TOP 5
#1 Pierre Governors
2020 Season: 9-2, State Champions
Week 1 Results: L 56-20 @ Harrisburg
From the first game of the season, I think we learned 1 thing more than any other: Harrisburg is really really good. The Governors showed high points throughout the whole game, and with just a few things to clean up, the loss told us that Pierre has the pieces to create a standout season.
The Governors have Lincoln Kienholz leading the way this season, and he impressed versus Harrisburg by throwing for 280 yards and 3 touchdowns. Jack Merwan was a top target and will continue to impress this season, while Cade Kaiser, oh my goodness was that catch amazing?!
All in all, Pierre will be Pierre and the Governors will be just fine.
#2 Brookings Bobcats
2020 Season: 11-1, State Runner-Ups
Week 1 Results: L 47-21 vs. Tea Area
If there was one word that most described the Bobcats on Friday was “uncomfortable.”
They just never seemed to find a rhythm in the game, and looked a little unsure on defense. Now, it’s week 1 and mistakes happen, so I wouldn’t be too worried about the team; they just need to be more comfortable and trust they are a really good team.
Hunter Gray is going to continue to be a strong option on the ground for Brookings, and QB Jaxon Bowes is a good leader as well. The biggest difference is that Tea Area scored off turnovers, and Brookings did not. Simple as that.
Don’t be surprised if the Bobcats come out against Douglas with a little fire.
#3 Yankton Bucks
2020 Season: 9-2
Week 1 Results: W 41-2 vs. Huron
Well, it really couldn’t have gone much better for the Bucks in Week 1. Junior QB Rugby Ryken got a start under his belt as playing part-time under center last year. He has a slew of passing targets to choose from in the likes of Tyler Sohler, Cameron Zarbock, and Cody Oswald, who all caught touchdown passes on Friday. This receiving group is the top in the state and with a QB like Ryken, defenses are going to have some big trouble covering all 3.
The defense was also strong, with an interception from Jaden Supergeci. Overall, though, I think the Bucks success will come through the air, and the passing game could bring them to the dome.
#4 Tea Area Titans
2020 Season: 11-0, 11A State Champions
Week 1 Results: W 47-21 @ Brookings
Wow! My initial thoughts coming in to this season was that the Titans were the #1 team in the state. That’s a bold statement for some newcomers, but I felt as though Tea Area lived up to the hype in Week 1.
The option offense they ran with Cael Lundin will be a threat all season. Stopping the option is all about discipline and it’s not something you can just learn to stop in a week. So if opposing team want to stop it, they are going to just need talented players, something not easy to come by.
Either way, this offense is an absolute threat and is about to give opposing coaches headaches.
#5 Watertown Arrows
2020 Season: 2-6, 11AAA
Week 1 Results: W 38-18 @ Sturgis
There wasn’t much better start to the season then a 20-point win on the road. But the Arrows still have work to do if they want to compete with the top dawgs.
Senior QB Drew Norberg will try to lead the Arrows to that success, and was 9-16 with 205 yards and 3 touchdowns in his first varsity start. Norberg is a solid athlete who also excels at basketball, so don’t be surprised if the transition to QB is smooth. Juven Hudson will be the top carrier this season, but look for more of him in the air then necessarily on the ground.
Watertown is going to be an interesting team to follow this season, so keep an eye out for a big upset soon.
RECEIVING VOTES
Aberdeen Central Golden Eagles
2020 Season: 3-5, 11AAA
Week 1 Results: W 49-0 vs. Douglas
Well, Week 1 went about as well as it could for Aberdeen Central. The transition to 11AA should be easy for the school. Karson Carda was excellent in the game, rushing for 2 touchdowns and QB Sam Rohlfs looked comfortable throwing for 164 yards and three touchdowns. I think the Golden Eagles are going to be a lot better than they look on paper this season, so be a little patient as Central gains some hype.
Mitchell Kernels
2020 Season: 3-7
Week 1 Results: W 28-7 vs. Spearfish
The Kernels defense looked solid and more disciplined then most of the teams that we saw on Friday, and that could be a key for Mitchell. They nearly got their first shutout since 2017, and if the offense can stay on the field a little longer, the Kernels could really excel in some defensive-minded battles.
Sturgis Scoopers
2020 Season: 5-5
Week 1 Results: L 38-18 vs. Watertown
Owen Cass was solid in the game, throwing for 208 yards and 2 touchdowns while Gavin Lightenberg is going to be the top WR option this season. Also expect Sturgis to also use Konnor Bendt in a couple dozen runs each week, as he rushed for 80 yards on 18 carries in game 1.
The Scoopers are going to make some solid improvements this season, and Sturgis could be a team that sneaks in a couple really good wins this season.
Huron Tigers
2020 Season: 5-6
Week 1 Results: L 41-2 @ Yankton
The Tigers really struggled to get much going after the first quarter, though backup QB Mason Davis nearly brought Huron into the score column.
The defense had the only score with the safety off a hold, but if the Tigers want to crack the Top-5, they are going to have to get the offense going.
THE FIELD
Douglas Patriots
2020 Season: 1-8
Week 1 Results: L 49-0 @ Aberdeen Central
One of the tougher parts of the Patriots situation is you just don’t know who they are going to have year-in-and-year-out. It’s going to take time to gel together and once the offense starts clicking, who knows the ceiling for Douglas.
Spearfish Spartans
2020 Season: 0-9
Week 1 Results: L 28-0 @ Mitchell
The game on Friday didn’t go as well as they wanted, but it’s a long season, so don’t expect the Spartans to be out of it yet.
