Note, as we complete this series, we would love to include everyone that we can. However, with a lack of statistics input into Varsity Bound, it can be tough to find complete stats for every team. Therefore, we apologize for names we fail to include.
#1 Harrisburg
Wow! I’ve watched these guys play a couple times and they just look poised. I have been very impressed with the way they go about their business, and their understanding of the playbook is top notch. They also cruised through their first two victories against Pierre and O’Gorman, while winning 1 score games against Lincoln, Washington, and Roosevelt.
That is the sign of a good team, one that can win the very close games. And for as much credit as we want to give Jacob Knuth on the game winning touchdown against Roosevelt, the same amount of credit has to go to Lincoln Carlson for getting open and running the 70 yards.
The line looks strong as well, and the defense has been one of the top in the class. I was a little surprised that they were not unanimous selections at #1, but I’m sure some look at the close games and wonder if they are a play away from losing…I do not.
They will make a trip out to Rapid City this week in what should be a good victory, and keep an eye on those Oct. 15 (Jefferson) and Oct. 21 (Brandon Valley) games.
Next Game: @ RC Stevens
#2 Brandon Valley
I do wonder if Brandon Valley is slept on a little, but they are a solid defense team. I think when a team like Harrisburg has such a high-powered offense, it can be fun to watch, so more people do. But the Lynx have been getting the job done; giving up 10 points or less in 4 of their 5 matchups. The one game they didn’t was against Jefferson, who has a very high powered offense of their own.
And part of the reason the Lynx don’t score a ridiculous amount of points is simple: the run game.
Senior Peyton Eagan and Junior Payton Eagan are a two-headed monster in the backfield that will wear you down over and over again. No one in South Dakota controls the clock as well as Brandon Valley, and this will make for an exciting matchup against Harrisburg right before the playoffs. Will it be a low-scoring, run-the-ball game? Or will it be fast-paced Harrisburg moving down the field in just a few plays? Combination of both? I’m not sure, but it should be fun.
Next Game: @ #4 Lincoln
#3 Jefferson
The attitude and energy that I have seen from this team is probably unmatched. I don’t know if it’s just because they are a new team, or what, but man, they are much watch football. Taylen Ashley is great in his own right, and the defense is solid. Like really good.
The offense looked a little slower out in Rapid City than they did in Yankton, but when they catch fire, there isn’t much you can do. They almost seem be streaky in their scoring.
Griffin Wilde also had a great game against the Cobblers, and will be a strong option this season. Overall, I’m impressed with the on-field chemistry this team has. They are going to be challenged over the next 3 weeks, but for a first year program, the #3 spot is great!
Next Game: vs. Roosevelt
#4 Lincoln
There is so many good teams in Class 11AAA this year that I think it’s tough to say that Lincoln is a #4 team. But here we are, as their only loss is against #1 Harrisburg by a touchdown. And as much as I enjoy watching the teams ranked #1-3, you would be lying to yourself if you don’t think the Patriots have a shot at the dome.
This week is going to be a huge test for them on the road against #2 Brandon Valley, and if they win, I could easily see them being the #2 team. Heck, if they play them to a 1-touchdown game, then Lincoln should move up.
But even after that game, the Patriots are back at it against #3 Jefferson at Howard Wood. This team will have all the chances to prove themselves, so don’t be surprised if they do.
Next Game: vs. #2 Brandon Valley
#5 Washington
Records can be deceiving. The Warriors currently are 2-3 with losses against #1 Harrisburg, #2 Brandon Valley and #3 Jefferson. The Jefferson loss came first, by a 17-14 score, which with all the adrenaline of a new program, that’s just a tough loss. They then dominated RC Central by a score of 62-14, before answering with a 24-0 victory over O’Gorman.
The last two weeks though, have been heartbreaking: 29-23 loss on the road to #1 Harrisburg, and then a 17-10 loss on the road to #2 Brandon Valley. Also, who makes this schedule?! Brutal.
The Warriors are literally 16 points away from being the #1 team in the state. So don’t think these guys are that far behind anyone else. Class 11AAA is disgustingly tough at the top of the class, and the Warriors play benefit to the fact that they can learn from their losses. Be on the lookout…
Next Game: vs. Brookings
