Prep Hoops -- Six SD High Schools Have Won Both Boys and Girls Titles in Same Year

With Mitchell (SD) teams ranked #1 in both girls and boys basketball, it begs the question of how many times a high school has won both championships in the same year?

With the help of the South Dakota High School Activities Association yearbooks, dual  boys/girls championships by the same high school has occurred six times in 36 years, since the start of girls championships in 1975.

Before listing the six schools that have won boys/girls titles in the same year, it should be pointed out that the girls' first champions were Jefferson (65-33 over Mobridge/NWLA) in Class B and Yankton (39-34 over Watertown) in Class A. The boys championships date back to 1912 when Redfield defeated Lake Preston, 33-25, in the original one-class system.

The six dual boys/girls champions include:

1978: The Yankton Bucks captured the boys A title in a 58-35 win over Watertown while the Yankton Gazelles defeated Belle Fourche, 64-54, for the girls A crown.

1982: The Pierre Governors won the boys A crown, 56-43, over Rapid City Central; while the girls defeated Yankton, 43-37 for the A title.

1990: Mitchell boys defeated Sioux Falls Lincoln, 56-55, in AA (three-class system). The Kernels girls team upended Yankton, 57-49, for the AA title.

1991: Northwestern won both the boys and girls B crowns (three-class system). The Northwestern boys defeated Crow Creek, 71-55, while the girls team upended Willow Lake, 36-27.

1994: Mitchell boys defeated Aberdeen Central, 63-55, to win Class AA (three class system). The Kernels girls team defeated Yankton, 42-32, for the AA crown.

2000: The Sioux Falls Roosevelt boys team defeated Rapid City Central, 55-54, for the AA title (three classes). The Rough Riders girls team upended Mitchell, 75-49, for the AA crown.

Schools with both boys and girls title: A total of 30 schools have won both a girls and boys title over the past 36 years. Also, 52 other schools have won only a boys title (since 1912) while 13 others have only a girls title (since 1975). Those with both a boys and girls championship in South Dakota include Armour, Belle Fourche, Brandon Valley, Brookings, Dell Rapids, Elkton/Elkton-Lake Benton, Hamlin, Howard, Hurley, Huron, Lennox, Milbank, Miller, Mitchell, Mitchell Christian, Northwestern, Onida/Sully Buttes, Pierre, Pine Ridge, Platte/Platte-Geddes, Salem, SF O'Gorman, SF Roosevelt, SF Washington, Sisseton, Vermillion, Wakonda, Watertown, West Central and Yankton.

Five Class B Boys Teams Undefeated; Wagner Only Girls Unbeaten

In South Dakota boys prep hoops, just five teams remain unbeaten and they all reside in Class B. The teams include #1 White River (12-0), #2 Canistota (13-0), #3 Rosholt (13-0) and #4 Faith (13-0), along with unranked Olerichs (11-0). Class A #1 Wagner (15-0) is the only girls team that remains unbeaten.

Speaking of White River, they have been a dominant team in Class B, winning every game by at least 11 points. Aside from White River's 60-49 victory over McLaughlin, they have won every game by at least 20 points, including a recent 63-43 verdict over then #3 Viborg/Hurley. White River has a 994 to 501 point differential against opponents with six wins by 43 or more points. In similar fashion, Faith has served notice that they can hoop it up. The Longhorns sit 13-0 after knocking off previously undefeated Dupree (11-1), 75-64. They, too, have won every game by double digits.

Four Averaging Double-Doubles

A total of four players in South Dakota boys and girls basketball are averaging double doubles. Shayne Gottlob of Class A #4 McCook Central/Montrose leads the way at 20.2 ppg, 13.8 rpg., while Bryce Koch of Class A #1 Dell Rapids is at 14.3 ppg., and 11.3 rpg. Ashley Robinson of Class B Hanson (13-3) is averaging 19.8 ppg., and 10.2 rpg. Baltic's Allie Waltner is scoring 12.1 ppg., and 10.3 rpg., for the 11-3 Class A squad. Heidi Hoff isn't averaging a double double but the Class AA Brandon Valley standout leads all girls players in scoring at 22.4 ppg., and assists (57). Cody Willett of Canton is averaging nearly a double double at 19.3 ppg., and 8.6 rebounds per contest. Ben Schultz of Brandon Valley leads SD boys in scoring at 21.0 ppg.

Prep Shorts

~ In Class AA girls, #1 Mitchell sits at 13-1 and has won eight straight games.

~The Mitchell boys are 12-1 with 11 straight wins since a loss to Pierre in week two.

~Brandon Valley's Heidi Hoff , who earlier this year had 45 points (second best ever single game point performance in state girls history) tied a school record with 11 assists in a win over Huron on Jan. 28.

~Centerville's Kieran O'Malley, who has more than 1,600 career points and 280 assists, continues to shine and had a season-high 33 points in a win over Kimball/White Lake. Her teammate Samantha Blake has recently gone over 1,000 career points. Another recent player to go over 1,000 points is Beresford's Alison Klostergard.

~ Class B Girls #3 Summit has moved to 14-2 and owns a nine-game winning streak, dating back to a loss to Class A #5 Sisseton on Dec. 27. In that December encounter, last year's Class A (Sisseton) and Class B (Summit) champions played. Recently, Summit defeated Class B #2 and previously unbeaten Estelline, 50-36.

~ Led by Ashley Robinson, Hanson continues to make noise in Girls Class B. Hanson has won nine straight to run its record to 13-3.

~ Boys Class A #3 St. Thomas More (11-2) had a big week after knocking off previously unbeaten Spearfish (9-2), 59-50, at home and Winner (10-3) on the road. STM  defeated Winner, 53-46, as standout guard Skye Warwick hit six three-point field goals and scored 28 points.

~ Shayne Gottlob, recently named the KSFY's Taco John's Athlete of the Week, has helped #4 (KSFY/KWSN rankings) McCook Central/Montrose (10-3) back into the top five in Class A. He helped MC/M win its fourth in a row this past week. However, last week, he had three straight double doubles with 17 and 10 in a win over Madison; 29 points with 22 rebounds in a victory against Flandreau and 16 points and 21 boards in the conquest of Sioux Valley. During that run Gottlob averaging 20.4 points and 18 rebounds per game and had two consecutive 20 plus rebound games.

 

Is It Time for Peyton Manning to Hang 'Em Up?

Conversation about  Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning's future hit a fever pitch this week on sports talk radio, TV, newspapers and the Internet.

Everyone seems to have an opinion on whether Manning remains a member of the Indianapolis Colts, retires, or if the future Hall of Famer will wear different colors next season.

Even Manning himself, apparently, doesn't have the answer.

In a column in the Indianapolis Star, Manning said: "I mean, it's 20 degrees, it's snowing, the building is absolutely empty except when you see coaches cleaning out their offices. I guess it's the reality of the football world, just not something I've had to deal with very often. But I'm in there every day, so I have to sit there and see it. Everybody's being evaluated and I'm no different. It's not the best environment. I just want to pay tribute to all those guys. It's unfortunate because so many of them have been such a big part of so many big wins here, and this is so ... sudden. Their keys didn't work the next day. There's no other way to do it? I don’t know. That's hard to see, all these people leaving. And I may be behind them. Who knows?"

In reality, Manning's future rests with the recuperative powers of his body, specifically his neck from a delicate surgery that had to be done a second time. While it is clear that Manning wants to play, his body may not allow that to happen.

According to a blog at Better.com by Matt Davis, the former Colts vice chair Bill Polian said there is no timetable for Manning's return. He may not even be ready by end of March.

"I'll at least paraphrase Dr. (Robert) Watkins, who operated on Peyton back in September," said Polian. "He said, 'there is no potion, there is no medicine, there is no modality, there is no series of exercises, there is no test and there is no surgery that can predict accurately when a nerve can regenerate,' and that is the issue here."

Whether Manning will be able to return was questioned by former Packers wide receiver and current NFL.com commentator Sterling Sharpe, whose own career ended by a similar neck injury. He said on the NFL Network Thursday morning (Jan. 26): (paraphrasing here) "It isn't when Peyton Manning returns but if."

While I hope the best for Manning, I am convinced he is done in Indy and may not be able to return at all, just as Sharpe warned.

Meanwhile, the decision on his future in Indy rests with Jim Irsay and not the recently hired 39-year old GM Ryan Grigson, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Expect the Colts to try and trade the Hall of Fame quarterback (high draft picks) and when that fails, release him. They will do it respectfully, at least that is how they will pose it, using the right words and body language during a presser.

Colts management seems hopeful about some "(Andrew) Luck" as they rebuild with their new head coach Chuck Pagano, formerly the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. How about that, Colts hire a Baltimore guy to coach in Indy? Wonder what some of those old Colts fans and players think about that one?

The Colts new guy Pagano has earned this shot. His track record, including leading one of the league's top defenses in Baltimore, is solid. It will be interesting whether Pagano has anything to say about Manning.

Pagano will likely build his team, using the Ravens as his model. Expect him to hire an offensive coordinator that features an equal run-pass balance on offense while valuing the football and clock management. Although in the Indy Dome, developing a its fast surface may dictate the offense put in place. 

I also expect that Manning will not be the only player to hit the streets. Look for others to be handed walking papers (Joseph Addai and several defensive players). Reggie Wayne is a free agent and will look elsewhere. Look for Wayne to end up in Minnesota or with the New York Jets.

All of this change must be justifiably disconcerting to Colts fans. Continuity has been a staple of the organization for several years, at least since Peyton Manning was drafted #1 in the 1998 draft out of Tennessee.

Yet, this move away from an iconic QB is not unprecedented. Forty years ago, the Colts said goodbye to Johnny U, whose offensive creativity, ingenuity, thinking on the spot, playing in the moment, and competitive fire was reincarnated in Manning.

Johnny U introduced the NFL to the two-minute offense while Manning made a science of the hurry-up offense and quick-hitting passing game. He will be long remembered for his line of scrimmage audibles and play calls. Manning's mannerisms, motions and occasional fakes, which left a few teams gasping for air, are burned in most NFL fans' memory.

As the discussion on Manning continues to percolate, let's take a look back at the two iconic QBs that turned the Colts into championship calibre teams, albeit in different generations and cities.

The Golden Arm Makes A Mark
Unitas, who was voted by the NFL its top player for the first 50 years, was the victim of age and too many hits as he left Baltimore and ended his career in San Diego after his star had fizzled. He wasn't wanted just two years after leading Baltimore to a Super Bowl victory in 1971. At the age of 39, Unitas was sold to the San Diego Chargers for $150,000 on Jan. 22. 1973. The Chargers doubled his salary to $250K but he would play just five games. He was 1-3 as a starter, completing 34-of-76 passes for 471 yards, three TDs and seven interceptions.

Before that sad ending to the career of #19, he was breathtaking in the blue and white.

Unitas came to the Colts in 1956, just three years after the franchise was founded in 1953 as the Baltimore Colts. The franchise history probably dates back further, tracing back to the Dayton Triangles, a founding member of the NFL in 1913. Baltimore was the Colts' home until a "see me now but not tomorrow" midnight move to Indianapolis in 1984 by Robert Irsay (yep, Jim's dad). The franchise has three NFL championships (1958, 1959, 1968), and won two Super Bowls (1971 as Baltimore and 2007 in Indy). All the titles occurred with either Unitas or Manning calling signals.

Even 10 years after his death, I still visualize #19 leading the Colts to glory. I have watched numerous Unitas highlight packages, read uncounted articles, and viewed my share of U-tube videos about one of the game's most heralded offensive talents in history.

Born In Pittsburgh, PA, Unitas, who came from humble means and a hard-working family, was passed over by Notre Dame and Indiana and ended up at the University of Louisville where he passed for 3,139 yards and 27 TDs.

If there was ever an underdog story it was Unitas. First, he had to salvage his scholarship at Louisville by taking an elective course in square dancing. 

Then after being drafted in the ninth round of the 1955 draft by the Steelers, the "not so wise" and "not for long" coach Walt Kiesling let him go.

After spending some playground moments with the semipro Bloomfield Rams in the Greater Pittsburgh League for $6 a game, his play drew the attention of Baltimore and Cleveland - the Colts won out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2Ed1CdH6SA

In his first game and first pass, Unitas threw a pick six for a TD. Despite the inauspicious start, he recovered to lead the Colts to a 7-5 record. In 1958, he led the Colts in the win in the "Game of the Century" against the Giants. His play during that game showed America that the kid from Pittsburgh could play at a high level.

As Larry Schwartz in a special to ESPN.com noted: "Two history-making drives turned Johnny Unitas into a legend at 25 and helped transform pro football into the most popular television sport of the latter half of the 20th century. And he accomplished this in the House That Ruth Built, no less."

Schwartz pointed out that in the title game with the Giants, televised nationally, Baltimore trailed the Giants, 17-14, with 1:56 to play. After two incomplete passes, Unitas connected with Lenny Moore for 11 yards. A deep pass was incomplete before he played pitch-and-catch with Raymond Berry, on completions of 25 yards, 15 yards and 22 yards, which moved the ball to the Giants 13-yard line. With seven seconds to play, Steve Myhra made a 20-yard field goal (goal posts then were at the goaline).

In the NFL's first overtime game, Schwartz noted that Unitas continued his mastery of the passing game. "Taking over on his own 20, he twice completed third and long passes to keep the drive going. When he saw Giants middle linebacker Sam Huff move over to help out on Berry, he audibled to fullback Alan Ameche, who ran 22 yards up the middle to the Giants 20."

From there, Unitas, who was 26-of-40 for 349 yards, had two more completions, moving the ball to the one-yard line. On the 13th play of the drive, Ameche scored for a 23-17 overtime victory, bring the Colts its first world title. As Ameche crossed the goalline, a loud roar from Baltimore rang through the skies as New York sat in stunned silence. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gY6hT-1BUZk&feature=related

A year later, Unitas was MVP in leading Baltimore to another title as he threw for 2,899 yards and 32 TDs. Unitas, who would also earn MVP honors in 1964 and 1967, began a 47-game TD pass streak in his first season behind center for the Colts.
Unitas, who had 17, 4-TD games, led the league in TD passes four straight years from 1957-60.

My first recollection of Unitas wasn't those early championships, which occurred before I was born. Rather, it was in a loss. In 1968, Johnny U was hurt early in the season and Earl Morrall stepped in and led the Colts to the promised land, its first Super Bowl against the AFC upstart Jets.

With the Colts installed as a double digit favorite, the Jets and Joe Namath shocked the world by grabbing a lead early that they never relinquished. Morrall couldn't move the Colts. They called on Johnny U. While he didn't rally his team as had happened in both the title games of 1958 and 1959, he did take his team to a 4th quarter TD, which momentarily raised the blood pressure for New Yorkers and gave Baltimore some hope. While he didn't bring the Colts back, he showed the Unitas fighting spirit. And in the end, Johnny U, was, well, Johnny U. He basically said, you win some, you lose some.

A great player is often defined by his ability to continue to move forward and not think about what if. Unitas had that perspective burnt into his persona. Later, he would lead Baltimore to its first Super Bowl title in 1971.

A 10-time Pro Bowl honoree, who was first team All-Pro five times, Unitas had 34 game-winning drives and always made opponents nervous.
He was named to the Hall of Fame in 1979. Unitas led Baltimore to a 117-61-4 record and three championships during his career, including a 6-2 record in the playoffs. During his career, the 6-1, 194 pound Unitas completed 2,830 passes in 5,186 attempts for 40,299 yards with 290 TDs, 253 interceptions and 13 rushing scores.

Sadly, one of the game's best ever quarterbacks and performers didn't recognize that he was done. The old pro found steps harder to climb when age crept up. Eventually, those steps were too high.

Along Came Peyton
And the Colts wouldn't see another quarterback like #19 for a long while.
After moving to Indianapolis, the Colts drafted the talented and self-confident Jeff George, later employed Craig Erickson before finally reaching the AFC Championship with Jim Harbaugh under center in 1995. In 1998, they drafted Manning, a 6-5, 230 pound quarterback.

In Manning's first year, the Colts were 3-13, but things would get better in a hurry. The next season, the Colts had the greatest one-year turnaround in league history, putting together a 13-3 season. However the Colts season ended in the first-ever playoff game at Indy when the Tennessee Titans recorded a 19-16 win.

In short time, the Colts became a perennial playoff contender.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heLlHdltHaY&feature=related

Manning, an 11-time Pro Bowler, was the leader of this Colts band. Named All-Pro First Team five times, he led the Colts to a 141-67 record and a Super Bowl win in 2007 (2006 regular season). The only 4-time MVP in NFL history, he is the only QB with 11 4,000 yard passing seasons, owning the record of six straight 4K seasons.

From 2007 to 2010, he led the Colts to a 49-13 record, even if another world championship did not come to fruition. He has completed 4,182 passes on 7,210 attempts for 54,828 yards with 399 TDs. He had 49 passing TDs in 2004. While his playoff record of 9-10 isn't outstanding, Manning has engineered 35 fourth quarter comebacks and 46 game-winning drives. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p62W0Hl50J4

Then Manning was hurt. In 2011, he underwent the surgery, which cost him and the costs the entire season. Without Manning, the Colts struggled offensively and on defense. It was as if the entire team had neck surgery because they went from a playoff contender to the league's worst team. It brought up the idea that maybe Peyton deserved the MVP, because look at the Colts without him? Just kidding, but one wonders.

That is where we are at with Manning. If healthy, he has a good 3-4 years of elite quarterbacking left in him. But, what if he returns and is injured again? We may see Peyton helped off the field for the last time.

Remember Johnny U late in his life, troubled with disability issues, walking off the field as a QB for the last time, downtrodden, eyes fixed on the ground, in a moment of despair.

Now, we see Manning deliberating his future in Indianapolis, or perhaps being moved to Washington, Miami, New York (Jets) or even Arizona.

Yet, for someone that has watched him with interest, I believe he should retire as a Colt. No Redskin, Dolphins, Jets or Cardinals logo should ever adorn his helmet. Can you really see him in any uniform except for the Colts?

I know he will probably play but I hope that Manning begins thinking about his exit from the game. If there is a player in the game that understands legacy, it is Manning. It has always spoken in admiration about Johnny U and knows the history of the game as well as any player. 

Unitas wasn't successful after the NFL, eventually forced to bankruptcy. Manning has money and has a visible presence on TV. He can take up a microphone like Steve Young or take a role as an offensive coach, perhaps helping young quarterbacks and eventually running some team's offensive show.

Peyton wants to play. You have to admire his passion to return. He wants to go out on his own terms, not by injury. I understand that.

Still while he may not think it is time and others will tell him to play as long as you can. I say, be careful Peyton. Make sure you can return. A lot of people couldn't bear watching you carried off the field.

Sharpe had to quit as did several other players like Rodney Harrison, due to neck problems.

Remember this Peyton, no matter how many quarterbacks come and go, including your brother Eli, you are a winner, a one-of-a-kind. My cousin David, a big-time Indy fan, calls you a once-in-a-lifetime player. I think that says it all.

"

Pride of the Dakota Series -- “Rube” Hoy Gave His Life to Helping Young People

Editor's note -- This story was featured in a Coyote Lore column I wrote for the RedEye publication earlier this year. Since Carl Hoy was a remarkable man, who always cared for students first, I wanted to share the story as part of my Pride of the Dakota Series that I do periodically in this blog. The monthly RedEye publication is put together by PrintSource in Vermillion, S.D. and is a tabloid on The University of South Dakota athletics, past and present.

Carl B. “Rube” Hoy has been gone 38 years, but his life philosophy still offers a roadmap for anyone that wants to believe anything is possible.

Hoy was one of the most colorful personalities to grace the campus of The University of South Dakota.  A Coyote men’s basketball coach and then athletic director from   1927 to 1956, Hoy gave his heart and soul to young people. All his life, he stressed teamwork and helping others while living out his passion of coaching his “University boys.”

His daughter Nancy Hoy McCahren, a USD graduate, professor and later alumni director, talked about her father’s homespun philosophy that transcends time.

“My father recognized strength of character, respect for others, the beauty in things that were good,” McCahren said. “I think his philosophy was ‘I am here to help.’ He never lost his faith and told his athletes that you have to have something to believe in. You need to believe in yourself. You do onto others as you would have them do onto you,” she said.

“He gave his life, and in a way I have also espoused, less concerned with himself and always focused on helping others become better people,” said McCahren.

Hoy’s defining legacy was his student-first philosophy. It was fitting, therefore, in 2009, that USD honored the Hoy family by naming a room in their honor at the Muenster University Center, which serves as the activities hub for current students. 

To the people that knew him, he was “Rube,” a nickname he received from a classmate when he rode a horse into Huron to help a superintendent who needed transportation.   

Hoy, who earned 16 letters while at Huron High, became a standout athlete at the U from 1915-1919, starring for the Coyote football and track teams and earning 10 letters. He played against teams like Michigan State and a Notre Dame squad that featured the Gipper, George Gipp. He played with, coached or had connections to more than 70 Coyote Sports Hall of Fame members, including his good friend Gene Vidal, a two-time Olympian, and West Point All-America football player.   

Hoy, who earned a business degree in 1919, developed a lifelong bond with Vidal, as well as Alton Ochsner, also a Phi Delta fraternity brother, who like Hoy made important contributions.

Ochsner, a Kimball native, founded the Ochsner Clinic, which later linked smoking to cancer and led a war against smoking. Vidal, originally of Madison, served in FDR’s administration and was an aviation pioneer who founded Eastern, TWA and Northeast Airlines.

Yet as McCahren relates, both Vidal and Ochsner admired Hoy’s decision to help young people and commit a life to education.

It all started for Hoy at Gregory High, where he taught and coached for six years. His Gorillas went to three state basketball tourneys and his football team lost just four games during his tenure. After a year at Platte, Hoy was appointed head basketball coach and assistant athletic director at USD in 1927.

Hoy, who finished his USD coaching career with a 169-190 record (second on USD’s all-time wins list), was the first Coyote basketball coach to win a conference basketball championship and first NCC coach to win back-to-back titles (1929-31). Hoy, who also served as track coach from 1941-46, led the U to a third hoops title in 1938-39.  
According to McCahren, Hoy’s proudest coaching moments included wins over nationally ranked Loyola of Chicago and Bradley University. In 1937-38, Hoy led USD to a 40-39 win over Loyola of Chicago, who would finish 21-1 in 1938-39, losing only the final in the NIT. Then in 1947-48, his Coyotes defeated top-ranked Bradley, 54-51, one of three losses by the Braves during a 28-3 campaign.

Yet, Hoy, who later was inducted into the Coyote Sports and South Dakota Sports Hall of Fames, rarely discussed his own achievements, believing winning wasn’t measured in athletics but in life.

In 1972 Hoy told Keith Nolop of The Volante: “whatever contribution I have made can be measured only by how many persons have said, ‘yes, you have been surely a help to me.’”

As a result, Hoy took the greatest pride in the achievement of his student-athletes. In his book, According to Hoy, he wrote that 14 of his “boys” went into medicine, 26 in law, 25 in the military, and 38 became teachers/coaches. Those “boys” continued to reach out to him, some of them while they were fighting for their country. During wartime, he received letters from 50 of his guys and he promptly answered those letters.

“I never tried to direct my boys into any particular field,” Hoy said in the book. “I just wanted to help them do a better job at whatever they chose,” he said.

Obviously, Hoy left a mark on those that he touched. He did it by stressing the value of teamwork and sportsmanship and not over emphasizing winning. He believed a good education was achieved through hard work and sacrifice.

The late former South Dakota governor Joe Foss, a World War II ace, once told a group of football executives about Hoy, who had a great influence on him.

“I never intended to coach,” Foss wrote in his book A Proud American,”I took coaching from him (Hoy) just to hear his basic philosophy of life, which has always influenced the way I deal with people. He always pointed you in the right direction and believed in you and gave you the feeling ‘yes I can do it,’ whatever it is.”

Lincoln/Washington Prep FB Battle Was a Classic

Every now and then, a game stirs conversation, not for one day or week, but generations.

Such will be the case, I believe, with the classic 2011 prep football battle between Lincoln/Washington in a jaw-dropping President Bowl matchup early in the season. Lincoln's 37-36 come-from-behind victory ranks among the best ever, at least from this prep observer.

Recently, I was talking with a friend about the prep football season and how the state championships included just one game that went to the wire (Tri-Valley's 18-14 win over McCook Central/Montrose in 11B). As we carried on the discussion, the talk centered on the best games of the year, including the pulsating finish turned out in the Washington/Lincoln game at the President's Bowl.

The week two encounter featured a two-time defending champion, ranked #1, on a 27-game winning streak against a third-ranked team that had arguably the AA's most explosive offense with one of the state's greatest-ever quarterbacks trying to leave his own legacy. The game featured big special teams plays, long TD passes and runs, and a few "lay-it-on-the-line" decisions by coaches.

I am sure others will recall games that remain forever etched in the their own memory bank, also entwined in intrique. So, while opinions may vary on "greatest-ever games," I believe everyone will agree that this game needs its place on the list.

In the classic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upsS9X_JxeA, SF Lincoln rallied for  a victory when quarterback Alex Schultz connected with Josh Kunzman on the game’s final play to create a tie; and won it when Patriots kicker Adam Belhaj added the extra point. The Warriors' 27-game winning streak, which was the ninth best in state history, had dated to another loss to Lincoln, 27-20 in the state AA title game in 2008.

It is noteworthy that the game was played essentially on a neutral field. Lincoln and Washington both play home game at venerable Howard Wood Stadium. So, the home field advantage was nil, except for the home placement on the scoreboard and teams' location (and its fans) on the friendly west side.

In breaking down the game, Lincoln, which held a 23-11 edge in first downs, rolled up 437 yards to 301 for Washington. The Patriots rushed for just 25 yards on 16 carries while the Warriors, utilizing the skills of talented senior running back Davonte Clay, had 31 carries for 143 yards, with Clay getting 139 on 23 carries. In essence, the game broke down on Washington's solid ground attack and dynamic special teams play against a Lincoln passing offense that will rank among the top all-time. In 2011, Lincoln rolled up 486 points and scored over 40 points on seven occasions and broke the 50-point mark five times. When the season finished, Lincoln had 3,175 passing yards and 37 TDs.

Lincoln's Schultz, who accumulated 6,782 career yards and 65 TDs in a brilliant career, completed 28-of-49 passes for 393 yards and four TDs in the President's Bowl. His main target was Kunzman, who had a memorable game with 13 receptions for 260 yards and four TDs. The senior wideout ended the year with 128 catches, 2,210 yards receiving and 24 TDs, including 15 in 2011.

Trey Naasz, who finished his career with a state record 199 catches and 2,397 yards and 27 TDs, had 10 catches for 88 yards and also completed a 42-yard pass to Kunzman. On that night, Naasz set the all-time record for receptions, which he continued to add to as the season progressed. For Washington,  junior quarterback Jon Hander completed 12-of-19 passes for 158 yards and three TDs, two of them to ace junior receiver Nate Gerry, who finished with 103 yards receiving.

Rewind - The Game
Early on, it didn't appear that this game was going to end up as a points extravanganza. But, oh, my friends, the scoreless first quarter served only as a "feeling out" period. The real drama began to unfold in an explosive second quarter.

Washington was first on the board when wide receiver Keyen Lage hauled in a 12-yard TD pass from Hander with 7:33 left in the first half. Lincoln responded in kind with a nine-play, 60-yard drive as Schultz and Kunzman connected on a 32-yard pass to tie the score. On the ensuing kickoff Clay broke numerous tackles and took it the distance to give Washington back the lead at 14-7. With just 25 seconds left in the first half, the Patriots' Kevin Diaz scored on a one-yard run. However Lincoln's extra point was no good as Washington took a 14-13 lead to halftime.

Diaz's TD seemed to shift the momentum to Lincoln. The Patriots opened the scoring in the second half when Kunzman caught another 32-yard TD pass from Schultz. The Patriots try for two points failed and they led, 19-14. Then, the Patriots again put points on the board with 3:06 left in the third quarter on a 27-yard field goal by Belhaj. It appeared Lincoln was in control, but perception was not reality, as we would experience throughout this September night.

Down just one score (and two-point conversion), the Warriors answered the bell through the big-play prowess of Gerry. Hander's 62-yard TD strike to Gerry, followed by another pass to Gerry on a two-point try, tied the score at 22.

With that play, the "mo" shifted back to Washington as the game head to the fourth quarter tied.

Early in the 4th quarter Hander and Gerry took advantage of a short field, collaborating on a 28-yard pitch and catch for a 29-22 advantage. A short while later, Clay rambled 41 yards for his 2nd TD (KO return earlier) of the game as the Warriors lead grew to 36-22.

With nine minutes left, Lincoln had a huge hill to climb. And, they were facing a Washington team that had dominated the series since that 2008 championship, outscoring the Patriots to the tune of 159 to 33.

Still, this Washington defense was young in spots and would go through some growing pains in the early parts of the season. The Warriors were led by Devon O'Farrell (13 tackles), one of the state's top linebackers, and Gerry, but had a group of newbies trying their hand at extending the tradition of excellence on the defensive side. 

Schultz, who would throw for 2,991 yards in 2011 after a junior campaign of 2,950 yards, was a poised leader, as he exhibited on this night and throughout the season. He took Lincoln on a eight-play, 73-yard scoring drive that culminated on a seven-yard TD throw to Naasz with about four minutes to go.

Down 36-28, Lincoln Coach Aaron Beavers gambled that his team could convert a two-point conversion. Convert they did, Schultz to Nick Goeman to draw within 36-30.

With just four minutes to play, the Patriots stilled needed to find a way to get the ball back against a Washington team that had enjoyed success running the ball. They did, perhaps buoyed by a bit of good luck.

With under two minutes left, Washington picked up seven yards on a first-down run by Clay. However, a second down run did not dent the line of scrimmage and a third down pass was unsuccessful. WHS Coach Brian Hermansen left his offense on the field in a ploy to get the Patriots to jump offsides. If successful the Warriors would be able to run out the clock and pick up its 28th straight win. And, the move paid off as Hander's hard count induced the Patriots' front line to jump offsides. There it was, a great move by a wily coach.

Wait.

Lincoln's Beavers apparently sensed something was amiss and that his players may be a little "jumpy."

Just before play broke, and a penalty was whistled, Beavers asked for a timeout. With Washington celebrating, the officials said the play had been blow dead just before the snap.

Beaver's last second timeout paid off as Washington had to either try a fourth down deep from its own territory or punt. Hermansen chose to punt, which set up the game-winning heroics by Schultz and Kunzman. With the ball on their own 41-yard line and just over a minute to play, Schultz orchestrated the drive that that ended Washington's winning streak and propelled the Patriots into the #1 ranking in AA on the following Monday.

A little reflection on Washington’s 27-game streak. During that run, the Warrriors were 8-0 vs. Sioux Falls schools, including a 315-81 points advantage. Against Lincoln, they owned a 159-33 edge. They outscored O’Gorman 103-35 (three games) and Roosevelt 53-13 (two games). Overall, Washington outscored all opponents, 1,183 to 177 or a 43.81 to 6.5 points per game. Also in the streak, the Warriors had 10 shutouts while scoring 40 or more points 16 times and breaking 50 on eight occasions.

After the sun set: For Lincoln, 2011 was a season of excitement, which included a #1 ranking, #1 seed in the playoffs, advancement into the semifinals and an 8-3 record. Along the way, they were involved in two other games that many remember, a 29-28 win over O'Gorman that elevated the Patriots to the top seed in the AA playoffs. They also lost a one-point encounter, 50-49, at Mitchell when they led late only to see the Kernels rally at the end. Lincoln's season ended in the AA semifinals where Washington was able to exact a little revenge in a 42-7 win.

Washington, the two-time defending champions, was the #1 ranked team as the season opened. Coach Hermansen and his troops were looking to become the first AA school to win three straight titles. The Warriors, which suffered heavy graduation losses from the previous year, would make a run at a third title, but fall just short. Washington's season ended in defeat as Sioux Falls Roosevelt broke from a 17-17 second quarter tie and took a 31-17 victory in the AA championship at the DakotaDome. Washington, which had defeated Roosevelt, 34-29, in the regular season finale to end the Rough Riders unbeaten run, began the season 1-2; reeled off eight straight wins before falling to the Rough Riders in the title game. It was Washington's fifth straight championship appearance, unprecedented in AA playoff history. Roosevelt won its third title.

Overall, the city schools beat up on each other in 2011. Roosevelt was the king with four wins in five games against city foes. They defeated O'Gorman, 19-14 (President's Bowl) and 23-16 in the state playoff semifinals. The Rough Riders also recorded a 45-29 win over Lincoln in a #1 vs. #2 matchup in week three.  They split with Washington as previously noted. O'Gorman finished 1-3 vs. its Sioux Falls brethren, which is far from the norm. The Knights, which own a AA-best eight playoff championships, lost twice to Roosevelt, defeated Washington, 24-7, in week three, and lost a 29-28 heart-breaker to Lincoln in the last game of the regular season. Lincoln was 2-2 with wins over Washington and O'Gorman, in somewhat miraculous comebacks. In total, five of the in-city matchups were decided by a TD or less.

Other "Great" Games in 2011 --
Sioux Falls Lincoln was involved in three "fantastic finishes," or games decided by one point in the final minute. In my list of other great games (no particular order) Lincoln makes the list twice.

Lincoln 29 O'Gorman 28. Lincoln ended a 31-game losing streak against O'Gorman with the 29-28 come-from-behind win on the final day of the regular season. The victory, as noted early, produced the top seed in the AA playoffs and a first-round bye. Against OG, Lincoln jumped to a 21-7 lead only to have O'Gorman score 21 unanswered second half points for a 28-21 advantage. Then, Schultz and Naasz found magic at the game's close. On a fourth-down play, Schultz scrambled until he found Naasz on a TD pass with 15 seconds to play. Down by one, Head Coach Aaron Beavers asked his team if they wanted to go for it. He told the Argus Leader: "We've done it for three years with these guys, so we were pretty set on it. We were telling jokes in the huddle." On the two-point conversion, Schultz connected with Naasz on the two-point conversion on a pass in the left side of the end zone. Fourth-ranked Lincoln had their win and the end of a long losing streak to the Knights. Schultz completed 23-of-37 passes for 230 yards while Naasz had eight catches for 68 yards and Kunzman had nine receptions for 54 yards. LHS's Nick Goeman also caught five passes for 101 yards. O'Gorman fought back in the second half on the strength of 146 rushing yards from Sam Steffl, who would end his career second on the all-time rushing list at O'Gorman. 

Roosevelt 38 Brandon Valley 37. I am not sure how anyone watching prep football wouldn't included this playoff encounter. Especially given that Roosevelt, which ultimately won the AA title, was the second seed in the playoffs but had to rally down 13 points to edge a big underdog in Brandon Valley, perhaps the hottest team in the class at that point in the season. After Roosevelt stormed to a 14-0 lead in the opening quarter, Brandon Valley, which finished 7-4, rallied with an exposive passing attack. With Chase Marso completing 24-of-41 passes for 366 yards and five TDs, BV was able to build a 34-21 lead in the third quarter. Three of Marso's TDs went to junior Matt Vandeberg, who had nine catches for 202 yards. After Roosevelt had cut the Brandon Valley lead to 37-35, Roosevelt DB Andrew Smith made the biggest play of the night for Roosevelt, when he stripped Vandeberg of the ball as the Rough Riders recovered at their own 46-yard line with just under four minutes to play.  From their Roosevelt patiently work the ball deep inside BV territory where kicker Derek Granum connected in the game's final moments. Roosevelt senior QB Scott Tyler completed 18 of 24 passes for 289 yards. To recap the scoring, Smith had a one-yard run to open the scoring for RHS and a Brett Ledeboer interception return for a score built a 14-0 lead for Roosevelt. Shortly thereafter, the momentum shifted when BV linebacker Adam Guthmiller forced a fumble by Tyler deep in Lynx territory. Almost immediately, Marso and Vandeberg connected on a 72-yard pitch and catch for a TD. Roosevelt answered on a seven-yard TD run. However BV cut the deficit to 21-13 on a TD throw to Nate Winter with 3:46 left in the half. After stuffing Roosevelt on a 4th and one, Brandon crawled within 21-19 just before halftime when Trevor Crow had an eight-yard TD reception. BV continued to apply pressure to Roosevelt as Guthmiller had an interception which was turned into an 11-yard TD strike from Marso to Vandeberg and a 26-21 lead. Soon thereafter, Roosevelt had a bad punt and BV answered again with a Marso to Vandeberg 51-yard TD with 5:37 left in the third quarter. Roosevelt finally responded with a 4th TD pass to Smith as they cut the deficit to 34-28. But Marso later hit a FG from 29-yard for a 37-28 lead. Roosevelt drew within 37-35 when Smith had a 15-yard scoring run with 7:55 to play. Then Smith had the big defensive play to set up Granum's place-kicking heroics at the end.
 
Chester 42 Howard 41: Not a lot of fans likely remember this 9AA week two encounter. Yet, Chester found a win to get a road win. Austin Opdahl hit Devin Smith with a TD pass with 11 seconds to play and with Josh Curtis' extra point, the Flyers had a 42-41 decision over Howard. Opdahl had 129 yards rushing and Austin Dossett had a pair of kickoff returns for TDs. Tied at 35 entering the final quarter, Howard received a six-yard TD run from Evan Donohue with 1:48 left in the game for a 41-35 lead. Donohue had 99 yards rushing and Ethan Cavigielli had 100 yards on the ground while Donovan Kullnat threw two TD passes and had 109 yards passing for Howard, who weren't able to hold on against Chester.

Yankton 34 Mitchell 29. In an ESD battle, Yankton rallied for a 34-29 win against rival Mitchell on the road. Yankton quarterback Michael Rucker connected with Connor Fitzsimmons on a 24-yard TD strike with 2:39 to play for the score that proved to be the difference. Mitchell crossed midfield on the ensuing possession, a week after upsetting Lincoln, 50-49, but had a drive stall out. Fitzsimmons had eight receptions for 96 yards and 14 carries for 64 yards and two TDs. Rucker completed 15-of-20 passes for 174 yards and had 43 yards rushing and a score. Mitchell was paced by Jason Greenway with 143 yards and two TDs.

Mitchell 50 Lincoln 49: In some people's minds, I'm betting, this game should also rate as a classic. The Kernels overcame a late 13-point lead and won a 50-49 decision in a game held up midway through the game by lightning. Mitchell led 21-7 and then the game was tied at 29-29 at halftime. Lincoln to a 49-36 lead after a Caden Quintanilla TD with 2:20 to play. However, the Patriots failed on a two-point conversion. Then Jason Greenway, who had three TDs and 203 yards rushing, took a kick off back 79 yards for a TD. Following a successful onside kick, Mitchell scored on Brett Havlik's two-yard run with 40 seconds left capped off a 21-6 scoring advantage for Mitchell in the final quarter. Lincoln could not move the ball past midfield in the last moments of the game. Alex Schultz had 228 yards passing on 17-of-43 with a pair of TDs. Quintanilla had 132 yards rushing and Diaz had 92 and two TDs. Kunzman had 85 yards receiving and a 13-yard TD reception in the second quarter. Mitchell's Eric Bortnem had 75 yards receiving on two catches, both TDs (29, 46). Havlik was 12-of-18 for 198 yards, two TDs throwing and one by rush.

Sully Buttes 36 Gettysburg 34: As a former Battler, I didn't want to include this but...Sully Buttes comeback was impressive. Herman Kleinsasser caught a 25-yard TD pass from Conner Uhlir as time expired to lift third-ranked Sully Buttes to a 36-34 win over arch-rival Gettysburg on Oct. 8. Gettysburg/Hoven had scored with 58 second remaining on a Hayden Simon scoring run from four yards. Kleinsasser, who was part of each TD for Sully Buttes, which rallied down 21-8. The 100-yard sprint champion from Class B, Kleinsasser had 165 yards rushing and 2 TDs, 69 yards receiving and two TDs and had a returned punt for a fifth TD. Tate Nafziger rushed for 136 yards and a touchdown and also threw for 146 yards and two TDs to power Gettysburg-Hoven.

Tri-Valley 21 Dell Rapids 14: In a #1 vs. #1 battle, 11B Tri-Valley defeated 11A Dell Rapids, 21-14, in Dell Rapids. In the game's final moments, Dell Rapids' quarterback Channing Barber threw a deep pass from midfield to Weston Hansen, who appeared to have dual possession with Mustangs Riley Brown. The officials ruled in Tri-Valley's favor, that it was an interception, and with it a Mustangs win. That play came moments after Barber had a 54-yard TD run called back due to a holding penalty. Dell Rapids, which played without standout Cole Langer, had a 15-game winning streak come to a halt with the loss. Barber, who had 138 yards rushing, scoring on a 17-yard run and a 40-yard scoring scamper. The Mustangs had a 10-yard TD run by Andrew Buchmann, a 20-yard TD pass from Brett Page to Dominick Burggraff that tied the game at 14 heading to halftime. The Mustangs took a seven-point lead on a two-yard TD run by Sam Mader with 2:55 left in the third quarter. Mader, who was filling in for Tri-Valley's standout running back Cooper Hausman out due to illness, had 79 yards on 19 carries.

Tri-Valley 18 McCook Central 14. Tri-Valley's Dominick Burggraff blocked a punt and then quarterback Brett Page threw a TD pass to Andrew Buchmann with less than two minutes to play to lift the top-ranked and unbeaten Mustangs to an 18-14 win in the SD HS 11B Football Championship t at the DakotaDome on Nov. 10. Tri-Valley finished the season 12-0 and claimed its third title (2007, 2008). Brad McDonald's troops had to rally after McCook Central/Montrose scored 14 unanswered points in the third quarter, led by Joe Robbie Award recipient Andy Kappenman, who had 191 yards rushing and a TD. Cooper Hausman was the SD FB Coaches Assn., Back of the Game (109 yards, two TDs) and Thad Johnson the lineman of the game. McCook Central/Montrose, which finished 10-2, had 192 yards rushing to 160 for Tri-Valley.

Canistota 34 Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan 26. While 9A Canistota and 9AA Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan would go on to win titles in their respective classes, this early season battle pitted two of the 9-man powers.  Canistota, which finished 12-0 and now owns a state-best 24-game winning streak, recorded a defensive stop late in the game to claim the win over BEE at the FCA Bowl in Sioux Falls on Sept. 3. Canistota junior quarterback Cody Bunger, who would throw for 948 yards and rush for 1,192 during the season, had a big night. He rushed for 129 yards, including two rushing TDs and one by pass. His 42-yard scoring run opened the scoring and his 11-yard run with 6:25 left culminated the Hawks scoring, providing them with a 34-18 lead. After Bunger's late score, BEE answered on Kendall Lindeman's 12-yard TD run, which capped a six-play 69-yard drive.  When quarterback Jace Connor hit Ryan Hanks on a two-point conversion pass, the Seahawks trailed by just eight. Canistota followed with a three-and-out. BEE, which ran off 10 straight wins to end the season and won its fifth 9AA title, took the ball to the Canistota 20-yard line when a 4th and 8 pass by Connor was incomplete.  The Hawks finished with 323 rushing yards. Lindeman, who would rush for 1,947 yards during the season, led the Seahawks' rushing attack with 203 yards on 23 carries and scored BEE's first TD with 36 seconds left in the first half. Troy Hofer had 18 tackles, an interception and 108 yards rushing with two TDs. BEE's Anthony Huber had 103 rushing yards on 19 carries and 10 tackles.

22 Schools Have Defended Football Crowns in SD Prep History

It has been a couple of months since the prep football season concluded and with it some of the great performances in memory. With the new year started, it is proper to take a look back at some interesting facts about SD prep gridiron doings, past and lately.

In the 2011 SD High School championships, all the higher seeded teams won titles, including Waverly/South Shore in 9B, Canistota in 9A, Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan (11-1) in 9AA, Tri-Valley in 11B, Dell Rapids (11-1) in 11A and Roosevelt (11-1) in 11AA. Three teams finished the year undefeated, Tri-Valley (12-0), Canistota (12-0) and Waverly/South Shore (12-0). Two champions, BEE and Dell Rapids, had only one loss and that was to a titlists from another class. Dell Rapids lost to 11B's Tri-Valley, 21-14; while BEE fell to 9A's Canistot, 34-26. And, Roosevelt? They lost only to SF Washington, 34-29, in the final week of the regular season.

Dell Rapids in 11A and Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan in 9AA were the only two teams to defend titles although Canistota won its second straight crown, albeit in different classes (9B in 2010 and 9A in 2011). While Canistota may be "only" a two-time champion and not a defending titlist, it is the South Dakota school with the state's longest running winning streak of 24 games during a dominant two-year run. They have scored 1,297 points and allowed just 99 points in that span. In the playoffs, they rolled up a 446 to 14 margin.

Since the playoffs started in 1981, a defending champion has repeated 25 times, involving 22 schools. In 11AA, there have been six two-time champs but no team has won three straight crowns.

Winning three straight prep championships has happened in every South Dakota class except AA. Seven times, a team has won three or more titles in those classes. The longest run was West Central with six straight titles in 11A from 2000-05. The Trojans were also a three-time champ from 1996-1998 in 11A. The other three-time champs included Vermillion, 1990-92 in 11A; Hamlin, 1989-91 in 11B; Hanson, 2008 to 2010 in 9A and 9B; Freeman, 1997-99 in 9A; and Tripp, 1983-85 in 9B. Hanson was the only team that wasn't a three-time winner in the same class. They won two straight in 9A and the 2008 title in 9B.

Here is the list of the teams that successfully defended crowns (schools and head coach):

11AA -- SF Washington, 2009, 2010, Brian Hermansen; Sioux Falls Roosevelt, 2006, 2007, Brent DeBoer;  SF O'Gorman, 2004, 2005 and 1985, 1986, Steve Keuter; Yankton, 1994, Max Hawk, and 1995, Jim Miner; Brandon Valley, 1989, 1990, Mike Klinedinst.

11A -- Dell Rapids, 2010, 2011, Steve Hansen; West Central, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 1996, 1997 and 1998, Jim Uttecht; Vermillion, 1990, 1991, 1992, Gary Culver; Brandon Valley, 1984, 1985, Mike Klinedinst.

11B -- Tri Valley, 2007, 2008, Brad McDonald; Aberdeen Roncalli, 2005, 2006, Terry Dosch; Bon Homme, 1994, 1995, Russ Morrell; Hamlin,  1989, 1990, 1991, Arlin Likness.

9AA -- Bridgewater/Emery/Ethan, 2010, 2011, Jeff Van Leuer; Arlington, 2004. 2005, Steve Gilbertson; Stickney/Mt. Vernon, 1999, 2000, Myron Steffen.

9A -- Hanson, 2008 (Class 9B), 2009, 2010, Jim Haskamp; Scotland, 2006, 2007, Bob Graham; Freeman, 1997, 1998, 1999, Jim Aisenbrey; Garretson, 1990, 1991, Clarence Kooistra; Montrose, 1983, 1984, Dan Thelen.

9B -- Kimball, 2003, 2004, Dale Taylor; Tripp, 1983, 1984, 1985, Steve Entringer.

In history, three coaches have led teams to consecutive titles two different times. They include Mike Klinedinst of Brandon Valley, who is the only playoff era coach to lead a team to consecutive crowns in two different classes (1989, 1990, AA; 1984, 1985, A). Steve Keuter of O'Gorman is the only AA coach to lead a team to back-to-back titles (1984, 1985, 2005, 2006, AA). Jim Uttecht of West Central is the only coach in SD prep playoff history to lead a team to three straight crowns on two different occasions. His 11A teams won three straight from 1997-99 and a six in a row from 2000-05, which remains the longest championship run in any class during the playoff era.

Career Prep Notes

Schultz Concludes One of the Great Careers in Prep History

Alex Schultz of Sioux Falls Lincoln led the Patriots to an 8-3 season and concluded one of the greatest prep careers in SD history. While a state title wasn’t in the mix, Schultz nonetheless opened it up and continually showed poise under fire. Twice the senior quarterback led the Patriots to come-from-behind wins, including a 37-36 victory over SF Washington, which ended the Warriors' 27-game winning streak. 
Later in the seaon (regular season finale), he operated in the clutch in a 29-28 win over SF O'Gorman, which clinched the #1 playoff seed for Aaron Beavers' Patriots. He was also involved in a 50-49 loss to Mitchell. Schultz, who averaged 271.9 passing yards per game in 2011 (2,991 yards, 36 TDs), directed a Patriots offense that averaged an AA-best 44.18 points per game.   He finished his career with 482 completions in 861 attempts for 6,782 yards and 65 TDs, all totals that rank among the best-ever. I believe he is only the second SD prep QB ever (Austin Sumner of Brandon Valley) with consecutive passing yard totals of 2,950 or more.

Greenways Produce Over 4K in Rushing Yards
Mitchell, SD, prep football fans will long remember the contributions of Justin and Jason Greenway, standouts in wrestling, football and track and field. This past fall, the Greenway twins completed their football careers while lead the Kernels to the second round of the playoffs. In their stellar careers, the Greenways had a combined 530 carries for 4,035 yards and 42 TDs on the ground. They also ha registered a combined 67 receptions for 910 yards and six TDs. In total they accounted for 60 TDs and 4,945 yards of total offense. The Greenways also accumulated 199 tackles, seven interceptions and eight blocked kicks on defense and special teams.

In his career, Jason Greenway finished with 388 carries for 2,874 yards and rushed for 29 TDs. Greenway had a total of 37 TDs, including seven on special teams/defense. He finished with 26 receptions for 252 yards and a TD. He also had 91 tackles, four interceptions, six blocked kicks and three fumble recoveries. His brother Justin finished with 142 carries for 1,161 yards rushing and 13 TDs while catching 41 passes for 658 yards and five TDs along with five return/defensive TDs. He also had 118 tackles and three interceptions. Canistota's Hofer Ends Career One of Best Ever in 9-man
Troy Hofer, who led Canistota to back-to-back state football titles in two classes (9B, 9A), concluded his career with 39 TDs and 2,428 rushing yards. In the past two seasons, Hofer recorded 197 tackles (89, 108), five sacks, seven fumble recoveries, and an interception.

Nelson Goes over 3K for a Career
Brycen Nelson of Brookings recorded his second straight 1,000 yard season (1,309, 2010; 1,430 in 2011) and finished his career with 3,318 yards. He also had a single-game best and AA record of 338 yards vs. Aberdeen Central last year.

Steffl Goes over 2,600 For Career
Sam Steffl of O'Gorman had 453 carries for 2,663 yards and 32 TDs during his career at O'Gorman. He led the Knights to the semifinals this past fall and to the championship game a year ago. Steffl is just the second O’Gorman player with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons (Josh Mahoney, 2003-04). He also finished second (by 13 yards) to Danny Isaacson for the O’Gorman all-time career rushing yardage mark (2,676).

Three SD Receivers Reach 2K in 2011
This season in South Dakota prep football, three receivers surpassed 2,000 career yards, including two from the same team. Trey Naasz and Josh Kunzman both of SF Lincoln surpassed the mark as did Tyson Zemlicka of Waverly/South Shore. Interestingly, Zemlicka and Naasz passed 2K on the same night.

Naasz and Kunzman Roll Up Over 300 Receptions and 51 TDs As Combo
Lincoln's dynamic duo of receivers, Trey Naasz and Josh Kunzman completed their careers this fall as one of the best-ever in SD prep circles. This past fall the Kunzman-Naasz combo combined for 126 catches for 1,869 yards and 24 TDs. Kunzman finished his career with 128 receptions for 2,210 yards and 24 TDs. Naasz had a state-record 199 receptions for 2,397 yards with 27 TDs. Together the Naasz/Kunzman combo had 327 catches, 4,607 yards and 51 TDs in their careers at Lincoln.