KSFY News - Sioux Falls, SD News, Weather, SportsFocus on Playoffs

The second season has arrived. Attention on prep football now turns to championship football and what teams win and advance. Lose and you're out.

With the playoffs at hand, it is time to lay out projections for the playoffs. This Focus on Playoffs will project the first round. But just to keep everyone's interest, it will also include a pre-playoff projection of which teams we believe will win a title.

In 11AA, look for Kim Nelson's Roosevelt Rough Riders, which has 11AA's best defense and an explosive spread offense directed by Scott Tyler, to make it back to the Dome and earn the school's third title. In 11A, Steve Hansen's Dell Rapids crew, led by Channing and Zachary Barber, has speed on both sides of the ball and will repeat. In 11B, Tri-Valley, led by a powerful rushing attack and shutdown defense, has beaten everyone in its path including a couple of ranked 11A teams. They will likely meet Winner in the championship and the Mustangs are the pick here to win. Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan, which features the two-headed rushing machine of Kendall Lindeman and Anthony Huber (both 1,000-yard rushers) will win 9AA and Canistota, led by quarterback Cody Bunger and Troy Hofer, will roll through the playoffs for its second straight championship. They won 9B a year ago, and will now grab a 9A title and should move their winning streak to 24 games when all is said and done. In 9B, it looks to be a dance that features unbeaten and top-ranked Waverly/South Shore and Avon, who have a long history of success in the playoffs. The three Zemlickas, twins Taylor and Tyson and cousin Brent, will lead the Coyotes to their first title.

During the regular season, our Focus on Five weekly pick'em effort culminated in a 27-18 record. This first week, we look at the first round which opens Tuesday. As each round of the playoffs comes, we will make our picks. Let us know what you think. Here is the projections for round 1.

11AA – Round 1

First Round byes went to Sioux Falls Lincoln (55.889), Sioux Falls Roosevelt (55.111), Sioux Falls O'Gorman (54.222) and Sioux Falls Washington (53.222). As a result Lincoln and Washington are the favorites to meet in one semifinal with O'Gorman and Roosevelt the favorites in the other bracket. If it happens, it is the exact matchups of the President's Bowl in week 2 with both games at Howard Wood Field.

#9 Rapid City Central (4-5) at Brookings (5-4)

Notes: Central features a talented player in Taylor Houchin but Brookings has more weapons, mainly in Brycen Nelson. Landon Busch and Matt Thomas are other players to figure in this game.

Who Wins: Brookings, 21-6.

#12 Aberdeen Central (2-7) at #5 Mitchell (7-2)

Notes: Mitchell has been explosive this season, featuring Jason Greenway, who has rushed for more than 1,300 yards. Along with his brother Justin and quarterback Brent Havlik, the Kernels are a powerful offensive unit. They defeated Aberdeen Central earlier. They will again.

Who Wins: Mitchell, 37-18.

#10 Rapid City Stevens (3-6) at #7 Brandon Valley (6-3)

Notes: Brandon Valley has outscored its opponents in the last four weeks to the tune of 163-40. Chase Marso is one of the elite quarterbacks in 11AA. Marso along with running back Trevor Crow and wideout Matt Vandeberg look to extend their four-game winning streak.  

Who Wins: Brandon Valley, 40-14.

#11 Pierre T.F. Riggs (3-6) at Yankton (6-3) 

Notes: The Bucks had an opportunity to grab one of the first-round byes. However, their regular season ended with a thud as they lost to Brandon Valley at home, 49-7. Michael Rucker and Connor Fitzsimmons are talented players who will make things happen against Pierre as the Bucks advance. 

Who Wins: Yankton, 33-7.

11A – Round 1

Region 1

Milbank (4-4) at Dell Rapids (7-1)

Notes: Last Thursday, the Quarriers ripped Milbank, 51-7. Dell Rapids owns the top power point ranking in 11A and feature an explosive and fast attack led by Channing and Zachary Barber. Cole Langer, who sat out most of the season, saw action at linebacker last week. Now he will start toting the ball. The Quarriers are deep and talented and will advance. Nick Mears, who has surpassed 1,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing for the second straight year, will keep the Bulldogs close for a half.

Who Wins: Dell Rapids, 44-21.

Sisseton (5-3) at West Central (7-1)

Notes: Both teams run the ball and play stout defense. The Trojans handed Sisseton a 27-13 loss earlier this season. With Dalton Kuehl and Devon Blaine and a host of others, the West Central offense is explosive and they will send Sisseton packing.

Who Wins: West Central, 34-13.

Region 2

Vermillion (3-5) at Tea Area (5-3)

Notes: Vermillion has been hurt by injuries but feature D'Andre Fore and defeated Tea Area earlier at the Dakota Dome. Tea Area is better now and come off an upset of Dakota Valley. Corbin Lawler led Tea Area to the win with seven completions on 15 attempts for 173 yards and TD throws of 61 and 30 yards. Cooper Hansen also provides Tea Area with an outstanding kicker.

Who Wins: Tea Area, 23-14.

Harrisburg (4-4) at Dakota Valley (5-3)  

Notes: Both teams struggled to end the season. Dakota Valley, which owns a 239 to 106 scoring advantage over opponents, have lost three straight games. Harrisburg, which won three straight to open the season, have ended the campaign with four losses in five games. DV is the choice with Tanner Lambert leading a strong rushing attack. He had 123 yards and a TD in a loss to Tea Area Thursday night and now has 907 yards on the season (nine TDs).

Who Wins: Dakota Valley, 28-14.

Region 3

Cheyenne Eagle Butte (3-5) at Todd County (8-0)

Notes: Todd County, which completed the season unbeaten for the first time, is led by the standout running back Doug Stenberg. They have outscored opponents, 328 to 67, and beat Cheyenne Eagle Butte, 50-0, on Oct. 7. C-EB ended the season with three straight losses and have just scored 136 points this season.

Who Wins: Todd County, 47-6.

Chamberlain (1-7) at Little Wound (6-2)  

Notes: Chamberlain won its first game of the season, 16-14, over Hot Springs. However, they have lost seven straight and scored just 56 points all season. Little Wound opened the season with five straight wins and own a 232 to 215 scoring advantage.   

Who Wins: Little Wound, 33-7

Region 4

Hot Springs (3-5) at Belle Fourche (5-3)

Notes:  In week 3, Belle Fourche defeated Hot Springs, 31-24. Hot Springs, which has scored 226 points and allowed 209, has won two of three games. Two weeks ago, they defeated playoff participant Little Wound, 57-14. Belle Fourche, who was ranked in the KSFY/KWSN poll three weeks ago, has lost two straight. They opened the year with five wins in six games.

Who Wins: Belle Fourche, 24-21.

Pine Ridge (4-4) at Spearfish (5-4)  

Notes: Pine Ridge has won three straight games and scored 180 points this season. Spearfish has two straight by a combined margin of 109 to 10. They have three losses to 11AA teams and a 25-20 decision to 11B #4 St. Thomas More in the season opener. Spearfish has a 261 to 118 scoring advantage over opponents.   

Who Wins: Spearfish, 34-7.

11B – Round 1

Region 1

Deuel (4-4) at Groton Area (8-0)

Notes: Deuel, which has won two of three games, lost to Groton, 26-6, in the regular season finale. They have a 169 to 156 scoring advantage over opponents. Groton completed an unbeaten regular season with a 230 to 67 scoring edge against its opponents.

Who Wins: Groton Area, 30-12.

Mobridge/Pollock (4-4) at Britton/Hecla (4-4)

Notes: Mobridge/Pollock, which has a 205 to 158 scoring margin over foes, lost standout Bailley Friesz in game two. Friesz fought through an injury and has returned with a splash. He had five TDs in a win last week. Britton/Hecla has lost three of four and scored just 108 points all season.

Who Wins: Mobridge/Pollock, 28-21.

Region 2

Garretson (5-3) at Tri-Valley (8-0)

Notes: Tri-Valley has been the top-ranked team in the KSFY/KWSN poll all year. They have a 307 to 73 scoring advantage over opponents. The Mustangs have six games with 34 points or more and have not allowed more than 14 points to any opponent. They defeated Garretson, 48-6, in week two. Garretson feature an outstanding backfield in Isaac Lukes (732 yards rushing, seven TDs) and Brady Bonte (735 yards, 11 TDs) and finished with two wins in its last three games.

Who Wins: Tri Valley, 48-17.

Flandreau (6-2) at McCook Central/Montrose (7-1) 

Notes: McCook Central/Montrose, led by 1,000 yard rusher Andy Kappenman, has outscored opponents, 222 to 35. They have won six in a row and have only more than six points just once in a 10-7 loss to Flandreau in week two. MC/M has three shutouts. Flandreau, who has won three of four, has a 276 to 101 scoring edge against opponents. Led by quarterback Joe Parsley and running back Jacob Patterson, Flandreau lost its season finale to Platte/Geddes/Dakota Christian, 39-36.

Who Wins: McCook Central/Montrose, 22-20.
 
Region 3

Wagner (5-3) at Winner (8-0)

Notes: Wagner opened the season with four straight wins but has lost three of four to end the season. They have outscored opponents, 191 to 104. They are the only South Dakota team to score touchdowns against Winner. The Warriors finished 8-0 and ranked #2. They own a 279 to 26 scoring advantage against its opponents. Winner has recorded five shutouts and allowed only two TDs to South Dakota teams and three overall. They have a powerful rushing attack and a defense that simply doesn't let teams score.

Who Wins: Winner, 31-14.
 
Canton (4-4) at Platte/Geddes/Dakota Christian (5-3) 

Notes: Canton, which is led by running back Logan Dolen, has three straight wins and has outscored opponents, 104 to 30 in the last two games. Overall, opponents own a 228 to 211 scoring edge. Platte/Geddes/Dakota Christian upset #5 Flandreau, 39-36 in the season finale. They have won four of five and three straight. On the season, opponents have outscored P/G/DC, 167 to 162. 

Who Wins: Platte/Geddes/Dakota Christian, 26-18.

Region 4

Lead/Deadwood (4-4) at St. Thomas More (7-1)

Notes: Lead//Deadwood, which has won three of five, lost to St. Thomas More, 50-0, on Oct. 14. They have been outscored, 191 to 149 this season. St. Thomas More, which has a 279 to 104 scoring advantage over opponents, has won six straight. The Cavaliers only loss is to Winner, 12-0. Jake Sullivan leads STM with 1,072 passing yards and 11 TDs and 453 rushing yards. 

Who Wins: St. Thomas More, 33-14.
 
Bennett County (3-5) at Custer (7-1) 

Notes: Custer closed the season with three wins in the last four games. They defeated Bennett County in the season opener, 35-6. Bennett County opened the season with two wins in three games but has lost three in a row to end the season. 

Who Wins: Custer, 36-6. 

9AA – Round 1

Region 1

Tri-State (5-3) at Leola/Frederick (7-1)

Notes: Leola/Frederick has a dominating ground attack fueled by Tyler Hoffman and Brian Sumption. They own a 328 to 129 scoring advantage. Tri-State has an explosive offense keyed by quarterback Koby Jackson with outstanding Mark Moeller in the backfield.

Who Wins: Leola Frederick, 38-32.

Clark/Willow Lake (6-2) at Miller (6-2)

Notes: A year ago, both of these teams were 11-man programs. They have successfully made the transition to 9AA and now meet in the first round of the playoffs. Clark/Willow Lake, which has won three of four games, has been ranked most of the season. They have a 334 to 186 scoring edge over opponents. Miller, which is led by quarterback Lee Sivertson with 11 passing TDs, 11 rushing TDs and 704 rushing yards, has won three straight and four of five. They own a 276 to 199 scoring edge.

Who Wins: Miller pulls an upset over C/WL, 24-22.

Region 2

Great Plains Lutheran (4-4) at Deubrook Area (6-2)

Notes: Great Plains Lutheran, which was ranked early in the season, is led by Phil Bunkowske. They have lost four straight, allowing 248 points during that stretch at the end of the season. Opponents own a 314 to 233 scoring edge over GPL. Deubrook Area, which has a 263 to 120 scoring edge, has won three of four. They are led by Dylan Schwartz, who had 277 yards rushing two weeks ago.

Who Wins: Deubrook Area, 44-8.

Howard (4-4) at Woonsocket/Wessington Springs/Sanborn Central (5-3)  

Notes: Howard, who had nearly 500 yards in total offense in a season-ending win, has won two straight. They own a 227 to 216 scoring advantage over its opponents. Woonsocket/Wessington Springs/Sanborn Central won five of six to end the regular season. They have outscored foes, 260 to 218.

Who Wins: W/SS/SC, 26-14.

Region 3

Gregory (3-5) at Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan (7-1)

Notes: BEE, which has won four state titles, is the defending 9AA champions and has a powerful rushing game led by a pair of 1,000 yard rushers in Anthony Huber (1,002 yards) and Kendall Lindeman (1,270 yards). Both average more than eight yards per carry. This season, BEE has a 348 to 112 scoring edge over opponents and has only lost to 9A #1 Canistota, 34-26. Four times, they have scored more than 50 points. Gregory opened the season with four straight losses and has won three of four to end the regular season. They have been outscored 210 to 178.

Who Wins: BEE, 54-6.

Andes Central (5-3) at Kimball/White Lake (6-2)  

Notes: Kimball/White Lake, which has played eight playoff participants this season, has only lost to Mt. Vernon in game one and 9AA #1 Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan in the season finale. They feature a powerful rushing attack led by Jacob Kirtsch and Trevor Reinesch. K/WL have outscored opponents, 278 to 184. Their most impressive win is a 30-14 win over Corsica/Stickney. Andes Central has won three of four and owns a 232 to 133 scoring edge.

Who Wins: Kimball/White Lake, 33-16

Region 4

Elkton/Lake Benton (3-5) at White River (6-2)

Notes: Elkton/Lake Benton is led by its standout quarterback Brant Tingle but have lost three of four to finish the regular season. They do have a 6-0 win over Castlewood but have been outscored 134 to 120. White River, which has won four straight, owns a 387 to 118 points advantage over its opponents. They have scored over 80 points twice this season.   

Who Wins: White River, 36-22.

Newell (4-4) at Gettysburg (5-3)  

Notes: Gettysburg/Hoven, led by the talented Tate Nafziger,have won four of five and have a 276-168 scoring margin. G/H has been somewhat snake bit this year losing to Miller, 22-20; falling to 9B #5 Sully Buttes, 36-34, on a TD on the final play and dropping an overtime decision to Eureka/Bowdle.  

Who Wins: Gettysburg/Hoven, 40-12.

9A – Round 1

Region 1

Wolsey/Wessington (6-2) at Wilmot (7-1)

Notes: Wilmot's only loss is to 9B #1 Waverly/South Shore (8-0). They have a 323-108 scoring edge over opponents. Wolsey/Wessington has a 300-119 scoring edge, including 121 to 26 in last two games. Expect both teams to put up a gaggle of points. W/W has a win over Warner (6-2). Wilmot, which has won five straight, has a 30-12 win over 9AA #3 Clark/Willow Lake (6-2).

Who Wins: Wilmot, 34-23.

Eureka/Bowdle (5-3) at Warner (6-2)

Notes: Warner owns a 241 to 92 scoring advantage over opponents and has won three straight. They are led by the talented Clay Rozell, who has had several big games this season rushing the ball. They have a win over 9AA #3 Leola/Frederick. Eureka/Bowdle has won three of four and has a 272 to 176 points advantage against its opposition.

Who Wins: Warner, 38-24.

Region 2

Chester Area (5-3) at Canistota (8-0)

Notes:  Canistota has won 20 straight games, the longest winning streak in South Dakota. The Hawks, led by quarterback Cody Bunger and fullback/linebacker Nick Hofer, have a 404 to 55 scoring advantage over its opponents. This season, the Hawks have scored 48 points or more seven times and broken the 50 points mark five times. In the past 20 games, Canistota has a 1,031 to 93 point differential with opponents. In that period, they have 18 games over 40 points, 14 of 50 or more and three over 60. Chester Area, which lost earlier to Canistota, 62-8, has been outscored by opponents, 243 to 171, albeit that they were outscored 120-28 by the Hawks   and 9AA Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan.

Who Wins: Canistota, 56-6.

Hanson (5-3) at Colman/Egan (8-0)  

Notes:  This is one of the best matchups across the playoffs. Undefeated and #2 Colman/Egan hosts a tough Hanson team, which has lost only to teams ranked #1 in 9-man classes when the Beavers played them.  Jeff Hegge's C-E Hawks, led by quarterback Dalton Hannasch, have a 271 to 54 scoring advantage over its opponents and have a quality win over 9AA #5 Deubrook Area (18-12). Hanson has a 228 to 179 scoring advantage over opponents and ended the regular season with a 22-21 overtime win over 9B #3 Viborg/Hurley. Hanson is the two-time defending 9A champions and has three straight titles dating back to a 2008 9B title. Reid Smith and Jordan Craig lead the Beavers' strong rushing attack.

Who Wins: Upset special, Hanson, 26-22.

Region 3

Mt. Vernon (3-5) at Corsica/Stickney (6-2)

Notes: Mt. Vernon, which own a 38-22 win over ranked 9AA Kimball/White Lake in the season opener, has lost five of six games. They have been outscored, 272 to 176. Corsica/Stickney, which has been ranked most of the season, has won two of three, including a win over then 9B #1 Avon, 34-6.The Jaguars, led by quarterback Adam Borman and running back Gunner Baanhofman, own a 269 to 132 scoring advantage over its opponents.

Who Wins: Corsica/Stickney, 44-6.

South Central (5-3) at Irene/Wakonda (7-1)  

Notes: South Central comes into the playoffs with two wins in three games. They own a 196 to 121 scoring edge over opponents. Irene/Wakonda, which had its unbeaten run end at seven games, has scored at least 40 points six  times. Led by standout quarterback Dustin Livingston, Irene/Wakonda owns a 350 to 66 scoring advantage.  

Who Wins: Irene/Wakonda, 24-12.

Region 4

Lyman (5-3) at Wall (8-0)

Notes: Wall, which is averaging 37 points and 348 rushing yards per game, finished the regular season unbeaten. They are led by Chavis Shull with 1,530 yards rushing and 24 combined TDs. Wall defeated Lyman, 32-22, in the season finale. Lyman had three wins in its final four games and outscored foes, 288 to 216.

Who Wins: Wall, 30-20.

Herreid/Selby (5-3) at Faith (7-1)  

Notes: Faith, which has a 414 to 172 scoring edge over foes, has scored 50 or more points five times. They were unbeaten until losing to Harding County, 57-24, in the final week of the season. Herreid/Selby, which has split its final four games, has a 317 to 169 scoring edge over opponents.

Who Wins: Faith, 33-26.

9B- Round 1

Region 1

Grant Deuel (3-5) at Waverly/South Shore (8-0)

Notes: W/SS defeated Grant/Deuel, 56-6, in the regular season finale. W/SS, the top-ranked team in 9B, has scored 452 points and allowed just 95. They have defeated every opponent by 26 points or more. The Coyotes are led by Taylor Zemlicka, who has passed for over 5,000 yards in his career and is one of two quarterbacks (MIlbank's Nick Mears) with at least 4,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing. He may also reach 100 career TDs, passing and running. His twin brother, Tyson, owns the nine-man record for receiving with 129 catches, 2,187 yards and 30 TDs. Cousin Brent has rushed for over 1,200 yards and owns four 200-yard rushing games this season.

Who Wins: Waverly/South Shore, 60-6.

Castlewood (6-2) at Dell Rapids St. Mary (6-2)  

Notes: This game will go down to the wire. Look for Chris Lee to be a big difference. He has five straight games over 100 yards and last week scored five rushing TDs and had 127 yards. Carver Ching of Castlewood, who opened the season with 11 TDs in two games, will also play a pivotal role in the game. DRSM has scored 60 points or more in two straight wins and defeated Castlewood, 30-20, earlier this year.

Who Wins: Dell Rapids St. Mary, 30-28.

Region 2

Estelline (5-3) at Avon (7-1)

Notes: Avon was ranked #1 all season until a 34-6 defeated to 9A Corsica/Stickney. They rebounded with a big win in the season finale. With Nick Poppe running the controls will advance. Tom Culver's crew also features Duffy Ducheneaux and Jackson Powers in a running game that pummels opponents. They have outscored opponents, 306 to 75. Estelline, which has scored only 94 points this season, has lost three straight games in which they managed a total of 18 points.

Who Wins: Avon, 40-6.

Scotland (4-4) at Viborg/Hurley (6-2)  

Notes: Over the past few weeks, Viborg/Hurley has had a challenging schedule, losing to 9A #1 Canistota (58-21) and Hanson (22-21 in overtime) but also own a 27-20 win over 9A #2 Irene/Wakonda (7-1). With the explosive Matt Jensen and wide receiver extraordinaire Dennis DeNeui, Viborg/Hurley will advance. They own a 333 to 112 scoring advantage over opponents. Scotland's Ryan Auch is a solid back but will not be enough against the explosive Vkings.   

Who Wins: Viborg/Hurley, 44-12.

Region 3

Hitchcock/Tulare (3-5) at Sully Buttes (7-1)

Notes: Sully Buttes, which has only lost a 46-42 decision to Herreid/Selby, has a 328 to 142 scoring edge over opponents. The Chargers have scored 30 or more points in all eight games. They are led by 1,000-yard rusher Herman Kleinsasser. Hitchcock/Tulare, which owns a 200 to 141 scoring edge over foes, has lost three of four games.

Who Wins: Sully Buttes, 46-20.

Faulkton Area (4-4) at Langford Area (7-1)  

Notes: Two weeks ago, Langford Area defeated Faulkton, 48-6. They own a 333 to 98 scoring advantage over opponents. Six times, Langford Area has scored over 40 points. Faulkton Area, led by running back Robin Wieseler, has won two of three and has a 164 to 153 scoring margin.

Who Wins: Langford Area, 44-18.

Region 4

Colome (5-3) at Harding County (7-1)

Notes:  Colome has won three of four games and owns a 222 to 158 scoring advantage against its opponents. Terrance Kinzer has 829 yards rushing and 13 combined TDs. Harding County, which has only lost to 9A Wall, 30-20, own a 344 to 80 scoring edge over opponents. Ranchers' standout running back Chek Gianonnatti has rushed for 1,414 yards and has 362 yards receiving with 23 combined TDs.

Who Wins: Harding County, 38-12.

Jones County (5-3) at Dupree (6-2)  

Notes: Dupree, which has scored 291 points, opened the season with two straight losses to Harding County and Faith but have rebounded with six straight wins. Jones County, which has lost three of four, has a quality win over White River (6-2).

Who Wins: Dupree advances, 24-12.