KSFY News - Sioux Falls, SD News, Weather, SportsFocus on Five #9

South Dakota's prep football regular season winds down on Thursday night with the playoffs set to kickoff next Tuesday night.

In the final week of action, a lot of teams will try and put themselves into favorable playoff positions or simply try and make the field in their respective classes. In this week's Focus on Five, we look at three 11AA games that will receive a lot of attention on Thursday. Top-ranked Roosevelt will try and hang onto the #1 ranking and top seed with a match up against #3 Washington, which also needs to win. Roosevelt already has wins over the other two city schools (O'Gorman, 19-14; and Lincoln, 45-29) and will try and make it three for three. #2 O'Gorman puts up a six-game winning streak against the explosive and #4 ranked Lincoln Patriots, which has struggled against the Knights over the past several seasons. In a key l ESD battle, Yankton will try and win the conference crown outright when they host Brandon Valley. A win by the Bucks will give them a first round bye. 9AA #1 Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan will battle with 9A #5 Corsica/Stickney in a battle of 9-man heavyweights. In addition, 9B #3 Viborg/Hurley will try and rebound from an overtime loss to Hanson last week when they battle 9A #2 and unbeaten Irene/Wakonda.

Last week, our 2-3 record wasn't up to par but upsets will come. Plus who thought we would be hitting on 62 percent of our picks? With the playoffs straight ahead, we are 25-15 (.625) overall. This week, the picks include Roosevelt, O'Gorman, Yankton, Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan and Viborg/Hurley.

Game Previews

11AA Brandon Valley (5-3) at #5 Yankton (6-2)  

Overview: This is a game that will decide the ESD title and play a huge role in playoff positioning. Both teams will be in the playoffs but Yankton has a shot at a first-round bye. The Bucks are unbeaten in the ESD at 6-0 with Brandon Valley at 5-1.

11AA Brandon Valley (5-3)  5-3) rolled past Pierre, 35-14, as Chase Marso completed 19-of-29 passes for 261 yards and four TDs. Matt Vandenberg had 10 receptions for 138 yards and three TDs while Brock Wickett had 113 yards receiving and a TD. Trevor Crow added 93 yards rushing on 19 carries and a TD. BV goes into the Yankton matchup with three straight wins in which they have outscored three ESD opponents, 114-33. Overall this season, they own a 233 to 198 scoring advantage against its opposition. The Lynx opened the season with a 42-14 loss against #2 O'Gorman. After a 35-13 win over Watertown, they fell to Brookings, 42-28, in their only ESD loss of the season. In week four, BV defeated Mitchell, 14-8, but lost to Lincoln, 60-28, the next game. Since that point, they have defeated Huron, 30-0; Aberdeen Central, 49-19; and Pierre Riggs, 35-14. Quarterback Marso leads the Lynx by completing 135-of-256 passes for 1,764 yards and 22 TDs. Crow is the primary ball carrier with 708 yards rushing and nine TDs. Vandeberg continues to shine at wide receiver with 44 catches for 614 yards and nine TDs. Nate Winter has 14 catches for 298 yards and a TD.

11AA #5 Yankton (6-2) ended a two-game losing skein as they defeated previously #4 Mitchell (6-2), 34-29, on Friday as Michael Rucker hit Connor Fitzsimmons on 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 completed 15-of-20 passes for 174 yards and two TDs. He rushed 10 times for 43 yards and a TD. A week before they beat Mitchell, the Bucks lost for the second straight time in a 29-14 setback to Washington. Rucker completed 18-of-39 passes for 220 yards and a TD but had three interceptions.  He had a 31-yard TD throw to Fitzsimmons. Three 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. On the season, 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. Overall Yankton owns a 234 to 156 scoring advantage over opponents.

Inside slant: Both teams will put the ball in the air which begs the questions of who has a better game Marso or Rucker? Can Fitzsimmons continue to exhibit his big play ability? Will Vandeberg have another big receiving game? What defense is better? Does Fitzsimmons or Crow provide a big play on the ground?

Coaches: Arlin Likness of Yankton, 221-73, .751 overall and 103-41, .715 at YHS.  Chad Garrow of Brandon Valley.

Series Records:  Since 2004, Yankton has defeated Brandon Valley just twice as the Lynx have won six of eight meetings. During that time, Yankton's only regular season win over Brandon Valley occurred in 2005, a 21-0 shutout. After losing 13-6 to BV during the 2010 regular season, the Bucks took a 12-9 decision in the playoffs. In 2009, BV won 42-7 and also own wins in 2008 (33-14), 2007 (14-9), 2006 (23-13), and 2004 (32-7).

Bottomline: With both teams featuring outstanding passing offenses, directed by talented quarterbacks, the rushing attacks may end up playing huge roles in the game, particularly if wind and cold temperatures come into play. Brady Knodel is a bull inside for the Bucks and Fitzsimmons has the ability to break a play outside. Schroeder, too, can make a difference in the backfield either by a quick burst or a catch. Watch out for Crow of Brandon Valley, a standout running back, who has had  some big games this season. Both teams own a win over Mitchell – albeit by less than a TD. This game will likely come down to the end. Yankton is tough at home and this game is at Crane-Youngworth.

Who Wins?  The pick here is for Yankton to take a 31-24 decision over the Lynx.

11AA #3 Washington (6-2) at 11AA #1 Roosevelt (8-0)

Overview: When the season began, Washington was ranked #1 and Roosevelt #4. The tables have turned with Roosevelt cruising through the season unbeaten and the Warriors, who are the two-time defending 11AA champions, losing twice. This game will be a hard-hitting and fast-moving affair. Both teams feature outstanding quarterbacks and rushing attacks. Roosevelt's defense has been one of the big stories of the season. Led by John Wessel, the Rough Riders have recorded three shutouts and held O'Gorman's vaunted rushing attack in check during a week two win. Washington has shown some vulnerability to big plays this season, which Scott Tyler along with receivers Andrew Smith and Josh Angulo may exploit. DaVonte Clay is a hard-charging running back, who when he breaks into the open can go the distance. Washington's big play receivers Nate Gerry and Keyen Lage could also play a role on Thursday night.

11AA #1 Roosevelt (8-0) rolled Rapid City Central, 38-3, on Friday as Tyler completed 10-of-17 passes for 114 yards and had four combined TDs. He had three TDs throws (18, 25, and 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. Roosevelt opened the season with a 46-0 win over Aberdeen Central. In week two, they defeated #2 O'Gorman, 19-14, and then took out then #1 Lincoln, 45-29. The Rough Riders have also defeated Watertown, 35-17; Rapid City Stevens, 38-7; Yankton, 41-0; Sturgis Brown, 67-0 and Rapid City Central, 38-3. Roosevelt has outscored its opponents by a 329 to 70 margin. They have a 184-9 scoring advantage over the past three games. RHS, which has recorded three shutouts this season, is 2-0 vs. Sioux Falls schools this season with a 54-43 scoring advantage. 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.

11B #3 Washington (6-2)  has won five straight games since a two-game losing streak early in the season. Most recently, they rolled to a 42-0 win on the road at Rapid City Stevens. DaVonte Clay had 140 yards rushing while Jon Hander connected with Lage for three TD passes (14, 21, and 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. The Warriors opened the season with a 42-6 decision over Rapid City Central. Washington's 27-game winning streak, which was the ninth longest in state history, ended in a 37-36 loss to Lincoln in the President's Bowl in week two. The Warriors also lost to then #3 O'Gorman (now #2), 24-7, in week three. Since then WHS has defeated Sturgis Brown, 57-7; Watertown, 37-0; Pierre, 42-15; Yankton, 29-14; and Stevens. They are averaging 36.5 points per game and have produced 196.5 rushing yards per game and 151.5 yards through the air. Clay leads the ground attack with 136 carries for 852 yards and 11 TDs (12 overall). Hander has completed 83-of-132 passes for 1,207 yards with 12 TDs and five interceptions. He also has 37 carries for 96 yards rushing with five TDs. At wide receiver, Lage has 21 receptions for 349 yards and five TDs while Gerry has 20 receptions for 365 yards and eight total TDs. Standout linebacker Devon O'Farrell has a team-leading 61 tackles and two sacks. He also has scored three TDs as a short yardage back.

Inside slant: Can Washington's defense slow down the Roosevelt spread offense led by Tyler? Will special teams play a role? Will Hander or Tyler have the upper hand? Does Smith or Angulo create a big play? Or, does Clay prove to be too tough to stop? Can Gerry make something happen on a return?

Coaches: Brian Hermanson of Washington, 67-15, .817. Kim Nelson of Roosevelt, 25-6, .806 at RHS, 215-120, .642.

Series Record: Since 2004, Roosevelt and Washington have played eight times, including in the 2007 playoffs when the Rough Riders claimed a 28-24 decision. In those eight games, Roosevelt has won five of eight. However, Washington has won the last three games by scores of 21-3, 32-10 and 10-0, or an overall scoring margin of 63-13. From 2004-07, Roosevelt claimed wins by 28-0 (2004); 26-21 (2005), 48-7 (2006), 24-17 and 28-24 (2007). Roosevelt owns an overall scoring advantage of 167 to 132.`

Bottomline: This game will pit two proud programs against each other. Between them they have won four of the last five 11AA titles. To win, Washington needs Hander to have his best game of the season and avoid turnovers, particularly when they get into the red zone. Clay must also come up big for the Warriors. Roosevelt has been on a roll all season, featuring a dynamic offense led by Tyler. The Rough Riders have been hurt by injuries to its backfield (Josh Warne, Mikal Smith) and one has to wonder if that hurts against cross town foe Washington. However, Andrew Smith has picked up the slack and is a player that can break plays whether by rush or pass (both throwing or receiving).   Maybe Kim Nelson drive a halfback pass again - it worked earlier.  Smith played quarterback for the Rough Riders last season, and a little this season, when Tyler was out. Angulo also has had big plays all season. The biggest key for Roosevelt has been 11AA's best defense. Wessel and his mates will try and continue to create disruption and problems for their opponents – Washington tonight.

Who Wins: The pick here is Roosevelt claiming its ninth straight win and top seed in 11A with a 31-17 decision over Washington.

11AA #4 Lincoln (6-2) at #2 O'Gorman (7-1)

Overview: This is the classic matchup of a pass-happy offense in Lincoln vs. a persistent rushing attack in O'Gorman. #4 Lincoln averages 48.6 points per game and #2 O'Gorman has scored 38.25 per game but allowed just 9.25 per contest. This game may feature two O'Gorman backs -- Sam Steffl and Flynn Donelan, cracking 1,000 yards on the same night and a Lincoln receiver - Josh Kunzman- joining his teammate Trey Naasz as 2,000-yard career receivers. I doubt that prep football history has every witnessed two teammates surpassing 1,000 rushing yards and a second receiver on the other team cracking 2,000 career receiving yards on the same night (Naasz reached 2,000 earlier this season). Kunzman needs 35 yards for 2K while Steffl needs 75 yards and Donelan 25. Oh yeah, another storyline, Lincoln quarterback Alex Schultz will likely become one of the few SD prep quarterbacks to ever reach 6,000 career passing yards (needs 91 yards). So, this matchup does have some storylines to follow. However, the biggest is playoff positioning and Lincoln attempt to end a long losing streak to O'Gorman while grabbing a first-round bye.

#4 Lincoln (6-2) defeated Brookings, 34-7, on Friday as Schultz completed 9-of-14 passes for 168 yards and two TDs with just one interception. Caden Quintanilla had 99 yards rushing and two TDs. Kunzman had 67 yards receiving and a 65-yard TD run on a reverse. Lincoln opened the season with a 64-0 win over Rapid City Stevens and then defeated Washington, 37-36, to end the two-time defending champions Warriors' 27-game winning streak. Ranked #1 Lincoln dropped a 45-29 decision to then #2 Roosevelt. After that loss, they rebounded with a 41-6 win over Rapid City Central, defeated Brandon Valley, 60-28 and ran past Sturgis Brown, 75-0. Two weeks ago, Mitchell rallied from 13 points down in the final two minutes for a 50-49 win over the Patriots. This season, Lincoln owns a commanding 389 to 172 points advantage and average 48.6 points per game. 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.  Kunzman has a team-high 42 catches for 855 yards and 14 combined TDs (13 receiving). 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 (most ever) 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. 

#2 O'Gorman (7-1) won for the fifth straight time with a 41-6 win over Aberdeen Central.  Donelan had 174 yards rushing and a TD while Steffl had 78 yards rushing and two TDs for O'Gorman who had 336 yards rushing in the win over Aberdeen Central. The Knights opened the season with a 42-14 win over Brandon Valley and then lost to then #4 (now #1) Roosevelt, 19-14. Since that loss, they have won six straight including a 24-7 win over Washington in week three. They also own defeated Rapid City Stevens, 42-7; Sturgis Brown, 56-0; Brookings, 42-7; Rapid City Central, 45-14; and Aberdeen Central. 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. Quarterback Connor Schaefbauer has completed 25-of-43 passes for 459 yards and eight TDs with just three interceptions. In his career, he is now 60-of-135 for 881 yards and 11 TDs. Adam Juhl has been the leading receiver with seven catches for 268 yards and five TDs.

Inside slant: Will pass (Lincoln) or run (O'Gorman) win the night? Will we see an interesting twist in which O'Gorman throws the ball against a vulnerable Lincoln secondary? Does Lincoln feature its explosive halfback Quintanilla and Kevin Diaz in its strategy? How successful will the Knights (most likely) pound and pound away at the Lincoln defensive middle? Will Schultz be able to continue to devastate defenses with his talented and accurate passing ability?

Coaches: Steve Keuter of O'Gorman, 262-73-1, .782. Aaron Beavers of Lincoln, 92-48, .657 overall; and 50-43, .538.

Series Notes: O'Gorman has won every matchup since 2004. The Knights have a 293 to 85 scoring margin in those eight games. A year ago, O'Gorman took a 55-28 decision. In 2009, they won 40-0 and took a 49-15 decision in 2008. The other wins include 28-6 in 2007, 30-23 in 2006, 53-13 in 2005 and 38-0 in 2004.  

Bottomline: The question is front and center whether Schultz and Lincoln's explosive passing game, including two of the best receivers in South Dakota in history, can put up points against a stingy O'Gorman defense. Expect Keuter to stick with his ground game and pound away at the Lincoln defense. It has worked in six straight wins. O'Gorman needs to run the ball to limit the touches for the explosive Lincoln offense. Meanwhile, Lincoln needs to try and create some short possessions for O'Gorman and perhaps create a turnover. The more Lincoln has the ball, the more likely the game will be high scoring and in the Patriots favor. The Patriots would like a shootout reminiscent of the Washington game. We think O'Gorman's rushing attack is too strong and will be the difference.

Who wins?  O'Gorman will go to 8-1 and defeat Lincoln, 27-21.

9A #2 Irene/Wakonda (7-0) at 9B #2 Viborg/Hurley (5-2)  

Overview: This is a matchup of two explosive ranked nine-man teams in different classes. Irene/Wakonda gets its first test of the season after rolling up a 330 to 39 points advantage over its opponents. Viborg/Hurley suffered a road overtime defeat a week ago and also lost to 9A #1 Canistota earlier. However, the Vikings can make plays through an explosive rushing attack and with standout receiver Dennis DeNeui.

9A #2 Irene/Wakonda (7-0) is coming off an open week after recording a 41-8 decision over Parker two weeks ago. In that game, quarterback Dustin Livingston had 14 carries for 122 yards and two TDs while throwing a 30-yard scoring pass to Brian Huth. Scott Davis added 100 yards rushing and two TDs. The Eagles opened the season with consecutive shutouts of Menno (50-0) and Marion (48-0) and defeated Alcester/Hudson, 50-12 in week three. They handled Baltic, 39-12, in week four and then recorded a 53-0 win over Centerville and a 49-7 decision over Gayville/Volin. Overall this season, the Eagles own a 330 to 39 scoring edge on opponents. Livingston and Davis have had outstanding seasons for Irene/Wakonda, which operates out of a double wing offense.

#2 Viborg/Hurley (5-2) dropped a 22-21 decision to 9A Hanson in overtime on Friday. Trevor Jacobson completed 15-of-23 passes for 153 yards and a rushing TD. Two weeks ago, V/H 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 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. DeNeui had eight receptions for 107 yards and Matt Jensen had two rushing TDs of 3 and 31 yards. This season,  Jacobson has completed 29-of-43 passes for 568 yards and six TDs. Jensen has 58 carries for 529 rushing yards with 16 total TDs (13 rushing). Tyler Gerdes has 41 carries for 459 yards on the ground and 12 total TDs. DeNeui has been the prime receiving target with 23 receptions for 517 yards and six TDs. Over the past two seasons, he has 22 receiving TDs.

Inside slant: Which offense is more explosive? Can Viborg/Hurley establish its ground game with Gerdes and Jensen? Will DeNeui step up and make plays? Can Livingston continue to perform at a high level for Irene/Wakonda? Will the Eagles find a way to slow down the Vikings attack and vice versa?

Coaches: John Nyhaug of Viborg/Hurley, 187-115, .619; Brent Mutchelknaus of Irene/Wakonda, 151-115.

Series Record: In their current setup, the two teams have met once with Viborg/Hurley win 60-24 last season. However, Irene/Wakonda is 3-1 vs. Viborg, losing 27-11 in 2009. They defeated Viborg, 24-8 in 2007, 24-22 in 2007 and 47-6 in 2006.

Bottomline: Both teams feature big play performers. It appears from Viborg/Hurley has played a strong schedule and from that may have an advantage in a tight game. Both teams will score on Thursday night, most likely by running the ball. Viborg/Hurley quarterback Jacobsen has been a little inconsistent. If he can find DeNeui and Jensen can break into the open, Viborg/Hurley will be successful. The Vikings will pound Gerdes. Those three weapons may be difficult for Irene/Wakonda to stop. However, watch out for Livingston who has had an outstanding year in his first season as the Eagles' quarterback.

Who Wins: Based on the stronger schedule, look for Viborg/Hurley to rebound from an overtime loss with a 27-22 win over Irene/Wakonda.

9AA #1 Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan (6-1) at 9A #5 Corsica/Stickney (6-1)

Overview: This is a matchup of two of the best 9-man teams this season. #1 Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan will try and pick up its sixth straight win and head into the 9AA playoffs on a roll. Corsica/Stickney will try and pull off the upset and knock off its second #1 opponent this season (9B Avon two weeks ago). Both teams like to utilize their ground attacks. Don't look for a lot of passing tonight, unless one of the team falls behind by double digits.

9A #5 Corsica/Stickney (6-1) (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. They opened the season with a 42-12 win over Menno and then handled Tripp/Delmont/Armour, 70-16 and Colome, 22-0. In week four, the Jaguars took out Andes Central, 43-14; and then dropped a 30-14 decision to Kimball/White Lake. In week six, they upended then 9B #1 (now #2) Avon, 34-6, on the road. They have a 269 to 92 scoring advantage against its opponents. In the past two weeks, they have defeated the two ranked opponents, 68-20. Borman and Baanhofman have been explosive since the team lost the services of standout Wylie Delange three weeks ago.

9AA #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 227 yards and three TDs (48, 1, and 23). Anthony Huber had 19 carries for 112 yards and two scores (1, 6). Jace Connor threw for 52 yards with three TDs. BEE, which has been ranked #1 in 9AA all season, opened the season with a 54-8 win over Freeman before falling to 9A #1 Canistota, 34-26, in the FCA So Dak Bowl. In week three, they handled Mount Vernon, 52-14. The Seahawks defeated Hanson, 26-8 and then defeated Howard, 50-14, Kimball/White Lake, 42-14 and Chester Area, 58-20. BEE has outscored its opponents, 308 to 112 (44.0 to 16.0), and has outscored its last two opponents (Chester Area and #2 Kimball/White Lake), 100 to 34. The Seahawks have a 2-1 record against ranked opponents. This season the Seahawks have four games with 50 points or more and five over 40 points. BEE, the defending 9AA champion, has been led by its two-headed rushing machine of Anthony Huber and Kendall Lindemann. Huber has had games of 199 and 192 yards rushing and has 110 carries for 846 yards and 12 TDs (long of 89 yards). Meanwhile Lindemann, who did not play a year ago due to injury, has 132 carries for 1,191 yards and 16 TDs (17 overall). Averaging over 9.0 yards per carry, Lindeman has had four games over 200 yards (203 vs. Canistota, 243 vs. Mt. Vernon, 262 vs. Howard and 227 vs. Chester) and has also returned a kickoff for a TD. Connor has completed 22-of-35 passes for 199 yards and five TDs (two interceptions). Ryan Hanks has six catches for 40 yards and two TDs and Seth Wethor has six receptions for 64 yards and a TD (five overall). Wethor has been an explosive return man with one punt return TD and a 16.5 average and three kickoff returns for TDs and a 41.8 per return average. As a team BEE, puts up 343 yards rushing and 30 yards passing per game. BEE has been a fast-starting team with a 102 to 20 points edge in the first quarter. They have a 186-74 edge in first half of games.

Inside slant: Can Corsica/Stickney slow down BEE's vaunted rushing attack? Will Borman of Corsica/Stickney continue his outstanding play? Will either defense have an answer for offenses that are explosive?

Coaches: Jeff Van Leur of Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan, 201-92, .684. Jason Broughton of Corsica/Stickney, 56-50, .528.  

Series Records:  BEE and Corsica/Stickney have not played in their current coop arrangements.    

Bottomline: Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan has been the best team in 9AA all season. They have suffered just one loss to 9A #1 Canistota in a game that wasn't decided until the end. Corsica/Stickney has some impressive wins this season, particularly the victory over then 9B #1 Avon two weeks ago, 34-6. Borman and Baanhofman keyed the offense in that win. This game will be decided on which team's ground attack is more explosive.  Led by its powerful rushing game, featuring Huber and Lindemann, BEE has outscored its last three opponents, 150-48. We believe the Seahawks surge will continue and they will head into the playoffs as the favorite to repeat as 9AA champions.

Who Wins: BEE will win, 33-18.