For the first time since 1989, Sully Buttes has reached the pinnacle in high school football. The Chargers defeated Faulkton Area 34-14 in the 9B state championship game at the Dakota Dome in Vermillion on Thursday afternoon.
These two teams met in late September as well, which saw Faulkton Area get a dominating win over Sully Buttes. This time around, in the state championship game, it was the Chargers who flipped the script.
“We came out, we thought we had a good scheme going into it, we made adjustments after the first time we played them,” said Sully Buttes head coach Tom Moore. “We’ve kind of done that all year. We were happy our game plan kind of came together. That’s a really good team to try and slow down.”
Big plays on offense and scrappy defensive energy helped hoist Sully Buttes into some first half momentum.
“It was a hard-hitting game on both sides. You saw people hurt on their side, people hurt on our side, we knew it was going to be super physical. That’s the kind of team they are,” exclaimed coach Moore. “Our defense bent, but we didn’t break. We gave them the one big one at the end there, but I’m very happy of our defense and how they played, and happy for our offense and what they can do.”
Chargers junior quarterback Wesley Wittler earned Joe Robbie Most Valuable Player honors for his performance in the game.
“We just came out here, executed, as our coaches told us. Credit to [Faulkton Area], they’re a great football team, their up-front is really good. Our coaches just told us to take care of us, do your jobs, and it’s going to be a great day,” Wittle explained. “Our guys have heart out here. They’re playing for a state championship and they know what the final goal is.”
The Chargers received to start the game. They extended their opening drive off a fake punt pass from Wesley Wittler to Lucas Arcoren for a big 34-yard gain. On the very next play, Wittler took a quarterback keeper in from 17-yards out. The two-point attempt was successful, which gave Sully Buttes an early 8-0 lead.
Faulkton Area would answer right back on their first possession of the ballgame. Gian DiMaria capped off a 64-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run. The two-point try was no good however, which kept it a two-point game at the 4:26 mark of the opening quarter.
Sully Buttes extended its lead on their second drive of the game when Wittler hit Gavin Barber on a swing pass that went 26-yard to the end zone. After another successful two-point attempt, the Charger led Faulkton Area 16-6.
End of the 1st Quarter | Sully Buttes 16 Faulkton Area 6
The Trojans were plagued by penalties on their second drive of the contest, which forced them into a three-and-out and a punt. Faulkton Area would get the ball back, however, when Carter Hall intercepted a Wittler pass. But, once again, a key penalty against the Trojans halted their momentum.
With 3:47 to play in the half, Sully Buttes hit another big play. Wittler found Barber in stride for a 31-yard touchdown up the seam. This time the two-point attempt was no good, but it was the Chargers who led 22-6.
Less than a minute to play in the second quarter, Atticus Miles intercepted a tip pass with a 43-yard return on the back end of it. Faulkton Area’s defense would hold after the turnover, however, to reduce any further damage.
Halftime | Sully Buttes 22 Faulkton Area 6
The Trojans received to start the second half, and had some success moving the ball to the other end of the field. Arcoren turned the tides when he stripped the ball from Tristen Baloun, and recovered it, to force a big turnover for the Chargers defense. Two plays later, Wittler hit Teghan Westphal on a post play over the middle for a 68-yard touchdown. After an unsuccessful two-point try, Sully Buttes extended their lead to 28-6.
Desperate for points, the Faulkton Area offense once again went to work. After moving the ball into Sully Buttes territory, the drive stalled. The Chargers defense came up with a big time stop on a fourth down conversion to force a turnover on downs. Three plays later, Wittler broke free for a 66-yard quarterback keeper score to extend it to a 34-6 lead with 1:21 to play in the third quarter.
End of the 3rd Quarter | Sully Buttes 34 Faulkton Area 6
Early in the fourth quarter, the Trojans finally got back in the scoring column. DiMaria hit Korbin Stark for a 25-yard touchdown fade. After a successful two-point attempt, the deficit for Faulkton Area sat at 20-points.
Sully Buttes then went three-and-out on their next possession, leading to a punt. The Trojans were unable to take advantage of the defensive stop, however, and turned it over on downs near the red zone.
The Chargers then went into clock management mode, keeping the ball on the ground, and keeping the time ticking away on the scoreboard. Faulkton Area’s offense didn’t see the field again.
Final | Sully Buttes 34 Faulkton Area 14
Wesley Wittler led Sully Buttes with 194-passing yards and three touchdowns through the air. He also contributed two rushing touchdowns and had 158-yard on the ground as well. Faulkton Area was led by Gian DiMaria, who threw for 169-yards, had a touchdown pass, and a rushing touchdown. Charlie Deiter also had 113-receiving yards for the Trojans.
Outstanding Lineman – Bo McGee (Sully Buttes)
Outstanding Back – Wesley Wittler (Sully Buttes)
Joe Robbie MVP – Wesley Wittler (Sully Buttes)
