It’s time to celebrate for Hamlin. The Chargers defeated Parkston 32-8 in the 9AA state championship game in Vermillion at the Dakota Dome on Thursday night.
This is Hamlin’s first state football title since 2014, and their sixth in program history.
The Chargers displayed incredible defense throughout the game. Parkston’s lone score came on a kick return.
“Pretty much almost a perfect game today,” said Hamlin head coach Jeff Sheehan. “We had stressed that all week, that we’re going to have to play pretty good, almost perfect to beat these guys, and our guys executed our game plan to a T.”
Coach Sheehan also mentioned that he loves the grit his team plays with.
“They do have an attitude, they love doing what they’re doing,” he stated. “They’re a brotherhood, they love each other, they play for each other. They had everybody’s back the whole game, it was awesome.”
Jackson Wadsworth, Hamlin’s quarterback, was honored with both the outstanding back and Joe Robbie MVP award for his efforts in the game. He mentioned how close everyone on the team is.
“We’re a really close-knit team, love doing things together, and that really helped us get the win,” exclaimed Wadsworth. “When they got that kick return, we didn’t put our heads down, we just knew what we had to do, kept driving down the field, kept putting it in the end zone, and our defense did a great job.”
The Chargers received to start the title game, and they wasted no time moving the ball with ease down the field. Evan Stormo capped off the opening drive with a one-yard plunge to give Hamlin an early 7-0 lead.
Answering right back was Kolter Kramer of Parkston, who took the ensuing kickoff back 97-yards to the house. The Trojans opted for the two-point conversion, which was good, to give Parkston the 8-7 advantage.
It was then the defenses of both teams that started having success. Parkston and Hamlin both had two offensive possessions, but each defense was able to force punts in those situations.
End of the 1st Quarter | Parkston 8 Hamlin 7
Less than 90-seconds into the second quarter, Hamlin recaptured the lead. Turner Stevenson found space around the left sideline for a seven-yard score. The Chargers then faked an extra-point attempt, into a pass, for a successful two-point attempt. This put Hamlin ahead 15-8.
Penalties plagued both offenses on their next two drives. Parkston attempted a fake punt deep in their own territory with 3:05 to play in half, but it was unsuccessful, which put Hamin in great position to widen the margin before the break.
Stevenson would find the end zone for the second time in the half for the Chargers, this time a three-yard run straight up the middle. This made it a 22-8 game in favor of Hamlin.
The Trojans, a traditionally run heavy offense, tried opening up their playbook in the final minute of the second quarter through the air. It led to a big mistake by Parkston. Brycen Bruening threw a pass that was intercepted by Stormo to set the Chargers up with the ball one more time near midfield with 30-seconds to play. Easton Neuendorf would hit a 45-yard field goal that barely cleared the crossbar as time expired. This kick set a new record for longest field goal in a 9AA state championship game.
Halftime | Hamlin 25 Parkston 8
Parkston received to start the third quarter, but their offensive struggles continued, and they were forced to punt it away. For Hamlin, they picked up where they left off in the first half. Jackson Wadsworth would find Stevenson for a 12-yard touchdown to extend the Chargers lead to 32-8 at the 5:06 mark in the third quarter.
The Trojans were able to put together a nice drive as the time ticked down in the third, but it ended in a turnover on downs near the red zone.
End of the 3rd Quarter | Hamlin 32 Parkston 8
With the clock becoming a factor, Hamlin used it to their advantage by keeping the ball on the ground. They eventually turned it over on downs but ate up nearly five-minutes. Parkston then tried gaining yards through the air, but they were unsuccessful and also turned it over on downs.
The Trojans got the ball back one more time but were unable to turn it into points before the clock hit zero.
Final | Hamlin 32 Parkston 8
Turner Stevenson led Hamlin with 57-yards rushing and two rushing touchdowns. Jackson Wadsworth threw for 216-yards and a score as well.
Parkston was led by Kolter Kramer, who ran for 46-yards, recorded 15-tackles on defense, and had a kick return touchdown.
Outstanding Lineman – Dawson Noem (Hamlin)
Outstanding Back – Jackson Wadworth (Hamlin)
Joe Robbie MVP – Jackson Wadworth (Hamlin)
