In what was a hard-fought battle, Winner defeated Sioux Valley 20-14 at the Dakota Dome in Vermillion on Friday afternoon to win the 11B state championship.
The Warriors motto coming into this game was ’10 for 60.’ Its meaning shows the goal of winning a tenth state football championship and doing it to honor long time Warriors coach Harvey Naasz, who wore No. 60 during his playing days. Harvey passed away last December at the age of 84.
“As most football fans in South Dakota know, we lost Harvey Naasz this last year, and he not only was the coach that got this rolling, but he took care of the field until the day he died,” explained Winner head coach Trent Olson. “This was pride and joy. It was all about Harvey.”
The game displayed two offensive schemes that ran the football. Winner is more of a ground and pound team, while Sioux Valley’s scheme is built on getting the ball to its playmakers in space.
Both teams had moments where it looked like they would take control, but every time it appeared like it was going to flow one way, things swayed the other direction.
“We didn’t feel good until the final buzzer, not one time,” chuckled coach Olson. “It was great effort, great resolve by the kids. The game felt like it could switch on any play. A turnover, a big play, anything could have swung it the other way. Hats off to Sioux Valley, they did a great job, and certainly had a chance to win the game.”
One of Winner’s key players in the 11B championship was Karson Keiser, who ran for 86-yards and a touchdown. He also recorded five tackles on defense. Keiser said it was unfinished business for how the past two year’s have gone.
“Ever since losing in the dome (2022), and then getting beat by [Elk Point-Jefferson] in the semifinals, us seniors came together and said “that wasn’t going to happen again,” so we got the whole team together and we made sure everyone showed up,” Keiser exclaimed. “Having 18 guys stick up for one another, it just means the world to us.”
Sioux Valley got the ball to start the contest, but quickly went three-and-out. Winner was able to move the ball down all the way down the field for a 17-play drive on their opening possession, but they turned it over on downs at the one-yard line.
End of the 1st Quarter | Winner 0 Sioux Valley 0
The Cossacks, who were backed up against their own end zone, went three-and-out again. On the Warriors next possession, they were able to move the ball down field once more. Despite a heavy running scheme, the first points came when Eli Vobr hit Kellen Brozik for a 30-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion was good to give Winner an 8-0 lead with 5:44 to play in the half.
Sioux Valley found success following the Winner score. Donovan Rose squeaked through the box and broke free for a 33-yard touchdown run. The extra-point attempt by Jameson Degen hit the upright, however, and it was the Warriors holding onto an 8-6 lead.
With four-seconds to play in the half, Winner scored again. Karson Keiser took it into the end zone from six-yards out. The two-point attempt was no good.
Halftime | Winner 14 Sioux Valley 6
The Warriors got the ball to start the second half, but penalties stalled out the drive near midfield.
With 4:41 to play in the third quarter, Rose broke free for a 55-yard touchdown. Brock Christopherson then hit Maverick Nelson on the two-point conversion to tie the game at 14-14.
Winner was able to grab a first down on their next possession, but Sioux Valley’s defense, who clearly was feeling some momentum, stopped the drive near midfield. On the Cossacks next play, a hit from Gus Bartels knocked the ball loose from Christopherson. Ryken Orel recovered it to set up the Warriors inside the red zone.
End of the 3rd Quarter | Winner 14 Sioux Valley 14
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Winner retook the lead – courtesy of a one-yard quarterback keeper by Vobr. The two-point conversion attempt failed, which kept the Warriors lead at six-points.
Sioux Valley then went back to work and continued feeding the ball to Rose. They got near the red zone, but it was Brozik who came up with a big time stop on fourth down for the Warriors to give Winner the ball back with less than six-minutes to play.
The Warriors followed up the big defensive stop by picking at the clock. They did pick up one first down, but with 87-seconds to play in the ball, were forced to punt it back to the Cossacks.
Sioux Valley had more opportunity without any timeouts to try and tie it or take the lead, but they’re attempt didn’t come to fruition – sealing the victory for the Warriors.
Final | Winner 20 Sioux Valley 14
Outstanding Lineman – Shawn Hammerbeck (Winner)
Outstanding Back – Gus Bartels (Winner)
Joe Robbie MVP – Karson Keiser (Winner)
