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Viborg-Hurley Runs Past Bon Homme

Chase Mason of Viborg-Hurley

The Viborg-Hurley Cougars won their first state football championship as a co-op on Thursday November 14th in Brookings. It's also the first state football title for the Viborg community since 2000.

Viborg-Hurley received to start the game, but quickly went three-and-out. Bon Homme’s opening possession showed some promise, but it didn’t result in points either as Joshua Crownover missed a 31-yard field goal attempt.

The Cougars second drive on offense also went stale for another three-and-out. During the punt attempt, the ball sailed over punter Chase Mason’s head and into the end zone for a safety. This gave Bon Homme a 2-0 lead midway through the opening quarter.

Viborg-Hurley got a spark on their ensuing defensive possession as sophomore Hayden Gilbert came up with an interception on a heave from Crownover. Unfortunately for the Cougars, their offensive once again came up short. Through the first quarter of play, they had -10 yards of total offense.

End of the 1st Quarter: Bon Homme 2 Viborg-Hurley 0

Bon Homme found the end zone early in the second quarter when Riley Rothschadl connected with Joshua Crownover for a 12-yard score. This increased the Cavaliers lead to 9-0.

Viborg-Hurley found offensive success on their next drive when Mason found Shane Anderson for a 56-yard touchdown. A two-point attempt was no good, and at the 10-minute mark of the second quarter, Bon Homme held onto a 9-6 lead.

Mason found Anderson again on the Cougars next offensive possession, this time on a 49-yard touchdown catch and run. Another missed two-point try held Viborg-Hurley’s lead to 12-9 over the Cavaliers.

With 2:15 to play until halftime, Bon Homme retook the lead at 16-12. Crownover scored from 8-yards out on a fourth down quarterback keeper.

Viborg-Hurley wasn’t done though… Chase Morgan broke free for a 73-yard touchdown run. This gave the Cougars the lead back at 18-16 at the 1:08 mark.

Halftime: Viborg-Hurley 18 Bon Homme 16

Bon Homme wasted no time in hitting a big play to start the second half. Noah Heesch exploded for a 74-yard touchdown run, tying the 9AA state championship game record for longest run from scrimmage. After a successful two-point conversion, the Cavaliers led 24-18.

With 6:34 to play in the third quarter of play, Viborg-Hurley capped off an 80-yard, 11 play drive with an 8-yard quarterback keeper from Mason. After the successful two-point attempt, the Cougars led Bon Homme 26-24.

Viborg-Hurley would increase their lead on its next possession when Mason cut loose for an 80-yard run. This run DOES break the record for longest run from scrimmage in a 9AA state title game. The Cougars held a 34-24 lead with 3:29 to play in the third quarter.

End of the 3rd Quarter: Viborg-Hurley 34 Bon Homme 24

The Cougars increased the score margin to 42-24 early in the fourth quarter as Carter Gust blasted up the middle for a 29-yard touchdown.

Viborg-Hurley would score one more time to put the dagger in the contest, Mason to Anderson for a one-yard touchdown pass and catch. This gave the Cougars a 50-24 lead with 3:09 to play in the contest.

Final: Viborg-Hurley 50 Bon Homme 24

This is the first state championship for the Viborg-Hurley co-op, and the first for the community of Viborg since 2000. Cougars quarterback Chase Mason had a total of 416-yars (passing and running), which broke the 9AA state title game record of 413 total yards set by Cory Jacobson, also of Viborg-Hurley, in 2010. Jacobson is an assistant coach for this year's Viborg-Hurley team as well.

Outstanding Lineman: Ethan Engen (Viborg-Hurley)

Outstanding Back: Chase Mason (Viborg-Hurley)

Jim Langer Player of the Game: Chase Mason (Viborg-Hurley)

Nate Wek is currently the sports content producer and sports and rec beat reporter for South Dakota Public Broadcasting. He is a graduate of South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism Broadcasting and a minor in Leadership. From 2010-2013 Nate was the Director of Gameday Media for the Sioux Falls Storm (Indoor Football League) football team. He also spent 2012 and 2013 as the News and Sports Director of KSDJ Radio in Brookings, SD. Nate, his wife Sarah, and three sons, Braxan, Jordy, and Anders live in Canton, SD.