The Pierre T.F. Riggs Governors (7-4) will face the Watertown Arrows (9-2) in a neutral-site playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 7:00 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 SDHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (South Dakota) – Class 11AA tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: South Dakota High School Football
Who: Pierre T.F. Riggs vs Watertown
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Bracket: 2024 SDHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (South Dakota) – Class 11AA
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Game preview: Pierre T.F. Riggs vs Watertown
As the SD high school football season comes to a thrilling close, the Watertown Arrows and Pierre T.F. Riggs Governors are set to clash in a highly anticipated playoff game. The two teams will face off on Friday, November 15 at 7 p.m. for a neutral-site contest that could decide who advances to the next round.
A Look at the Teams
Watertown (9-2 overall, 6-1 region) enters the game with a strong track record. The Arrows have been dominant all season, with an impressive win percentage of .818 and a region record of .857. They have scored a total of 340 points while allowing only 151, showcasing their balanced and effective play. Watertown’s offense averages nearly 31 points per game, with notable scoring contributions across all quarters.
Pierre T.F. Riggs (7-4 overall, 2-3 region), on the other hand, comes into this game with a solid but slightly less dominant record. With a win percentage of .636 and a region record of .400, they’ve proven themselves capable but have struggled in certain matchups. The Governors have scored 243 points this season and allowed 203. Pierre’s offense averages 22.1 points per game but has struggled to maintain consistency, particularly in the first and fourth quarters.
Head-to-Head
These two teams met earlier this season on September 13, 2024, in a game that was a clear victory for Watertown. The Arrows won 28-14, with a balanced offensive performance that saw them score a touchdown in each quarter. Pierre T.F. Riggs struggled in the early part of the game, with Watertown jumping out to a commanding lead. Despite a strong second quarter where the Governors scored 14 points, they were unable to catch up.
Common Opponents
Both teams have faced some of the same opponents this season, with varying results. Watertown has dominated teams like Yankton and Douglas, with victories of 27-13 and 54-0, respectively. In contrast, Pierre T.F. Riggs has had mixed results against these common foes, with a 35-7 loss to Yankton and a 34-7 win over Douglas.
The two teams share another common opponent in Spearfish, where Watertown suffered a narrow 27-20 loss, while Pierre T.F. Riggs came out on top in a 35-15 victory. This highlights the differences in how both teams have performed against certain competition, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their upcoming matchup.
Key Matchup
Watertown’s ability to score consistently across all four quarters will be crucial in this playoff game. With a high-scoring offense led by their balanced attack, they’ll look to overpower Pierre T.F. Riggs early on, just as they did in their September meeting. On the other hand, Pierre will need to continue its trend of performing well in the second quarter and adjust to the pressure Watertown can apply. Quarterback play and offensive adjustments will likely play a key role in determining the outcome.
The Road Ahead
Both teams have shown they are capable of big wins this season, but with Watertown’s higher win percentage and superior scoring averages, they enter the game as the favorites. However, with a spot in the next round on the line, expect Pierre T.F. Riggs to bring their best to the field, especially with their potential for upsets, as shown in their victories over teams like Sturgis Brown and Spearfish.
The matchup on November 15 promises to be a hard-fought game that will showcase some of the best talent in South Dakota high school football. With both teams vying for a chance to continue their playoff journey, fans can expect an exciting and competitive atmosphere at kickoff.
Will Watertown continue their dominance, or will Pierre T.F. Riggs pull off an upset? Only time will tell.
