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

The opening weekend of prep football playoffs in South Dakota featured both a few of surprises as well as dominant play by many of the top teams in the state.

For example, Hitchcock-Tulare, who won a title two years ago, went into Onida and took down the (B fifth-ranked Chargers. Do they have another surprise for a ranked opponent?

Hanson, which has won three 9-man straight titles in two different classes, proved their playoff mettle with a 22-0 upset of unbeaten #2 Colman-Egan on opening night.

Then there was the expected - Canistota won its 21^st straight game and seem headed again to the title game as does 9AA #1  Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan. Hot teams like Brandon Valley continued their outstanding play as the Lynx won its fifth straight while Mitchell moved to 8-2 with a win. Both teams head to Sioux Falls for quarterfinal games with Roosevelt and defending champion Washington, respectively. In 11A, Dell Rapids and West Central rolled and could be headed for a showdown in the DakotaDome. In 11B, Tri-Valley, Winner and Groton kept their unbeaten records intact. In 9B, #1 Waverly/South Shore and #2 Avon opened impressively. Expect another week of surprises, the unusual and a ton of exhilarating moments.

In the first round, I had a 39-5 record (.886), picking both Hanson and Miller to pull upsets. However, I did not see Chamberlain's big win and a few other mild opening night surprises. Now we head into the quarterfinal rounds on Monday night. Here are my projections – I have a few .

11AA  

#8 Brookings (6-4) at #1 SF Lincoln (7-2)

Notes: Lincoln, led by quarterback Alex Schultz (2,460 yards and 31 TDs), is the top seed. The Patriots averaged 46 points per game and have the best offense in 11AA. Led by career 6,000 yard passer (6,186) Schultz and two 2,000 career yard receivers in Trey Naasz (2,227) and Josh Kunzman (14 TDs, 2,064), Lincoln is the top seed in 11AA.  The Bobcats will lean on two-time 1,000-yard rusher Brycen Nelson (1,058) and standout wingback Matt Thomas. Look for the game to be contested early with the Patriots pulling away in the third quarter.

Who wins? Patriots advance to semifinals with 42-17 win.

#5 Mitchell (8-2) at #3 SF Washington (7-2)

Notes:  Mitchell has the offensive weapons to give the Warriors fits, including Jason Greenway, who has rushed for 1,407 yards and scored 10 TDs. They also feature Justin Greenway plus quarterback Brent Havlik, who engineered the late 50-49 win over Lincoln earlier. However, the Warriors may be the hottest team in 11AA. After opening 1-2, including losing its 27-game winning streak, the two-time defending champions have rebounded with six straight wins. They handed Sioux Falls Roosevelt its only loss of the season. Washington's offensive attack is led by junior quarterback Jon Hander, who has thrown for 1,446 yards and 13 TDs. DaVonte Clay is a bull at running back and features outstanding breakaway speed. Clay has 936 yards rushing and 12 combined TDs. Add in the exploits at receiver by Nate Gerry (nine TDs) and Keyen Lage (five TDs) and Washington is a dangerous team. On defense, Devon O'Farrell is one of the state's top linebackers and Gerry and Parker provide speed in the secondary. Washington offers physical play upfront.

Who wins? Washington wins its seventh straight, 35-18.

#7 Brandon Valley (7-3) at #2 SF Roosevelt (8-1)  

Notes: Roosevelt has a tough matchup with Chase Marso and his Brandon Valley Lynx, who have caught fire with five straight wins. However, the Lynx will have to defeat 11AA's most consistent team this year. The Lynx haven't met a defense that is as fast and talented as Roosevelt, which features outstanding linebacker John Wessel.  While BV has five straight wins, none have come against one of the city schools. Roosevelt quarterback Scott Tyler has directed Roosevelt's offense with smooth efficiency all season. Tyler has completed 117-of-177 passes for 1,583 yards and 18 TDs. His main target has been Josh Angulo, who has 37 catches for 683 yards and 10 TDs. Hurt by injuries to its backfield, the Rough Riders have welcomed back Josh Warne but still miss the bulldozing talents of Mikal Smith. Andrew Smith can run, receive or pass and provides Roosevelt with another weapon. Marso is one of three South Dakota quarterbacks to throw for 2,000 yards this season. He has completed 151-of-277 passes for 2,049 yards and 26 TDs. Matt Vandeberg has 51 receptions and 10 TDs. However, the status of running back Trevor Crow will be important to the Lynx hopes for an upset. Look for the Rough Riders to advance to the semifinals.

Who wins? Roosevelt, 41-21.

#6 Yankton (7-3) at #3 SF O'Gorman (7-2)

Notes: Yankton has struggled down the stretch, even though they found some life against Pierre in their 27-13 first round playoff win. O'Gorman, even without Flynn Donelan in the backfield, will pound the ball and on occasion and find magic with the Connor Schaefbauer to Adam Juhl passing connection. Yankton has to try and stop Sam Steffl, who has 1,071 yards on the ground with 12 TDs. The Knights defense needs to slow down Connor Fitzsimmons (790 yards rushing and 11 TDs with 29 receptions for 526 yards and five TDs) and quarterback Michael Rucker. Yankton may stay close until halftime but expect Steve Keuter's Knights to pound the ball and efficiently use their pass game too advance into the semifinals.

Who wins? O'Gorman, 41-17.

11A

#8 Chamberlain (2-7)  at # 1 Dell Rapids (8-1)   

Notes: Dell Rapids is on a roll, after defeating Milbank, 56-21. The Quarriers feature a fast and powerful running game, keyed by quarterback Channing Barber. His twin brother Zachary is explosive and has nearly 800 yards rushing this season. Hunter White and Riley Rinehart are factors in the rushing game. The biggest recent addition for Dell Rapids is all-state linebacker and running back Cole Langer, who missed most of the season, but has returned and gained 79 yards and a TD in the opening round of the playoffs. In the opening round, Chamberlain rolled past Little Wound and pick up its second win of the season. Traxton Priebe had 27 rushes for 161 yards and four TDs (1, 26, 5, 4) to lead Chamberlain. Dell Rapids is the highest seed in the class and look to advance to the semifinals. They are fast and talented. Quarriers move on.

Who Wins: Dell Rapids, 49-7.

#5 Tea Area (6-3) at #4 Belle Fourche (6-3)

Notes: Quarterback Corbin Lawler has been on fire for Tea Area, which has won three straight games since consecutive losses in midseason. Lawler has 159 yards passing and two TDs in a 39-0 romp over Vermillion. Overall, they own a 256 to 139 scoring edge over opponents. Tea Area has defeated Vermillion, Dakota Valley and Harrisburg in consecutive weeks, an impressive trio of games. Belle Fourche won a first-round game with a 17-6 win over Hot Springs. Belle Fourche, which has been outscored 205 to 212, has won three of five games. They ended a two-game losing streak with the win over Hot Springs. Belle Fourche had opened the year with five wins in six games and made it into the state rankings. Look for Lawler to play a huge role as Tea Area advances to the semifinals for the first time ever.

Who Wins: Tea Area, 21-8

#7 Spearfish (6-4) at #2 Todd County (9-0)  

Notes: Spearfish is a solid team that has three losses to AA teams and ended the season with a 60-10 win over Belle Fourche, another playoff quarterfinalist. In the opening round, Spearfish continued its impressive play with a 45-0 win over Pine Ridge.  Quarterback Brandon Kemp has completed 63-137 passes for 882 yards and 12 TDs, plus two TDs rushing. Nate Rotert has 864 yards and 10 TDs while Luke Marcoe has 706 yards and 11 TDs. Jay Darling has 24 receptions for 491 yards and 10 TDs. Coach Bob Kornely's Todd County squad features explosive back Doug Stenberg (659 yards, 14 total TDs). In the semifinals Chris Columbo (14 total TDs, 513 yards rushing, 302 yards receiving) had two TD receptions, including an 84-yard TD reception. T.J. Whirlwind Soldier had two fumble recoveries and now has five defensive/special teams' scores this season. For the first time in school history Todd County is 9-0 and own the second seed in 11A. 

Who Wins: Upset special - Spearfish, 24-17.

#6 Dakota Valley (6-3) at #3 West Central (8-1)

Notes: West Central has been one of the best teams in 11A all season. They feature a fast-paced rushing attack that can effectively mix in the pass when needed. With a deep and talented rushing game, the pass has rarely been needed. The Trojans attack is led by Devon Blaine (980 rushing yards, 9 TDs) and Dalton Kuehl (745 rushing yards, 11 TDs), a difficult pair to hold under control. Trojans quarterback Connor Miles has had a solid season at quarterback. Dakota Valley could provide problems if Brock Bergmann can avoid turnovers and the Panthers can open some holes for Tanner Lambert (1,075 yards and 10 TDs), one of the best running backs in the class. He had 168 yards in an opening round win over Harrisburg. Look for this game to remain close at halftime before West Central opens it up midway through the third.

Who Wins: West Central, 38-18.

11B

#8 Mobridge-Pollock (5-4) at #1 Tri-Valley (9-0)  

Notes: After missing several games this season due to injury, all-state performer Bailley Friesz is back for Mobridge/Pollock. He had a big game in a 23-15 win over Britton/Hecla. Friesz had 180 yards rushing and 150 yards receiving in the win. However, the Tigers have to play top-ranked Tri-Valley, a team that has already defeated two ranked 11A opponents, including 11A #1 Dell Rapids on the road. The Mustangs own a deep and devastating rushing attack, keyed by quarterback Brett Page and featuring Cooper Hausman, Kyle Erickson and company. They also feature one of 11B's top defenses. Tri-Valley opened with a hard-fought 34-14 decision over Garretson in which they rushed for 312 yards on 50 carries from seven backs. Erickson had 100 yards rushing and a TD. Hausman also scored as did Page. With Friesz unique talents, M/P can keep this close for a little while but the Mustangs are too good on both sides of the ball.

Who Wins: Tri-Valley, 31-12.

#5 Custer (8-1) at # 4 St. Thomas More (8-1)

Notes: Custer, has just one loss this season 34-6 to St. Thomas More, opened the playoffs with a 44-8 win over Bennett County as Chase Glazier threw four TD passes, including three to Chad Bryant. Tyler Schultz added 120 yards rushing, including a 55-yard gallop.  The fourth-ranked Cavaliers feature junior quarterback Jake Sullivan and also have a standout running back in Taton Bolton. Sullivan has thrown 15 TDs passes and thrown for 1,410 yards while rushing for 649 yards and five TDs. He had a big game in the 34-6 regular season win by St. Thomas More, rushing   for 168 yards and a score and throwing for 97 and two TDs. STM opened the playoffs with a 57-7 rout of Lead/Deadwood. In that playoff win, the Cavaliers had 243 yards rushing led by Bolton with 103 yards. Mason Morman added 71 and Jackson Truong provided 60 yard rushing. Sullivan completed 6­of-6 passes for 124 yards and three TDs. St. Thomas More has caught fire at the right time and is one of the hottest teams in the class. Custer will need several big plays to keep this game close.

Who Wins: St. Thomas More, 33-14.

#7 Canton (5-4) at #2 Winner (9-0)

Notes: Led by the running exploits of Logen Dolan (959 yards, 10 TDs), Canton has caught fire at the right time. Dolen led Canton to a 38-14 win over Platte/Geddes/Dakota Christian in the opening round. Winner has given up just five TDs to South Dakota opponents all season. Led by a powerful running attack, keyed by Kyle Bertram (782 rushing yards, 7 TDs), Ben Connot (527 rushing yards, 14 total TDs) and Austin Calhoon (453 rushing yards, 4 TDs), the second-ranked Warriors pound opponents into submission. Bertram had 11 carries for 114 yards and two TDs (27, 45) to lead Winner to a 28-12 win over Wagner in the opening round. The Warriors also received 15 carries for 80 yards and a two-yard TD from Connot.  Dan Aaker's Winner squad has allowed just 39 points all season. Look for the Warriors' ground attack and a shutdown defense to again prevail.

Who Wins: Winner, 28-6.

#6 McCook Central/Montrose (8-1) at #3 Groton Area (9-0)  

Notes: This sets up as the best game of the second round in 11B. #5 ranked McCook Central/Montrose has been playing top notch football, led by running back Andy Kappenman, a 1,168-yard rusher. McCook Central/Montrose defeated rival Flandreau, 28-7, in the opening round to avenge its only loss of the season. MC/M had 375 rushing yards, including 148 from Kappenmen, who had scoring runs of 20 and three yards. Quarterback Gavin Gassman added 24 carries for 132 yards and 11 yard TD run while completing 5-of-13 passes for 94 yards. Dominic Blindert had 93 yards rushing on 15 carries and a 37-yard scoring run.  #3 ranked Groton Area has been a force all season, led by quarterback Matt Thorson and running back Ryland Strom. In its 23-8 opening round win, Thorson rushed for 143 yards and had a one-yard run while Strom accounted for 108 yards rushing and two TDs (1, 34). Thorson also passed for 65 yards and had six tackles. The Groton defense, which has allowed only 75 points all season, held Deuel to just 68 total yards. Thorson is a dynamic player who has directed the Tigers offense to 253 points in nine wins. While both teams feature outstanding rushing attacks, with a capacity to move the ball through the air, this game will be a defensive battle. Both teams feature stout defenses, scoring is likely to be at a premium.

Who Wins: Upset special - McCook Central/Montrose, 14-13.

9AA

#8 Howard (5-4) at #1 Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan (8-1)

Notes: Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan, the defending 9AA champion, has been the dominant 9AA team all season. It is a team featuring a two-headed rushing attack of Anthony Huber (1,149 yards, 17 TDs) and Kendall Lindeman (1,427 yards, 20 total TDs), both have gone over 1,000 yards this season, a rare accomplishment.  In BEE's opening round win, Lindeman had six rushes for 157 yards and TD runs of 52 and 19 yards. Huber had eight carries for 147 yards and TDs of one, 28 and 84 yards as BEE rolled up 401 yards. Howard had a last second win in the opening round over Woonsocket/Wessington Springs/Sanborn Central as Cole Potter scored in the final seconds. Evan Donahue rushed for 194 yards and Donovan Kullnat scored two TDs for Howard in their dramatic win. In week five, BEE defeated Howard, 50-14. Look for a similar result.  

Who Wins: Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan, 48-8.

#5 Miller (7-2) at #4 Leola/Frederick (8-1)  

Notes: Led by quarterback Lee Sivertson, Miller, which averages 34 points per game has pulled off some big wins, including an opening round win over Clark/Willow Lake. Sivertson has completed 67.5 percent of his throw and has 1,068 yards passing with 15 TDs and just six picks.  He also has 888 yards rushing and 15 TDs. If he has a big game against Leola/Frederick, he can become the second player in second this year (Nick Mears) to have 1,000 yards passing and 1,000 yards rushing. Miller also features Seth Rombough (581 yards rushing) and Joey Vrooman, who has 38 receptions for 555 yards and five TDs. Miller has successfully made the transition from 11-man to 9AA, including upsetting #3 Clark/Willow Lake, 30-25 in the opening round. Sivertson connected on a 25-yard scoring strike to Rombough with 1:24 to play to lead Miller to the win. Leola/Frederick opened the playoffs with a 57-7 win over Tri-State as Tyler Hoffman had 152 yards passing and six combined TDs, four passing and two running. Andrew Hoffman also scored twice. Leola/Frederick has outscored its opponents, 385 to 136 and only has a 33-20 loss to playoff participant Warner on Oct. 14. They have averaged 55.5 points in two straight wins.

Who Wins: Leola/Frederick, 20-18.

#7 Gettysburg/Hoven (6-3) at #2 Kimball/Wh. Lake (7-2)  

Notes: Gettysburg/Hoven and Kimball/White Lake have a playoff history - even meeting in the state finals several years ago. They have also met during the regular season a year ago before Gettysburg had a coop with Hoven. Against Gettysburg, Kimball lost 30-14 in the regular season at Kimball and later in the playoffs, 40-6. So, this game may have some rivalry implications. This game will feature two teams that can run the ball. The Battlers, which lost a game in overtime, another in the final seconds (Sully Buttes) and a two-point heartbreaker to playoff participant Miller, feature an outstanding quarterback in Tate Nafziger (842 passing yards, 13 TDs, 353 rushing yards, 6 TDs) and also have a dangerous returner/receiver  in Jerrid Schmidt (457 receiving yards, 5 TDs, seven overall). G/H, which averaged 35.4 points per game, opened with an impressive 57-14 win over Newell. #2 ranked K/WL has a strong rushing attack led by Jacob Kirsch and Trevor Reinesch. Second-ranked K/WL, which owns a 324 to 190 scoring edge against opponents, opened the playoffs by defeating Andes Central, 46-6, as Reinesch had 107 yards and three TDs. Earlier this year, Kirsch had a 300-yard rushing game. Expect this game to go to the wire.

Who Wins: Kimball/White Lake, 30-28.

#6 White River (7-2) at #3 Deubrook Area (7-2)

Notes: White River can score, putting up 430 points in its nine games. Twice this season they surpassed 80 points, the only team in SD to do that feat. They have won five straight games and 263 to 54 advantage in those games, including two shutouts. Deubrook Area features a strong rushing attack led by Dylan Schwartz and Ryan Knudson. In their 59-0 opening round win over Great Plains Lutheran, Deubrook Area had 412 total yards. Knutson rushed for 124 yards and a TD while Dylan Schwartz rushed for 75 yards and three TDs. Both teams should put up some points in this dandy.

Who Wins: Deubrook Area, 38-31.

9A

#8 Herreid/Selby Area (6-3) at #1 Canistota (9-0)

Notes: Canistota, the top-ranked 9A team, rolled to its 21^st consecutive win with a first-round playoff win over Chester. Quarterback Cody Bunger had five carries for 75 yards and two TDs. The Hawks finished the season with a 50-0 win over Freeman and defeated Chester 56-0 in the first round of the playoffs. This season, they own a 450 to 55 scoring advantage over its opponents. After defeating 9AA #1 Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan, 34-26 in week two, Canistota has rolled up a 367 to 29 advantage on its next seven opponents. This season, the Hawks have scored 48 points or more eight times and broken the 50 points mark six times. In the past 21 games, Canistota has a 1,087 to 93 point differential with opponents.They are deep, talented and fast. Herreid/Pollock, which has split its last four games, owns a 383 to 183 scoring advantage. H/S has shown explosiveness with five games of 40 points or more. They also a 46-42 win over 9B #5 Sully Buttes. The Hawks appear to be the best team not only in 9A but all of 9-man in South Dakota. Canistota should take control of this one early.

Who Wins: Canistota, 56-6.

#5 Hanson (6-3) at #4 Wilmot (8-1)  

Notes: The winner of this game gets Canistota. This second round matchup should feature two talented teams that can move the football. Hanson, which has only lost to teams ranked number one when the Beavers played them, pulled off an upset of #2 Colman/Egan last week. They are led by Reid Smith and Jordan Craig, who form a powerful rushing attack. Wilmot defeated Wessington/Wolsey, 26-22, in a game that went to the end. Brandon Knutson led third-ranked Wilmot to its eighth win in nine games by rushing for 102 yards and scoring on an eight-yard TD run. Also for the Wolves, Mike Argo had 16 carries for 87 yards and two TDs (2, 4) while Chase Bronson had 10 carries for 95 yards and a 50-yard scoring run.

Who Wins: Upset Special - Hanson, 22-16.

#7 Irene-Wakonda (8-1)  at #2 Wall (9-0)

Notes: This is an outstanding matchup featuring explosive offenses. Irene/Wakonda is led by quarterback Dustin Livingston, who is having an outstanding season. Livingston had 10 carries for 112 yards and two TDs to lead Irene-Wakonda past South Central, 31-12, in the opening round. Garrett Anderson had six carries for 72 yards and a 54-yard scoring jaunt. Wall defeated Lyman, 34-8 as Chavis Shull had 203 yards rushing and four TDs. Shull has 1,733 yards and 28 combined TDs (21 by rush) this season. He has five games of 200 yards or better (218, 220, 226, 221 and 203) and might do it again. Wall has outscored opponents, 329 to 115, in rolling to nine straight wins. Irene/Wakonda has a 381 to 78 scoring edge over opponents. This one will be a back and forth affair with a lot of offense.

Who Wins: Wall, 34-28.

#6 Warner (7-2) at #3 Corsica/Stickney (7-2)  

Notes: Clay Rozell leads a talented Warner team against Corsica/Stickney, which features quarterback Adam Borman as well as running back Gunnar Baan Hofman. Warner, owns a 272 to 122 scoring advantage against opponents, and opened the playoffs with a 31-30 win over Eureka/Bowdle in the first round of the playoffs. The Jaguars, who own a 319 to 144 scoring advantage over opponents, have lost only to a pair of high-ranked 9AA squads -- #1 Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan (40-0) and Kimball/White Lake (30-14). Baan Hofman scored four TDs (46, 72, 9, 40) and had 171 rushing yards to lead Corsica-Stickney to a first-round playoff win over Mt. Vernon, 50-12. Ryan Hongslo added 195 yards and scored three combined TDs.

Who Wins: Corsica/Stickney, 28-22.

9B

#8 Hitchcock-Tulare (4-5) at #1 Waverly-South Shore (9-0)

Notes: Hitchcock-Tulare pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the opening round by knocking off #5 Sully Buttes in Onida. Maybe, it shouldn't have been a great surprise as H/T won a title two years ago and made the finals a year ago. Hitchcock/Tulare was led by Jerad Barrie with 14 carries for 118 yards rushing and 56 yards passing with two TDs combined. In the second round, H/T have to meet top-ranked and explosive Waverly/South Shore, who has rolled through opponents, including 60-0 over Grant Deuel in the opening round. W/SS is led by Taylor Zemlicka (1,744 yards, 36 total TDs – 26 passing)), who has 5,252 career passing yards and 100 combined TDs (68 passing), as well as his twin brother, Tyson (34 rec., 504 yards, 11 TDs), the all-time 9-man leader in receptions (129 rec., 2223 yards), and cousin Brent, who has over 1,357 rushing yards and 26 total TDs. Billy Kirch's W/SS squad, which all features a standout receiver in Sam Pond, and a shutdown defense will advance.

Who Wins: Waverly/South Shore, 54-18.

#5 Langford Area (8-1) at #4 Viborg/Hurley (7-2)  

Notes: Viborg/Hurley moved to 7-2 on the season with a 54-0 win over Scotland in the opening round of the playoffs. Dennis DeNeui (29 rec., 668 yards, 8 TDs) had 66 yards receiving, two TD receptions (20, 26), a 23-yard TD run and an 89-yard TD interception return. Tyler Gerdes (634 rushing yards 16 total TDs) had 125 yards and TD runs of 41 and a 21-yard TD reception. Trevor Jacobsen was 5-of-8 passing for 113 yards and four TDs for the Vikings. This season, Viborg/Hurley averages 43.0 points per game and as only lost to 9A #1 Canistota (58-21) and Hanson (22-21 in overtime). The Vikings also feature explosive Matt Jensen who has 16 total TDs and 575 rush yards. For Langford Area, quarterback Nick Alberts passed for 186 yards and two TDs and had a TD run to lead Langford to a 30-12 win over Faulkton in the opening round. Dalton Lone caught both two passes and had 109 yards receiving. Drew Planteen had 114 yards rushing on 20 carries. Langford has won three straight and owns a 363 to 110 scoring edge over opponents. Paul Raasch's Langford squad has only lost to 9AA #3 Leola/Frederick, 40-24. This should be a shootout between two outstanding teams that feature powerful offenses.

Who Wins: Viborg/Hurley, 26-22.

#7 Dupree (7-2) at #2 Harding County (8-1)  

Notes: Jess Feist had 19 carries for 209 yards seven combined TDs (six rushing) to lead #4 Harding County (8-1) to a win over Colome in the first round of the playoffs. Feist, who had one of the memorable playoff performances in Ranchers' school history, scored on runs of 58, 15, 14, 3, 7 and 25 yards and also threw a 31-yard scoring strike to Chek Giannonatti, who had an eight yard run. Feist has 1,115 yards passing and nine TDs along with 716 yards rushing and 13 TDs this season. Giannonatti has 1,472 rushing yards with 25 combined TDs (20 by rush) this season. He also has 21 catches for 406 yards and five TDs.  Dupree, which owns a 323 to 171 scoring edge over opponents, had a 32-8 decision over Jones County in the opening round. Since a week two defeat to Faith, Dupree has reeled off six straight wins. In the past four games they have a 186-22 scoring advantage against its opponents. However, Dupree has played a team as explosive as Harding County.

Who Wins: Harding County, 38-12.

#6 DR St. Mary (7-2) at #3 Avon (8-1)  

Notes: Chris Lee rushed for 237 yards on 30 carries and scored three TDs to lead Dell Rapid St. Mary to a 30-24 win over Castlewood. In improving to 7-2, Ross Flemmer's Cardinals won its sixth straight when they have outscored opponents, 246 to 104. Lee has been a big-time performer for St. Mary, rushing for at least 100 yards in five of those six wins. Last week, he continually broke into the open against Castlewood. Avon, second in the state in 9B power points, scored 22 second quarter points to roll to a 48-6 win over Estelline. Jackson Powers had 110 yards rushing and two TDs while Duffy Ducheneaux provided 103 yards and two TDs for Avon, which accumulated 344 yards on the ground. This should be matchup of strong rushing attacks. Nick Poppe coordinates the Avon offense, which has been explosive all season. Avon is always playoff-ready and now that this time of the year is "winning time." The Pirates will move on, potentially on track with a showdown against top-ranked Waverly/South Shore at the DakotaDome.

Who Wins: Avon, 32-22.