The Canistota Hawks won their fourth state football title on Thursday as they defeated the Sully Buttes Chargers 56-8 in the 9A championship game at the Dakota Dome in Vermillion.
Sully Buttes got the ball to start the game, but three straight incompletions forced the Chargers to go three-and-out. Canistota then went 74-yards on their first possession of the game, and it was caped off with a 9-yard touchdown run by running back Jerad Nielsen. The two-point conversion was no good, and Canistota led Sully Buttes 6-0 with 6:06 to play in the first quarter.
The Chargers again went three-and-out on their next drive, and the Hawks would once again capitalize. Canistota quarterback Shay Jolley found receiver Drew Seubert wide open for a 16-yard scoring connection. Again, the two-point conversion was no good, but with 2:02 to play in the first quarter – the hawks led the chargers 12-0.
Late in the quarter, the Hawks scored again when quarterback Shay Jolley found his brother Scott Jolley in stride for a 66-yard touchdown reception. At the end of the first quarter, Canistota led Sully Buttes 20-0.
The Hawks got the second quarter going, much like they ended the first quarter. Nielsen broke free for a 60-yard touchdown where he outran the entire Charger defense. The two-point conversion was good and Canistota led Sully Buttes 28-0 with 11:27 to play in the second quarter.
With 3:44 to play in the half, Nielsen broke free for another long touchdown – this one for 90-yards. Then again, late in the second quarter, the Hawks scored again on a 44-yard interception return by Drew Seubert. At halftime, Canistota led Sully Buttes 42-0 at halftime.
Hawks quarterback Jolley finished off Canistota’s first drive of the second half with a six-yard quarterback keeper. The two-point conversion was good. Jerad Neilsen then picked off a Chargers pass and returned it to the house. With 5:50 to play in the third quarter, Canistota led Sully Buttes 56-0. That score would stand through three quarters of play.
Late in the game, Sully Buttes finally got on the board. Chargers quarterback Scott Senftner connected with wide out Cody Nelson for a 37-yard touchdown, making it a 56-8 Canistota lead.
This score would stand, and the Canistota Hawks are the 2015 Class 9A Football Champions.
Canistota has now won four state football titles, in four appearances. Sully Buttes has one state football title in four appearances. Although, this Thursday was the first appearance for the Chargers since 1990.
To see game photos and information about other games, visit sdpb.org/football
