11AAA
| #1 Jefferson (9-0) vs #4 Lincoln (7-3) |
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| Time: 6:00, Howard Wood |
| Projection: Jefferson by 17.05 |
This isn’t a game that is projected to be very close, but that doesn’t mean that is won’t be an exciting one. Lincoln has really found their stride as of late, putting up at least 30 points in their last 5 games. Both teams have a lot of options in the passing game, lead by QBs Taylen Ashley (SFJ) and Tate Schaefer (SFL).
Speaking of that incredible Cavs offense, Jefferson hasn’t scored less than 38 in any game this season, EXCEPT for one game…Sept. 10 against Lincoln. In the early slot, this is going to be a much watch game before the rest of the night begins.
| #2 O’Gorman (8-2) vs #3 Harrisburg (8-2) |
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| Time: 6:00, McEneaney Field |
| Projection: Harrisburg by 1.86 |
The last two time these teams player, OG got an unbelievable fumble recovery to secure the the home field advantage. I’m sure that play is still fresh in the mind of Harrisburg community, and they will certainly bring their best game. With Gavin Ross back, I expect to see him continue to take on a bigger role in this game then he did the last time these teams played. But he’s not the only star running back in this game, as Ryland Satter of OG has proved to be a menace in multiple aspects of the game.
11AA
| #1 Pierre (10-0) vs #4 Yankton (6-4) |
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| Time: 7:00, Hollister Football Field |
| Projection: Pierre by 19.11 |
If you want to talk about a team who is heating up, look no further than the Yankton Bucks. After back-to-back losses against Roosevelt and Aberdeen, Yankton has shifted gears on offense and not looked back. This game has the potential to be a lot closer than one might expect (or the computer) but it’s all going to depend on what Pierre can establish on offense, as their run game is more dangerous than what people might think.
Either way, I expect both teams to rely heavily on the pass game tonight.
| #2 Tea Area (9-1) vs #3 Aberdeen (6-4) |
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| Time: 7:00, Tea Area High |
| Projection: Tea Area by 24.00 |
If Pierre versus Yankton will be pass-heavy, expect this game to be the exact opposite. Tea has certainly impressed with their option offense this season, lead by Chase Van Tol. Aberdeen has also shown a solid running game as of date, and they are going to need to get it established quickly.
This game is going to be decided at the line, as Tea has a time consuming offense that forces teams to play their game.
11A
| #1 Dell Rapids (10-0) vs #4 SFC (7-3) |
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| Time: 7:00, Dell Rapids High |
| Projection: Dell Rapids by 0.41 |
The Quarriers have put up an impressive season, even more so as the only undefeated team in a class that anyone can win on any night. However, this is going to be their toughest matchup yet, as the Chargers have scored 40+ points the last three weeks.
Both teams will also be trying to reach the Dome for the first time since 2018, when SFC was still a Class B team.
| #2 West Central (9-1) vs #3 Beresford (8-2) |
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| Time: 7:00, Uttecht Stadium |
| Projection: West Central by 7.62 |
This game surely has some interesting storylines. Beresford was the Cinderella team last season, making a run to the semifinals in B as a double-digit seed. Now in A, the Watchdogs are hoping to repeat that magic tonight against the Trojans and reach the Dome for the first time since 1987.
As for West Central, anyone who has lived in this state knows of their historic run from 1996-2007, winning 10 championships. The Trojans have won one title since (2013), but they are poised to reach the Dome and start another run.
11B
| #1 Winner (10-0) vs #5 MC/M (9-1) |
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| Time: 6:00, Winner High |
| Projection: Winner by 10.42 |
In 33 games, Winner has yet to fall. They have taken down some great teams, including Beresford, B-E/E, West Central, and MV/P this season. Therefore, the Fighting Cougars are going to have their hands full with the Warrior’s option offense, though the computer has this game as much closer than people might expect.
| #3 EP-J (10-0) vs #7 Hot Springs (8-2) |
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| Time: 6:00, EP-J High |
| Projection: EP-J by 17.15 |
It’s been nearly 20 years since the Bison have made the Dome, while the Huskies have never reached the pinnacle in the 605. The Huskies were very close this last season, and destiny seems to be in their favor this year. The Bison, however, have quietly put together a great season, shutting out their opponent 5 times. In fact, Hot Springs has given up just one touchdown since Sept 16. EP-J, meanwhile has averaged 48.2 ppg.
What happens when an unstoppable offense meets an unbreakable defense? We are about to find out.
9AA
| #1 Wall (10-0) vs #4 Hamlin (9-1) |
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| Time: 6:30, Wall High |
| Projection: Wall by 11.72 |
If there was any team in the state that is hungry to reach the Dome, it’s the Wall Eagles. They have reached the semifinals in 2020 and 2021 without an appearance in Vermillion. Hamlin, however, reached in 2020 and are themselves ready to bring a ring back to a title-hungry town.
I think that the Bon Homme game was good prep for Wall. It was the toughest team they have played, and is a great reminder that teams are going to be bringing their best game west river this time of the year. Expect this one to be a smash-mouth battle between two great teams.
| #2 E-LB (10-0) vs #6 Parkston (9-1) |
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| Time: 7:00, Elkton Athletic Complex |
| Projection: Parkston by 7.99 |
The computer certainly hasn’t been kind to the Elks of E-LB, but they have continued to win week-in-and-week-out. Parkston, meanwhile, took down the defending champion Howard Tigers in dominant fashion last week and will come to the Elkton Athletic Complex with a battle-tested team.
9A
| #1 Warner (10-0) vs #4 HC/B (8-2) |
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| Time: 7:00, Warner High |
| Projection: Warner by 8.14 |
The Ranchers pulled off a miracle victory over Philip, and are hoping to continue that magic on the road against Warner. It’s going to be tough request to compete, as the Monarchs have outscored their opponents 206-38 over the last 4 weeks. This is certainly a game to keep your eye on, as both teams have showcased great offenses.
| #2 Lyman (9-1) vs #3 Gregory (9-1) |
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| Time: 7:00, Lyman High |
| Projection: Lyman by 9.91 |
This is a tale of two very different programs.
On one hands, Gregory has been a dominant recently, winning state championships in 2014, 2016, and 2017. Lyman, on the other hand, hasn’t reached the state finals since 1994.
This is expected to be a fun matchup, as Gregory has beaten some solid teams in Irene-Wakonda and Bon Homme, while Lyman has been absolutely dominant in the west river area with wins featuring Kadoka Area and Sully Buttes.
9B
| #1 H/SA (10-0) vs #12 Irene-Wakonda (5-5) |
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| Time: 6:00, Herreid High |
| Projection: H/SA by 27.95 |
There is certainly some unfinished business for the Wolverines in Vermillion, who lost last year to a tough Howard team in the 9A state championships. Outside of that game, they might have the most dominant resume in the 9-man.
Since their week 1 win over Timber Lake, the Wolverines haven’t scored less than 40 points the entire season, scoring at least 50 points 6 times, and reaching as high as 72 in a single game.
The Eagles will certainly bring some magic up to the north, as the only double-digit seed to reach the semifinal. Both of their wins in the playoffs have been electric, so let’s see if they can match that tonight.
| #2 Hitchcock-Tulare (10-0) vs #6 De Smet (7-3) |
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| Time: 7:00, Tulare |
| Projection: Hitchcock-Tulare by 9.65 |
The Patriots are well known for their tough run-first offense, and they have certainly used it effectively, averaging 52.3 points per game. They also have held other offense’s to 5.4 ppg. No team has really played close to the Patriots, but De Smet has been the closest, losing 34-12 on October 7th. This game looks to be even better.