All times listed are Central Time Zone.
11AAA
#1 Lincoln (10-0) vs #4 BV (7-3)
Projection:
Lincoln (13.04)
I’ve been thinking a while on this game.
On one hand, Lincoln is putting together arguably the most dominant season in history.
On the other hand, BV has some guys.
I feel like the Lynx haven’t quite fired on all cylinders yet this season, but they are right there. If they put it together tonight, I think they have the talent to land some punches against Lincoln.
If it gets to that point, it’s all about how the Pats respond. They really haven’t had to fight this year with their back to the ropes, but then again that’s a testament to them.
Their receiving corps, lead by Jack Smith and Isaac Jarovski, is so dangerous, and Tate Shafer has been excellent all season as the signal caller.
Add in USD commit Dreavin Hodge in the backfield and you can see why they have dominated this season.
I’m not going against the Pats here, as this is their game to lose. But I am excited to see a challenge from the visiting Lynx.
Location: Howard Wood Field
Time: 6:00 P.M.
#2 Harrisburg (8-2) vs #3 O’Gorman (8-2)
Projection:
O’Gorman (4.31)
Okay, this is going to be a fun one.
I don’t even really know who I would personally put my faith in to win this one, as the teams are so similar in their mindset (always go with the computer). They know their game plan well, and they execute.
It’s tough to look at that early season loss to Jefferson if you are Harrisburg. The Tigers are the only team who has played with Lincoln, and we saw a gritty performance against the Knights last time they played.
Speaking of the Knights, I am surprised they did not beat the Tigers the first time. Surprised because they were driving really well and then it felt like everything collapsed on them all at once in every aspect of the game.
I don’t think we are going to see that this time. It was a good learning experience and my guess is, they will end up in a similar situation late in this one. And just as the computer projects, this battle in Harrisburg is going to come down to how much the Knights learned from their last matchup with the Tigers.
Location: Harrisburg High
Time: 6:00 P.M.
11AA
#1 Pierre (9-1) vs #4 Watertown (7-3)
Projection:
Pierre (12.78)
On paper, this looks like a solid Govs victory.
But I’ll tell you what, the Arrows are playing their best football at the moment.
I think Watertown has really focused as of late on getting Juven Hudson the football, and they have the physicality up front to make things happen. To be honest, I think the Arrows game plan might be to give him the ball every snap.
Therefore, this game might be close on the account of a limited number of possessions.
Or it might not be at all.
Pierre is #1 for a reason. They have the defense, as well as the offensive firepower. Their scheme is tremendous and I’m not sure if anyone can lineup with Jett Zabel. He’s a headache for DCs and if you decide to go man coverage, Pierre has the athletes to win 1v1 battles (see the end of the Yankton game)
If the Govs can make stops and control the ground game, this one might be over fast. but if the Arrows can keep the sticks moving every 3rd play, we could see something interesting happen at Hollister Field.
Location: Hollister Field
Time: 6:00 P.M.
#2 Yankton (9-1) vs #3 Tea Area (7-3)
Projection:
Yankton (1.56)
My very first thought about this game was this:
If you don’t bring your A game, you are going to lose.
It’s really as simply as that.
I truly think that Tea is going to bring their best game to Yankton. The Titans always seem prepared in the playoffs and they have the quiet confidence that they’ve been there before.
They also got punched in the mouth by the Bucks earlier this season, and they know what they have to do.
However, I think this game will be based on the Bucks and what they do. If they bring their best game, I believe they will win this (as does the computer).
Yankton has some great athletes in the backfield while I’ve also been impressed by the defensive performances they have put together. But their biggest highlight is their grit.
This is a squad that isn’t going to back down from the fight, especially if Tea goes up early. The Bucks can win this game if they stay cool and collected.
Meanwhile, how do I believe Tea can win this?
Big plays.
When you have a guy like Ethan Vis on special teams, you add in an element that gives Tea firepower at all three levels. The Titans could break off a big play at any moment, and while I think momentum is less of a factor against the Bucks than any team in the state, Tea could jump out to a quick lead and sustain it with strong defensive effort and a slow offensive game plan.
Overall, the computer has the Bucks favored in this one, but make no mistake, this game should come down to the final seconds!
Location: Crane-Youngworth Field
Time: 7:00 P.M.
11A
#1 Dell Rapids (10-0) vs #4 SFC (8-2)
Projection:
Dell Rapids (13.23)
I think this is a better game than what might be played from the media.
Dells is a good football team but so is SFC. I’ve seen a lot of football this season, and the Chargers always seem to find themselves on the positive side of every close game.
I think if they want to win this, they will need to do it through the air. I’m expecting them to throw big punches early on and look to see if any of them land.
As for Dells, they just need to do what they do. The Quarriers backfield is second to none in the class, and the line has been great all season. Controlling the ground means controlling the clock, so the Chargers are going to have an uphill battle in this one.
Location: Dell Rapids High
Time: 7:00 P.M.
#2 West Central (9-1) vs #6 Lennox (6-4)
Projection:
West Central (13.86)
Okay Lennox, I see you!
The computer has been a little bit of a hater towards the Orioles but here they are in the semis. It was a little surprising considering they had lost three in a row coming into the playoffs, but hey, you win or you learn!
Since obviously they’ve learned some things, this game is going to be different than the last time these teams faced. West Central comes in as the strong favorites, and they are going to be a gauntlet to get through for any team, but I’ve seen crazier things happen (I’m looking at you 9B).
Keep an eye on this one.
Location: Uttecht Stadium
Time: 7:00 P.M.
11B
#1 Winner (10-0) vs #4 EP-J (9-1)
Projection:
Winner (10.35)
I love rematches.
But I love rematches more at the Dome.
And if I didn’t love the other side of the bracket so much, I might have hated this game being played in Winner.
But I don’t.
First, I want to give credit to the culture of both teams. Winner is unquestionably the best team in the state and they deserve to host. EP-J has proven that their culture is here to stay and this game could be a hallmark that a new dynasty has arrived.
So travel, the Huskies must.
After all, how can you take someone’s throne if you’ve never entered their castle?
And while all that wordplay sets the stage for my favorite semifinal matchup, let’s not forget that no matter what happens, is pretty darn impressive both teams made it to this point.
Location: Winner High
Time: 7:00 P.M.
#6 Hot Springs (9-1) vs #10 RCC (8-2)
Projection:
Hot Springs (16.81)
WE GOT WEST RIVER PLAYOFF FOOTBALL!!
For the record, I see these two as some of the best teams in the state and the rankings have shown that.
These are two fun teams to watch and I’m pumped for either squad to make the state championship. I think it’s huge for the region, and the parity is great for the sport…
LETS DO THIS!!!!!
Location: Woodward Field
Time: 7:00 P.M.
9AA
#1 Parkston (10-0) vs #4 Hamlin (9-1)
Projection:
Parkston (12.87)
9AA has been incredible this season. In fact, I think it really damages the argument that we should go to two classes in 9-man, as this class is so stacked.
I do have a solution for that, but in the meantime, let’s just appreciate the games we have tonight. And this one is going to be good!
Parkston is Parkston and they have unquestionably been the best team in the state this season. In fact, I have them as the best 9-Man team period.
But I don’t want to sleep on Hamlin either. The Chargers have put together a tremendous season and they are going to give the Trojans a fight.
Location: Parkston High
Time: 7:00 P.M.
#2 Platte-Geddes (9-1) vs #3 Howard (9-1)
Projection:
Howard (9.94)
After looking through our polls, it seems that the public has the Tigers as favorites.
The computer has the Tigers as favorites.
However, this isn’t the first time P-G has played the underdog. If you don’t remember, the Black Panthers went to Viborg-Hurley in 2020 and pulled off the upset against one of the most talented teams this state has seen in a while.
So yeah, I’m not going to sleep on Brad Hanson and co. If anyone has a chance at an upset in 9-Man, it’s these guys.
Location: Platte-Geddes Athletic Complex
Time: 7:00 P.M.
9A
#1 Warner (10-0) vs #4 Canistota (8-2)
Projection:
Warner (7.60)
I absolutely love this matchup. Warner is a force to be reckoned with and Canistota has the resume of a state champion team
It stinks to see the two best teams in the rankings meet in the semifinals, but that’s how it goes sometimes.
Location: Warner High
Time: 7:00 P.M.
#3 Philip (10-0) vs #7 Deubrook Area (7-3)
Projection:
Philip (5.10)
WEST RIVER FOOTBALL!!!
Okay, maybe I’m not so sad.
This is a great opportunity for Philip to step into the spotlight after a great season.
In my eyes, they earned my respect when they went into Wall and took down the Eagles. But a visit to the Dome would surely put their squad on the map.
But the Dolphins already took down one of the best teams in the state and they’ll be prepared for this trip…Get ready for an exciting matchup west of the Missouri River!
Location: Philip High
Time: 7:00 P.M.
9B
#1 Avon (8-2) vs #4 De Smet (8-2)
Projection:
De Smet (11.65)
I want to give a little shoutout to the Avon Pirates. First off, I don’t pick favorites, and for anyone asking, no I do not have a favorite team. Even though you might think I have, I literally do not.
So why the shoutout to the Pirates?
Well, I believe I wrote about this earlier, but Avon was the site of the first live game we ever covered. I got to see their passionate fanbase for the first time and I was able to truly experience what 9B football was like.
So good for them to make it this far.
Good for De Smet too, as I am not leaving the Bulldogs out. Even though they are the traveling team, the Bulldogs are a forced to be reckoned with.
For much of the season, Faulkton Area sat at a tier above everyone else. But De Smet slowly climbed their way to the top and reached a 200 Rank+
Location: Pirate Sports Complex
Time: 7:00 P.M.
#2 Faulkton Area (9-1) vs #11 Potter County (5-5)
Projection:
Faulkton Area (35.33)
If you’re looking for history this postseason, then look no further than the Potter County Battlers.
These guys are playing with a ton of heart right now. Their Head Coach, Vern Smith, is battling cancer, and this team has rallied around him.
It honestly gives you chills to think about a team doing what they have done. It should be noted that no team has every won a game in the playoffs when projected to lose by 5 touchdowns. But do you know has pulled off the two biggest playoffs upsets in our systems history?
The 2023 Potter County Battlers.
This is 9B.
Maybe nothing will happen.
But hey, anything can.
Location: Gary Cunningham Sports Complex
Time: 7:00 P.M.