34 carries for 325 yards and six TDs.

Others

McCook Central/Montrose (7-1) defeated Sioux Valley, 40-6. Andy Kappenman led MCM with 11 carries for 181 yards and TD runs of 18, 41 and 47 yards Notes: McCook Central/Montrose has outscored opponents, 222-35, during the regular season and suffered only a 10-7 loss to Flandreau this season. They led that game in the fourth quarter and will go into the playoffs as a very dangerous group. Notes: For the season Kappenman has improved his rushing numbers to 105 carries for 1,078 yards and 15 TDs. He has six games over 100 yards rushing and three straight with 169 yards or better.

Custer rolled to a 34-8 win over 11A Hot Springs (3-5) as Tyler Schultz had 50 yards rushing and two TDs. Custer finished with 317 yards total offense including 170 yards on the ground. They rebounded from a 34-6 loss at home to St. Thomas More two weeks ago with this win.

Elk Point/Jefferson (3-4) fell to Canton, 53-24, despite the efforts of Brock Zeller, who threw for 345 yards and four TDs while wideout Blake Donnelly had three TDs and 130 yards receiving. Zeller now has 1,821 yards and 18 TDs. Donnelly is one of the top receivers in South Dakota this season with 45 receptions for 916 yards and 12 TDs.

Garretson (4-3) defeated Beresford (1-6) as Isaac Lukes had 34 carries for 207 yards and two TDs while Brady Bonte had two rushing TDs for Beresford, which was led by Hesston Erickson's two rushing TDs

9AA

KSFY-KWSN Rankings: 1. Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan (6-1) 2. Kimball/White Lake (6-2) 3. Leola/Frederick (6-1) 4. Clark/Willow Lake (5-2) 5. Deubrook Area (5-2)

#1 Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan (6-1) rolled to its fifth straight win with a 58-20 win over Chester Area (4-3) as the Seahawks rolled up 436 yards in total offense. Kendall Lindeman rushed 19 times for 212 yards and three TDs (48, 1, 23). Anthony Huber had 19 carries for 112 yards and two scores (1, 6). Jace Connor threw for 52 yards with three TDs. Notes: BEE has outscored its opponents, 308 to 112, and has outscored its last two opponents (Chester Area and #2 Kimball/White Lake), 100 to 34. This season the Seahawks have four games with 50 points or more and five over 40 points. They have suffered just one defeat to 9A #1 Canistota, 34-26, in the FCA SoDak Bowl in a week two matchup of two 9-man heavyweights. The game was undecided until the final possession. BEE, the defending 9AA champion, has been led by its two-headed rushing machine of Huber and Lindemann. Huber has had games of 192 and 199 yards rushing and has accumulated 846 yards rushing and 12 TDs. Meanwhile Lindemann, who did not play a year ago due to injury, has 1,192 yards and 17 total TDs. He has had four games over 200 yards (203, 243, 262, 227). Jace Connor has completed 22-of-35 passes for 199 yards and five TDs. Seth Wethor has five TDs, including four on kick returns  (one by punt and three on kickoffs). He averages 41.8 yards per kickoff return. BEE is averaging 343 rushing yards and 30 passs yards per game.

#2 Kimball/White Lake (6-2) defeated South Central (4-3), 19-0, behind the running of Jacob Kirsch and Trevor Reinesch. Kirsch had 136 yards rushing with two TDs and Reinsch added 131. Quarterback Jesse Taylor had 70 passing and a TD. Notes: They still have a 278 to 184 scoring edge in its eight regular season games.

#3 Leola/Frederick (6-1) dropped a 33-20 decision to Warner, which had 27 first quarter points. Andrew Hoffman completed 7-of-18 passes for 94 yards and scored a one-yard TD run for Leola/Frederick. Also for L/F, Nathan Sumption had 18 carries for 152 yards and a 45-yard TD. L/F had 54 carries for 277 yards rushing and closed the gap late until an 89-yard TD run by Mitchell Boesl for Warner. Clay Rozell played huge for Warner with 28 carries for 180 yards and TD runs of 72 and 65 yards while also throwing an 80-yard TD to Jarrod Tuszka. Notes: So far this season L/F has outscored foes, 274-117. 

#4 Clark-Willow Lake (5-2) lost to 9A Wilmot (6-1), 30-12, as they could muster only 25 yards rushing on 13 carries against Wilmot. San Lindgren completed 8-of-17 passes for 145 yards and two TDs but threw three interceptions. Torry Holden had three receptions for 73 yards and a TD reception. Notes: C/WL has a 271-174 scoring edge against opponents.

#5 Deubrook Area (5-2) defeated Arlington, 55-18, as Dylan Schwartz had 24 carries for 277 yards and five TDs. Notes: The Dolphins own a 242 to 114 overall scoring edge.

Others

Woonsocket/Wessington Springs/Sanborn Central (5-3) lost to 9A #5 Corsica/Stickney (6-1), 44-14, and saw its five-game winning streak end. Notes: They own a 258 to 218 scoring margin over its eight opponents this season.

White River (5-2) did not play this week and finish the regular season against Colome. Notes: White River has outscored opponents, 353-104 this season. They have the two highest scoring games of the season (82-44 over Lyman and 84-18 over Lower Brule) and have five games with 50 or more points. They have lost to 9A #4 Wall, 20-14, and Jones County, 22-20.

Miller (5-2) defeated Eureka/Bowdle, 20-14, as Lee Sivertson recorded 20 carries for 155 yards rushing and a 61-yard TD run. He also completed 11-of-16 passes for 139 yards and two TDs of 60 and 12 yards to Derick Van Zee. Notes: The Rustlers have a 234 to 171 scoring advantage over opponents. Miller's only two losses are to 9AA #2 Kimball/White Lake (57-38) and 9B #5 Sully Buttes, 30-16.

Tri-State (5-2) defeated Waubay-Summit (0-7), 53-0, as Mark Moeller had seven carries for 197 yards and five total TDs. Notes: Coach Steven Schiltz's troops own a 257 to 153 advantage over opponents and have only lost to 9B #1 Waverly/South Shore (54-19) and 9AA #4 Clark/Willow Lake, 48-28. This season, they are averaging 243.4 rushing yards and 111 passing yards per game. Mark Moeller is the leading rushing with 86 carries for 719 yards and 16 combined TDs (12 rushing). He also has 10 catches for 207 yards. This season, Moeller has four games of 100 yards or better. Quarterback Koby Jackson has completed 49-of-97 passes for 778 yards and eight TDs. He also has 73 carries for 419 yards and seven TDs (15 combined TDs).s

Gettysburg/Hoven (4-3) hammered Stanley County, 50-12 as Tate Nafziger had four combined TDs, including three passing (25, 50, and 27). He completed 5-of-6 passes for 145 yards and rushed for 50 yards including scoring on a 30-yard TD run. Hayden Simon had 11 carries for 86 yards to lead Gettysburg which had 263 yards rushing on 45 carries. Jerrid Schmidt had 3 catches for 116 yards and a TD. Notes: G/H has been snake-bitten this year losing one game in triple overtime and two others by two points each (22-20, Miller; 36-34 Sully Buttes). The Battlers own a 218 to 154 scoring edge over opponents.

9A

KSFY-KWSN Rankings: 1. Canistota (7-0) 2. Irene/Wakonda (7-0) 3. Colman/Egan (7-0) 4. Wall (7-0) 5. Corsica/Stickney (6-1)

#1 Canistota (7-0) defeated Marion, 54-0, in a game ended by mercy rule in the second quarter. The Hawks had 161 yards rushing and 37 yards passing. Troy Hofer had 47 yards and TD runs of 33 and 15 yards while Alex Robertson added 50 yards rushing. Nick Hofer scored three TDs and had 30 yards rushing. He had a 30-yatd TD run and punt return TDs of 37 and 65 yards. Trevor Schroeder had a 25-yard TD run.

#2 Irene/Wakonda (7-0) did not play this week and will close the regular season against 9B #2 Viborg/Hurley on Thursday. Notes: The Eagles have outscored opponents 321-39.  

#3 Colman Egan (7-0) rallied with 20 straight second half points to defeat Elkton/Lake Benton (3-4), which led early. Dylan Nelson had a rushing TD and quarterback Dalton Hannasch threw a TD pass to Rustin Ross. E/LB received a TD from Brant Tingle, who connected on a TD throw to Tyler Schuldler.

#4 Wall (7-0) defeated Philip, 39-7, as Chavis Shull had 21 carries for 221 yards and four TDs (27, 10, 6, 45). Wall had 338 yards rushing and also received 41 yards from Taran Eisenbraum, who scored on a one-yard run. Cody Reder led Philip with 31 carries for 157 yards and a five-yard TD in the opening quarter which gave the Scotties a 7-0 lead before Wall had 39 unanswered points. Notes: Wall has now outscored seven opponents, 263-85. Shull now has 140 carries for a state-leading 1,440 yards. He now has 18 rushing TDs and 23 TDs overall.

#5 Corsica/Stickney (6-1) ran up a 30-0 lead and defeated 9AA Woonsocket/Wessington Springs/Sanborn Central, 44-14, Friday. It was the second straight win by Corsica/Stickney over a ranked opponent in 9-man ranks. Quarterback Adam Bormann again keyed the attack with 27 carries for 198 yards rushing and five combined TDs (four rushing, one pass).  Gunner BaanHofman had seven carries for 80 yards and a TD for the Jaguars who will host 9AA #1 Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan on Thursday. W/WS/SC was led by Gus Gran with 61 yards rushing and 107 yards passing and a TD.    

Others

Faith (7-0) defeated Newell, 50-8 and now own a 390 to 115 scoring edge over opponents in seven games.

Hanson (5-3) defeated Viborg/Hurley (5-2), 22-21, as Jordan Craig had a four-yard run and Reid Smith ran in the two-point conversion to give the Beavers a big win. Smith, who had a 14-yard interception return for a TD, had 25 carries for 149 yards. Notes: Hanson's only losses this year are to teams who were ranked #1 in respective 9-man classes when the Beavers faced them. In three straight wins, Hanson has a 100 to 45 advantage. Overall they have a 228 to 179 scoring advantage.

Wilmot (6-1) defeated 9AA #3 Clark/Willow Lake, 30-12, as Brandon Knutson had 22 carries for 145 yards and a 23-yard TD run. Michael Argo completed 7-of-14 passes for 71 yards and had a four -yard TD pass and four-yard TD run. Overall, Wilmot had 59 for 265 yards and 336 yards total offense. Clark/Willow Lake mustered just 25 yards rushing on 13 carries. They own a 278-90 scoring edge over opponents and the squad's only loss is 44-6 to 9B #4 Waverly/South Shore. Otherwise, they have a 272-46 margin of victory.

Alcester/Hudson edged Parker, 22-20, as Tyler Tabbert had three combined TDs and had 25 carries for 123 yards. Lance Merrick had 25 carries for 92 yards.

9B

KSFY-KWSN Rankings: 1. Waverly/South Shore (7-0) 2. Avon (7-1) 3. Viborg/Hurley (5-2) 4. Harding County (6-1) 5. Sully Buttes (6-1)

#1 Waverly/South Shore (7-0) continued to roll with a 60-6 decision over Great Plains Lutheran in a game ended in the third quarter due to the mercy rule. It was the third straight win by W/SS stopped by mercy rule either at halftime or in the third quarter.  Brent Zemlicka had 17 carries 228 yards rushing and three TDs (29, 1 52). Quarterback Taylor Zemlicka completed 14-of-18 passes for 181 yards and four TDs. Tyson Zemlicka had onereception for 59 yards and a TD while also returning a punt 45 yards for a TD. Sam Pond added three receptions for 71 yards and a TD while Chris Arthur added a 44-yard TD reception. Notes: In six wins, W/SS own a 396 to 89 scoring edge over opponents. In those games, they have outscored the three opponents by a combined 190-22 margin.

#2 Avon (7-1) rebounded from a home loss with a 54-0 win over Marty. Notes: Avon owns a 296 to 75 scoring edge over its opponents.

#3 Viborg/Hurley (5-2) dropped a 22-21 decision to 9A Hanson in overtime. Trevor Jacobson completed 15-of-23 passes for 153yards and a rushing TD. V/H receiver Dennis DeNeui had eight receptions for 107 yards and Matt Jensen had two rushing TDs of 3 and 31 yards. Notes:  Jacobson has completed 29-of-43 passes for 568 yards and six TDs. Matt Jensen has 58 carries for-529 with 16 total TDs (13 rushing). Tyler Gerdes has 41carries for 459 and12 total TDs. DeNeui has 23 receptions for 517 yards and six TDs.

#4 Harding County (6-1) picked up a 44-6 win over Lemmon/McIntosh, Chek Giannonatti had 11 carries for 137 yards and two TDs. Harding County had 44 carries for 272 yards overall. Jess Feist completed 6-of-13 passes for 90 yard with two TD throws and a TD run. Notes: This season they own a 287 to 62 scoring margin over opponents. Giannonatti now has rushed 81 times for 1,226 yards.   He has scored 18 combined TDs, 16 on the ground and two receiving. Giannonatti has 16 receptions for 277 yards. This season, he has rushed for 128, 135, 191, 188, 192, 232, and 155 yards in the seven games.   Quarterback Jess Feist has completed 51-of-87 passes for 789 yards with seven TDs and just two interceptions. He has 34 carries for 452 yards and seven TDs. Overall the Ranchers average 355 yards rushing, 111 yards passing and 41 points per game.

#5 Sully Buttes (6-1) dropped a 46-42 decision to Herreid/Selby. Jordan Lamb had three TDs to lead the Chargers, including a 28-yard TD pass to Jalen Lamb, a 47-yard run and a 32-yard TD catch from Connor Uhlir. He had 70 yards receiving and 60 rushing. Uhlir finished with 100 yards rushing and a 46-yard TD run and had 70 yards passing. Herman Kleinsasser had 18 carries for 168 yards and TDs of 1, 62 yards. Herreid/Selby finished with 44 carries for 248 yards and completed 15-of-21 passes for 178 yards. Notes: Kleinsasser now has 19 TDs and 1,091 yards rushing on the season. The Chargers have outscored opponents 290 to 126.

Dell Rapids St. Mary improved to 5-2 with its fourth straight win, a 60-22 win over Lake Preston. Chris Lee had 14 carries for 160 yards and two TDs to key the win.

Across the Border

In Minnesota, 11A #3 Adrian lost to Minneota/Lincoln High, 27-0. After the Vikings had an early goal line stand, they responded with a 10-play 92-yard scoring driving to take the lead and cruise to the win. Adam Josephson had 143 yards rushing and two TDs (11, 2), as he key the M/LHI rushing attack with 301 rushing yards. They limited Adrian to 81 yards rushing and 47 passing. Jordan Dingman had seven carries for 39 yards and Nate Lynn 15 carries for 23 yards for Adrian. Mitchell Sieve was just 5-of-14 for 47 yards and an interception while M/LHI's Austin Buysse completed 5-of-10 passes for 87 yards and an interception. Adrian's Kyle Kilgore had 33 yards receiving.    Jacob Bottelberghe had seven carries for 70 yards and a TD Cory Dreitz had seven carries for 49 yards.  

In Iowa, Central Lyon/George-Little Rock defeated Sheldon, 21-7, as Josh Hunt had 37 carries for 162 yards and a TD. Eric Schilling hauled in a 75-yard TD reception from Ross Ackerman.

Boyden Hull-Little Rock (8-0), ranked second in 3A, rolled past Denison, 49-7. Brandt Van Roekel passes for two TDs and had a 52-yard punt return for a score. He threw TD passes of 22 and 40 yards. Nate Alexander had eight carries for 95 yards and a TD. BHRV also had two interception returns for TDs.