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

The DakotaDome is sure to be hopping with a lot of popping and eye-dropping performances when the South Dakota High School Football Championships kick off on Thursday at 2:30 a.m. with top-ranked Dell Rapids battling #2 West Central in a matchup of powerhouses.

This year, a total of four classes will feature #1 vs. #2 matchups. Four defending champions return but only three will defend titles. Washington in AA, Dell Rapids in A and Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan in 9AA are back to try and win another championship. Canistota, which was the 9B champion last year, will try and add a 9A title to its trophy case. In 11B, defending champion Flandreau lost in the first round opening the door to Tri-Valley or McCook Central/Montrose. In 9B, Canistota moved up clearing way for Avon or Waverly/South Shore to claim honors. While we have had some surprises along the way, the championships this week will be electric with loads of football drama.

In 11AA, two teams , Washington and Roosevelt, which have won four of the last five titles, will meet in a rematch of the regular season finale, claimed by the Warriors, 34-29. Washington will try and win an unprecedented third straight title and will be playing in its fifth straight title game.

In 11A, Dell Rapids, 22-1 over the past two season, will try and win back-to-back titles against a West Central team that has significant title game lineage with a state record 11 playoff titles (in 12 games).

In 11B, top-ranked and unbeaten Tri-Valley, which is making its fourth championship appearance in the past five seasons, will try and win its third title against a McCook Central/Montrose team in the championship game (and the DakotaDome) for the first time. MC/M has already knocked off teams ranked third (Groton) and second (Winner) and now have their eyes focused on the top-ranked Mustangs.

In 9AA, Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan will try and capture its sixth title and second in a row against a game Kimball/White Lake team, which has three championships (in four title games).

In 9A, unbeaten Canistota will seek its 24^th straight win and second straight title, albeit in a different class, as the Hawks are on one of the great runs in 9-man history. They have scored nearly 1,200 points during 23 wins over the past two seasons.

Then, we have the 9B title tilt, matching top-ranked and unbeaten Waverly/South Shore, led by the trio of Zemlickas, against Avon, which has won four titles under the direction of Tom Culver. W/SS is in the Dome for the first time and led by first year coach Billy Kirch, who has served as an assistant for three seasons. They are the most potent offense in nine-man football with 616 points and have won every game by at least 26 points. Avon, which advanced to the 9A semifinals a year ago and then moved to 9B, is also explosive with a potent triple option offense.

With the finals set, we will take a shot at predicting who will win championships. In the last two rplayoff ounds, I have a 35-1 record. In the semifinal round, I missed on the Winner and McCook Central/Montrose game and had an overall 11-1 mark. In the quarterfinals, I managed to go 24-0 and had a 39-5 mark  in the first round. Overall in the playoffs, I have a 74-6 record, or picking percentage of .925. Not bad, right? Counting the regular season, my overall record for picks this football season is 99-21 (.825).  

How will we do in this round? Check the picks below. Tell us if you agree.

Game previews and projections are posted in order of when games will be played.

11A Championship -- #2 West Central (10-1) vs. #1 Dell Rapids (10-1), Thursday, 2:30 p.m.

West Central Trojans

Notes: The Trojans have a long legacy of success in the championship game. West Central, which last won a title in 2007, owns a state record of 11 playoff championships (12 title games). They are an explosive team that has rolled up a 393 to 124 scoring margin over its opponents. In the playoffs, they have a 92 to 20 advantage. West Central is directed by quarterback Connor Miles, who has rushed for 220 yards and three TDs while completing 33-of-74 passes for 531 yards and eight TDs. This is a team with a pair of 1,000-yard rushers. Dalton Kuehl has rolled up 1,002 yards on 156 carries with 18 total TDs (15 by rush). He has had four games over 100 with a high of 182. Devon Blaine has rushed for 1,268 yards on 191 carries and 16 total TDs (13 by rush). He also has 27 receptions for 162 yards. Blaine has had six games over 100 (147, 173, 183, 114, 131 and 147). In addition, Andrew Ideker has 28 carries for 356 yards and four TDs while Josh Auble has 61 carries for 563 yards and five TDs, including a high of 168. On the year, West Central has accumulated 3,723 yards on the ground on 63 carries while recording 582 passing yards. This is a team has stayed focused on its ground attack. They have recorded at least 41 carries in every game and have rushed for at least 269 yards in every game. The breakdown goes like this: 41-303; 49-368; 57-269; 55-281; 63-372; 58-356; 66-342; 46-490; 50-319; 56-296; and 62-327. Eight times they have cracked 300 yards rushing with a season best 490 vs. Milbank in a regular season win.

Coach: Kent Mueller, 82-20 (.804), overall; 78-8 (.907) at West Central.

Playoffs: defeated Sisseton, 28-0, quarterfinals; upended Dakota Valley, 30-13, quarterfinals; rolled past Spearfish, 34-7, semifinals.

Titles: -- 11 (1993, 20-14 (3OT) over Winner; 1996, 43-7 over Belle Fourche;  1997, 50-0 over Sisseton; 1998, 34-7 over Winner; 2000, 47-14 over Belle Fourche; 2001, 33-0 over Lead; 2002, 42-7 over Lead; 2003, 48-7 over Hot Springs; 2004, 19-0 over Tri-Valley; 2005, 49-13 over Milbank; 2007, 51-3 over St. Thomas More).

Keys: Quick and fast, West Central rolls up large chunks of yardage. They will stay committed to its rushing attack. Don't be surprised if Miles has some success throwing the ball. Dell Rapids has been burned a few times this season through the air. The Trojans defense has been fast and physical. They will need to slow down the Barber twins and try and deal with Cole Langer.

Dell Rapids Quarriers

Notes: The Quarriers, which averaged 37.7 points per game, own an overall 415 to 144 scoring edge over its opponents this season. Dell Rapids, 22-1 over the last two seasons, have lost only to unbeaten and top-ranked Tri-Valley, 21-14, in a game decided at the end. The Quarriers, have a 144 to 42 scoring edge over three playoffs foes. The Quarriers' attack is fueled by the Barber twins. And with Cole Langer back in the fold, they have a deep and talented rushing attack that also includes Hunter White and Riley Rinehart. Dell Rapids relies on a rushing attack that has totaled 353.8 yards per game to 151.4 for opponents. Channing Barber has completed 31-of-60 passes for 528 yards and eight TDs with just three interceptions. He has 62 carries for 680 yards and eight TDs, with 17 combined scores. His twin brother Zach has been the Quarriers' most dangerous weapon with 84 carries for 1,172 yards and 21 combined TDs. Averaging 14.0 yards per carry, he has 1,563 all-purpose yards. Barber has recorded 10 receptions for 241 yards and three TDs and has a 70-yard kickoff return.  White has averaged 10.5 yards per game as he has rolled up 870 rushing yards on 83 carries with seven TDs. He also has a receiving TD. Cole Langer, who missed the majority of the year after an all-state season a year ago, has 29 carries for 351 yards and five TDs. He averages 12.1 yards per carry. Rinehart provides 336 yards and four TDs with an 8.4 average per carry. When the Quarriers go to the air, they look for Weston Hansen, who has six receptions for 66 yards and three TDs. They have been dominated in the first half by tallying 297 points to just 73 for their opponents. In its Nov. 5 semifinal win over Tea Area, the Quarriers exploded for 512 rushing yards. All-state performer Tanner Munk leads the defense with 61.5 tackles, including nine TFLs, a sack, five pass breakups and three forced fumbles. Hansen has a team-high five interceptions and a TD return. Bryce Koch has team-best 10.5 TFLs, two forced fumbles and two sacks.

Coach: Steve Hansen, 113-61, .649.

Playoffs: defeated Milbank, 56-29, first round; over Chamberlain, 47-0; beat Tea Area, 41-13.

Titles: 2. Won 11A in 2010 (55-20 over Harrisburg); and 2008 (34-6 over Winner).

Keys: Dell Rapids will feature a powerful rushing attack, directed by the elusive Channing Barber. Zachary Barber provides the speed and with the return of Langer, this team can be a hard group to stop. White and Rinehart provide two more offensive weapons that hasn't been stopped all season. Defensively, the Quarriers have shown some vulnerability to big plays, both by pass and rush. However, the Quarriers have almost always answered a big play by striking fast on their own. If Dell Rapids doesn't commit turnovers, they will be very difficult to stop.

Things to Think About: In the last nine games the two 11A powerhouses have met, West Central owns a 5-4 edge. However, Dell Rapids has won three straight and four of the last five encounters, including twice in the playoffs. Earlier this year, Dell Rapids defeated West Central, 35-18. A year ago, Dell Rapids won the regular season encounter, 37-22, and defeated the Trojans, 32-26, in the 11A semifinals.

Who Wins:  Dell Rapids has been the best team in 11A over the last two years. They are fast and powerful with the return of Langer. Look for West Central to stay with the Quarriers but we like Dell Rapids, 38-30.

11B Championship -- #5 McCook Central/Montrose (10-1) vs. #1 Tri-Valley (11-0), Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

McCook Central/Montrose Fighting Cougars

Notes: McCook Central/Montrose, which advanced to the state title game for the first time ever in 11-man, has been one of the real stories of the prep postseason. The Fighting Cougars have been impressive in its playoff run that includes wins over rival Flandreau, 28-7 - getting revenge on its only loss of the season (week 2, 10-7). Then they proceeded to knock off third-ranked Groton, 29-6; and upset #2 Winner, 28-7, on the road. In total, MC/M has an 85-20 scoring advantage over its playoff foes. This season, they have a 307 to 55 points differential with opponents. MC/M plays physical defense, led by all-state player Jordan Wolf who has 48 tackles and a pair of sacks. The defense has limited 11 opponents to 5.0 points per game. They have held teams to 89.5 yards rushing and 57.1 yards passing. Dominic Blindert has 99 tackles and four sacks with seven TFLs while Shayne Gottlieb has 66 tackles, five sacks and eight TFLs. Andy Kappenman has 84 tackles and 11 TFLs. On offense, this team is very much run-focused. They averaged 277.7 yards per game while adding 37.5 passing yards. Kappenman leads their ground attack with 1,477 yards on 166 carries and 20 TDs. Blindert has 818 yards on 138 carries and eight TDs. Gassman directs the offense and has 506 rushing yards on 118 carries and five scores. He has completed 28-of-59 passes for 412 yards and seven TDs with only two interceptions. Wolf has 10 receptions for 120 yards and three TDs.  There is no doubt of their intention, they will pound the rock as shown by its game-by-game  rushing totals: 46-249; 39-147; 34-268; 55-307; 32-206; 49-323; 33-252; 47-413; 63-375; 43-263; and 52-250. In total they have nine games with at least 250 yards rushing or better.

Coach: Ryan Evans, 18-11, .621.

Playoffs: defeated Flandreau, 28-7; upset #3 Groton, 29-6; upset #2 Winner, 28-7, semifinals.

Titles: First appearance.

Keys: This is a team that has shut down nearly every opponent, allowing no more than seven points in any of the playoff games. They have a potent rushing attack, keyed by Kappenman and Gassman. The defense has been stout and will give Tri-Valley some problems.

Tri-Valley Mustangs

Notes: The Mustangs, which will be in the title game for the fourth time in five seasons, are averaging 39.6 points per game and have outscored opponents, 436 to 106. Tri-Valley has relied on a powerful rushing attack that has produced 3,316 yards on 524 carries with 49 rushing TDs (62 total). Quarterback Brett Page leads the offense with 27 completions on 44 attempts for 571 yards and 13 TDs. He has 47 carries for 156 yards and six rushing TDs. Tri-Valley, which averages 301 rushing yards per game and 355.4 in total offense, has a deep and talented backfield led by Cooper Hausman with 130 carries for 809 yards and 10 TDs. Kyle Erickson has 103 carries for 530 yards and 10 TDs while Logan Koopman has 80 carries for 726 yards and six scores. Andrew Buchman has provided 447 yards and six TDs while Sam Mader has 259 rushing yards. The receiving corps is led by Kenton Welbig who has 14 catches for 258 yards and seven TDs. Key to the Mustangs' success has been an ability to grab a lead early. They have outscored opponents, 244 to 53 in the first half. In the playoffs, Tri-Valley has a commanding 129 to 33 scoring edge.

Coach: Brad McDonald, 71-34, .676..

Playoffs: Defeated Garretson, 34-14, first round; shut out Mobridge/Pollock, 47-0, quarterfinals; defeated St. Thomas More, 48-19, semifinals.

Titles: 2. Captured 11B titles in 2008 (41-3 over Groton); and 2007 (20-14 over Groton).

Keys: The Mustangs will pound the ball with a deep and talented backfield, led by Hausman and Erickson. Page has the ability to make plays in the air when needed, primarily to Welbig. Defensively, Tri-Valley is a dominant defensive team. This is a team that has defeated 11A #1 Dell Rapids on the road. With Thadd Johnson and Welbig, they will try and create confusion in the backfield and generate a rush.

Things to Think About: Tri-Valley has defeated McCook Central/Montrose in the playoffs in each of the past two seasons. A year ago, they won, 8-6, in a first round game. They also have a 27-13 win in 2008.

Who Wins: This will be undoubtedly a physical battle. Both teams have outstanding strength upfront and rely on powerful rushing attacks and defenses that don't give ground. Tri-Valley will complete the season unbeaten with a hard-fought 24-16 win over McCook Central/Montrose.

9B Championship -- #2 Avon (10-1) vs. #1 Waverly/South Shore (11-0), Friday, 11 a.m.

Avon Pirates

Notes: Avon, ranked #2, was the top-ranked team for the majority of the season before a loss to Corsica/Stickney at home dropped the Pirates in the polls. However, leave no doubt that Tom Culver's Avon team has been dominant with five shutouts on the season and eight games in which they have held opponents under 10 points. The Pirates have outscored opponents 438 to 95, including 128 to 22 in the playoffs. They are led by the standout quarterback Nick Poppe, who directs the triple option offense, which has produced 323 total yards per game, including 282.7 on the ground. Poppe has 62 carries for 309 yards and four TDs and is one of six players with at least 275 yards rushing. He has completed 27-of-63 passes for 328 yards with six TDs and just four interceptions. In the backfield, Jackson Powers has been outstanding with 115 carries for 1,048 yards with 18 TDs. He has stepped up in the playoffs by generating 235 yards and five TDs against Dell Rapids St. Mary in the quarterfinals and 175 yards and two scores in the semifinal win on the road against Harding County. Duffy Ducheneaux has 81 carries for 668 yards and 14 TDs. Wyatt Beeson has provided 52 carries for 349 yards and five TDs while Brady Kocmich has 36 carries for 283. Devin Tolsma can cause some problems and has 56 carries for 278 yards and five TDs. Luke VanGerpen has 16 receptions for 204 yards and six TDs. His TD reception from Powers provided the edge in a win over Hansen in week 2. Eight times he has caught a pass that produced a first down. Powers leads the team on defense with 103 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries and a pick. Tolsma has 88 stops while VanGerpen has 10 tackles for loss. Poppe has added three interceptions and a fumble recovery.

Coach: Tom Culver, 130-34, .793.

Playoffs: defeated Estelline, 48-6; over Dell Rapids St. Mary, 42-6; and defeated Harding County, 38-8.

Titles: 4. Won 9A in 2008 (37-8 over Gettysburg), 2004 (36-20 over Doland/Conde), 2002 (44-32 over Gettysburg). Won 9B in 2005 (40-14 over Montrose).

Keys: Avon features a triple option offense, coordinated by quarterback Poppe, one of the best signal callers in 9B. They have a potent backfield with Ducheneaux, Beeson, Tolsma and Powers.Van Gerpen provides an outside threat. Plus don't underestimate the coaching prowess of Culver. He has significant success leading his teams to victories in the championship game. He may have a gadget play or two for the Coyotes.

Waverly/South Shore Coyote

Notes: This is the first time that the top-ranked Waverly/South Shore squad has ever advanced into the championship. The Coyotes have won every game this season by at least 26 points, including its three playoff games. W/SS has had a 158-23 scoring advantage in the playoffs and is the highest scoring team in 9B with 610 points while allowing just 118. W/SS averages 55.5 points per game with an offense that averaged 219.2 rushing yards and 178.8 passing yards per game. They have eight games or more of 50 points or higher and five with 60 or more. During one four-game span, W/SS scored 258 points (Sept. 23 to Oct. 14). Quarterback Taylor Zemlicka leads the offense with 45 combined TDs (109 in his career). He has completed 115-of-174 passes for 1,954 yards and only nine interceptions. Zemlicka also has 67 carries for 520 yards and 16 TDs. His twin brother, Tyson, is Taylor's primary target. He has 41 catches for 687 yards and 19 total TDs (14 receiving). But beware of Sam Pond, who has 35 catches for 679 yards and seven TDs. Brent Zemlicka, a cousin to Taylor and Tyson, leads the ground game with 166 carries for 1,610 yards and 30 combined TDs (25 rushing). He also has 234 yards receiving. Zemlicka has seven games rushing over 100 yards and four over 200 (287, 263, 228, 225, 122 and 131). A few career notes on the Zemlicka twins - Taylor has completed 346-of-593 passes for 5,462 yards and 71 TDs with 31 interceptions. He also has 325 rushes for 1,408 yards and 38 TDs, which gives him a combined 109 TDs for his career at W/SS. His brother, Tyson, has 9-man records of 140 receptions for 2,406 yards and 34 TDs.

Coach: Billy Kirch, 11-0, 1.000.

Playoffs: defeated Grant-Deuel, 60-0; beat Hitchcock-Tulare, 46-6; and rolled past Viborg/Hurley, 52-17.

Titles: None.

Keys: The Coyotes used a nearly identical pass/run balance to rack up massive point totals and also feature a dominating defense that stifles opponents.

Things to Think About: This sets up to be one of the best 9B matchups. W/SS offers a balanced attack led by the Zemlicka brothers. Avon's triple option offense is explosive and with its outstanding speed and Culver's success in championships, makes for a dream matchup. Both teams can score and we believe they will.

Who Wins: Waverly/South Shore has been dominant all season but they will be severely tested by the Pirates. Despite their inexperience at this level, the talent is evident on this W/SS squad. We believe that W/SS is the best team in 9B and will win its first title with a 38-34 win over Avon. However, this game may well hinge on what team has the ball last.

9A Championship -- #3 Wall (11-0) vs. #1 Canistota (11-0), Friday, 2:30 p.m.

Wall Eagles

Notes: Third-ranked Wall, who is back in the finals for the third time (1990, 1994), has a 371-145 scoring advantage this season. In the playoffs, the margin is 76 to 38. Led by outstanding running back Chavis Shull, Wall has rolled up 3,476 yards on the ground on 491 carries or 7.08 per tote. The Eagles rely heavily on Shull, who is the only back in South Dakota with 2,000 rushing yards. He has gone for 2,043 yards on 232 carries with 29 combined TDs. He also has 279 yards receiving and five scores. This season Shull has 10 games over 100 yards and five games over 200 (178, 188, 218, 220, 189, 226, 221, 90, 203, 180 and 130). In their semifinal win, Shull had 130 yards rushing and quarterback Lane Blasius converted a 20-yard TD reception on fourth down with 6:30 to play to help lift Wall past Corsica/Stickney. Blasius has completed 21-of-55 passes for 355 yards and seven TDs with just six interceptions. Tyler Trask has also been a solid performer in the rushing game with 112 carries for 808 yards and nine TDs. He averages 7.21 yards per carry. On defense,  Jess Williams has 118 tackles and two sacks to lead a stingy group. Trask has 96 tackles and Shull, 84.

Coach: Dennis Rieckman, 99-67, .596.

Playoffs: defeated Lyman, 34-8, first round; over Irene/Wakonda, 20-16, quarterfinals; and edge Corsica/Stickney, 20-14, semifinals.

Titles: Two. Won 9B titles in 1990 (28-16 over Northwestern) and 1994 (defeated Estelline, 26-16).

Keys: A year ago, Wall lost a first-round game, 29-6 to Sully Buttes but this year, the Eagles have negotiated an 11-0 season and will return to the DakotaDome for the first time since 1994. They are 2-1 in title tilts but they are matched up with unbeaten and top-ranked Canistota. They need to establish Shull and the rushing attack. While they have the capacity to make big plays through the air, the ground game is the squad's bread and butter.

Canistota Hawks

Notes: Canistota, the 9A #1 ranked team, owns the state's longest winning streak at 23 games. This season, they own a 554 to 55 scoring advantage over its opponents. The Hawks have scored 48 points or more 10 times and broken the 50 points mark seven times. In the past 23 games, Canistota has a 1,181 to 93 point differential over opponents. In that period, they have 21 games over 40 points, 16 of 50 or more and three over 60. During the 2011 playoffs, Canistota has outscored opponents, 150-0. Counting 2010, Canistota has shut out six opponents and own a 380 to 8 scoring margin against its vanquished foes. When the Hawks defeated the defending 9A champions, Hanson (for the second time this year), 42-0, in the semifinals, they broke their own run of seven straight games with at least 50 points or more. This year's team is led by one of the candidates for player of the year in Cody Bunger, who has rushed 75 times for 1,031 yards and 14 TDs. He has completed 46-of-81 passes for 765 yards and 16 TDs with just one interception. He has four games over 100 yards rushing and a high of 256 in the regular season win over Hansen. Alex Robertson has 129 carries for 954 yards and 10 TDs with eight receptions for 135 yards and four TDs. Troy Hofer has rushed for 14 TDs with 795 yards on 109 carries. Trevor Schroeder is the primary receiver with 25 catches for 411 yards and eight TDs. The Hawks average 50.4 points per game and 290.8 rushing yards and 69.5 passing yards per game. 

Coach: Lenny Schroeder, 105-66, .614.

Playoffs: defeated Chester, 56-0, first round; over Herreid/Selby, 52-0, quarterfinals; rolled past Hanson, 42-0, semifinals.

Titles: 1. 9B title in 2010 (defeated Hitchcock/Tulare, 66-0).

Keys: Establish ground game, utilizing Bunger, Hofer and Robertson, or whomever Schroeder puts in the backfield. This is a deep and talented team that focuses its attack on the ground but has the propensity to make plays through the air or with special teams and defense. Bunger has connected with Schroeder for a number of big passing plays this year.

Things to Think About: It is refreshing to see Wall back in the Dome for the first time in 17 years. However, they are going against Canistota, which has a 23-game winning streak. The Hawks have a powerful rushing attack and a shutdown defense. Wall has had an outstanding season, led by the 2,000-yard back Shull.

Who Wins: While Wall has an outstanding team, Canistota is the best 9-man football team in South Dakota. They will continue to roll with a 44-12 win over Wall.

9AA Championship -- #2 Kimball/White Lake (9-2) vs. #1 Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan (10-1), Friday, 7:30 p.m.

Kimball/White Lake WildKats

Notes: The WildKats are led by running backs Trevor Reinesch and Jacob Kirsch, both 1,000-yard rushers. Reinesch has 147 carries for 1,047 yards and 18 combined TDs. He also has 11 catches for 183 yards. Kirsch has a team-high 1,077 yards on 165 carries with 16 total TDs (12 by rush). Seth Carsten has added 405 yards on 85 carries and seven TDs. Jess Taylor, the son of coach Dale Taylor, has rushed 73 times for 209 yards and four TDs. He has completed 52-of-102 passes for 874 yards and 14 TDs. His primary target has been Kyle Peters with 23 receptions for 475 yards and four scores. This season the WildKats own a 397 to 232 scoring advantage over its opponents and have won four straight games since a 42-14 loss to BEE. K/WL, ranked second in 9AA, has a 119 to 48 scoring edge in the playoffs. Defensively, Reinesch leads the way with 87 tackles and three interceptions with Kirsch providing 80 stops along with a sack and pick. Hunter Dykes has 52 tackles. Fullback Zack Soulek will be a big addition after missing seven games due to injury. K/WL has two players in the game who are sons of coaches. Along with Taylor is Philip Schroeder, the son of assistant coach Bob Schroeder, who is a offensive and defensive lineman.

Coach: Dale Taylor, 137-76, .643.

Playoffs: defeated Andes Central, 46-6; Gettysburg/Hoven, 31-14; and Deubrook Area, 42-28.

Titles: 5 - 3 as Kimball and 2 as Plankinton/White Lake. This is the first year of the Kimball/White Lake co-op. As Kimball, team won 9A in 2001 (76-28 over Gettysburg). Captured 9B titles in 2004 (42-18 over Selby) and 2003 (24-21 over Grant-Deuel). As Plankinton/White Lake won 9AA title in 2002 (26-16) over DeSmet and 9A title n 1996 (22-14 over Wakonda/Gayville-Volin).

Keys: Kimball/White Lake likes to establish its running game led by Reinesch and Kirsch, who has a 300-yard rushing game this season. They also feature Taylor behind center, a quarterback that has made a number of big plays. Defensively, they need to find a way to stop the explosive BEE rushing game while asserting its own rushing attack. Those keys will be vital to its ultimate success.

Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan Seahawks

Notes: BEE, which will make its eighth title appearance, has outscored three playoff opponents, 164-22. Overall this season, they own a 512 to 134 advantage over its 11 opponents. The Seahawks averaged 46.5 points per game and limit opponents to 12.2. They have accumulated 3,766 rushing yards or 342.2 per game. Opponents have just 166.6 yards on the ground per game. Already this season, they have scored 50 or more points six times. This powerful BEE attack is led by Kendall Lindeman, who has 186 carries for 1,790 yards and 26 combined TDs (25 rushing). With a big game, he could become the second 2,000-yard rusher in South Dakota this season (Chavis Shull, Wall). In addition, Anthony Huber has 155 carries for 1,271 yards and 17 TDs. Quarterback Jace Connor has rushed 49 times for 238 yards with three TDs and completed 37-of-54 passes for 348 yards and nine scores. Ryan Hanks has 12 receptions for 118 yards and five TDs.  Seth Wethor has been a dynamic performer with 12 catches for 100 yards and two TDs and three punt return TDs plus one kick return for a score. He is averaging 15.4 yards per punt return and 37.9 on kickoff returns.

Coach:  Jeff Van Leur, 205-93, 688.

Playoffs: defeated Gregory, 68-16, first round; beat Howard, 46-6, quarterfinals; upended Leola/Frederick, 50-0, semifinals.

Titles: 5. Won 9AA titles in 2010 (48-34, over Viborg/Hurley); 2007, Emery/Ethan defeated Gregory, 33-14; 2003, Emery/Ethan over Northwestern/Cresbard, 51-13; 2001, Emery/Ethan over Harding County, 20-6; 9B - Bridgewater, 1981, over Colome, 6-0).

Keys: BEE will pound the ball at K/WL with Lindeman and Huber, a two-headed rushing monster this year. No one has really stopped BEE, not even Canistota, whom BEE lost to 34-26 in week two.

Things to Think About: This is a rematch of the Oct. 7 game at Kimball which BEE won, 42-14. However, Kimball/White Lake was down only 22-14 at halftime before the Seahawks put the game away with a 20-point third quarter. Lindeman had 124 yards and two TDs while Huber added 144 yards rushing and two rushing scores. Overall, BEE had 289 yards on the ground while holding K/WL to 137 on 41 carries. This is the only title game featuring teams that both have two 1,000-yard rushers on their teams. Success for both teams will hinge on what RB tandem (Reinesch and Hirsch of K/WL or Lindeman and Huber of BEE) has more success. We believe it will be BEE.

Who Wins: BEE has been 9AA's best team all year. Look for the Seahawks to make it two straight titles and six overall. Expect Kimball/White Lake to keep the game close for a half but then the Seahawks will turn it on and take a 42-18 win.

11AA Championship– #2 Sioux Falls Washington (9-2) vs. #1 Sioux Falls Roosevelt (10-1), Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Sioux Falls Washington Warriors

Notes: Washington has advanced to its fifth straight title game, which is unmatched by any other AA school in history. They will also try for a third straight title, which would also be unprecedented in 11AA. With eight straight wins, the Warriors are hot. The defense has really stepped up, allowing just 14 points total in two playoff games. They own a 66 to 14 overall scoring advantage against two opponents in the playoffs. They rolled up a 152-7 advantage a year ago in the playoffs and now have a 218-21 scoring margin over seven playoff opponents in the last two seasons. They have not allowed more than seven points in any of its last seven playoff games. This season, Washington, which has a 392 to 146 scoring margin over opponents, and is outgaining opponents, 346.2 yards to 231.8 yards in total offense. The Warriors rush for 204 yards per game and pass for 141.8 while holding foes to 89.1 per game on the ground and 143 through the air. Davonte Clay leads the ground attack with 225 carries for 1,377 yards and 20 total TDs. Cameron Thomas has 29 carries for 286 yards and two TDs. Sam Cooke has added 210 yards and a TD. Quarterback Jon Hander directs the Washington offense and has 64 carries for 111 yards and eight scores while completing 100 of 169 passes for 1,555 yards and 14 TDs with just seven interceptions. Wide receiver Nate Gerry has 10 total TDs, including eight by receiving on 30 receptions for 536 yards. Keyen Lage has 25 catches for 436 yards and five scores. The Warriors also have a weapon in kicker Alex Aesoph, who has made 4-of-7 field goals with a long of 38. He is 50-of-51 on extra points.  On defense, linebacker Devon O'Farrell has 85 tackles, nine TFLs and two sacks. Austin Benton has 61 tackles with eight TFLs and four interceptions.

Coach: Brian Hermanson, 70-15, .824.

Playoffs: earned first-round bye; defeated Mitchell, 24-7, quarterfinals; beat Lincoln, 42-7.

Titles: Two playoff titles (2010, 33-7 over SF O'Gorman; 2009, 27-10 over Aberdeen Central), 35 mythical titles. They have 37 overall championships.

Keys: Washington will try and pound the ball and rely on a shutdown defense that has put the clamps on foes in the playoffs. Hander has had a big season as the starting quarterback, continuing to grow as a leader. Clay is a bulldozing back with breakaway speed. He will carrying the rush load against Roosevelt. With Gerry and Lage, the Warriors have two receivers that can make big plays in key moments. O'Farrell and Austin Benson lead a stout defense.

Sioux Falls Roosevelt Rough Riders

Notes: Roosevelt has been the most consistent team in 11AA all season, rolling to a 10-1 record. The Rough Riders, which own a 419 to 157 scoring advantage over its opponents, have championship pedigree (two titles) but face a hot Washington team. Roosevelt struggled in a 38-37 win over Brandon Valley in the quarterfinals. They overcame a 13-point deficit and won on Derek Granum's clutch 22-yard field goal in the final seconds. In the semifinals, they exorcised some demons by defeating rival O'Gorman, 23-16, as they held off a late charge by the Knights. It was Roosevelt's second win over O'Gorman this year. Coach Kim Nelson, who formerly led the Washington program, has guided Roosevelt back to the DakotaDome. This is his first title appearance as a head coach. Still, Roosevelt will be a tough nut to crack with its explosive spread offense directed by Scott Tyler, who has completed 151-of-222 passes for 2,100 yards, 22 TDs and just five interceptions. He has rushed 88 times for 243 yards and four TDs. The ground attack is led by three players, including Mikal Smith, who is back after being injured. Smith has 57 carries for 375 yards and four TDs. Justin Warne has 65 carries for 324 yards and five TDs and 22 receptions for 268 yards and a TD. He has also thrown a TD pass. Andrew Smith is a dynamic player and has 43 carries for 273 yards and six TDs with 31 receptions for 358 yards and five scores. In addition, Seth Bjordal has contributed 42 carries for 176 yards and a TD. Out wide, the Rough Riders have one of the state's most explosive receivers in Josh Angulo. He has caught 44 passes for 848 yards and 11 TDs while Lucas Wilbur has added 19 catches for 291 yards and a pair of TDs. Granum is one of the state's best kickers and has made 37-of-41 extra points and 10-of-12 field goals.

Coach: Kim Nelson, 27-7 (.794) @ Roosevelt; 217-121 (.640) overall. No playoff titles.

Playoffs: earned first-round bye; defeated Mitchell, 24-7, quarterfinals; beat Lincoln, 42-7.

Titles: Two playoff titles (2007, over SF Washington, 28-24; 2006, 28-21 over Sioux Falls O'Gorman).

Keys: The Rough Riders could be a dangerous team in the Dome, operating out of its spread, led by Tyler. After a rough outing against BV, the defense rebounded against O'Gorman and looked like the squad that was the best in 11AA for most of the season. The Rough Riders have a talented backfield. If they are over their injuries could cause problems for a Washington defense that has been tough in recent weeks.

Things to Think About: In the regular season finale, Washington spoiled Roosevelt's bid for an undefeated season with a 34-29 decision. Since 2004, Roosevelt and Washington have played nine times, including in the 2007 playoffs when the Rough Riders claimed a 28-24 decision. In those nine games, Roosevelt has won five of nine. However, Washington has won the last four games by scores of 34-29, 21-3, 32-10 and 10-0, or an overall scoring margin of 97-42. From 2004-07, Roosevelt claimed wins by 28-0 (2004); 26-21 (2005), 48-7 (2006) and 24-17 and 28-24 (2007). Roosevelt owns an overall scoring advantage of 196 to 164. In title tilts, Washington is 2-2 and Roosevelt, 2-1.

Who Wins: Washington, the hottest team in 11AA since opening 1-2, have won eight straight games. Before the season, Pigskin Preview projected Washington to win a third title. It is a tough call but we stay with that choice. Warriors will pound Clay and use a couple of big passing plays to hold off Roosevelt, 28-23, and win a third straight title. Look for this game to be decided in the final five minutes.