The Winner Warriors, with an 11-0 record (SD), will host the Sioux Valley Cossacks, also 11-0 (Volga, SD), in a playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 2:00 PM. This game is part of the 2024 SDHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets for Class 11B in South Dakota.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: South Dakota High School Football
Who: Winner vs Sioux Valley
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM
Bracket: 2024 SDHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (South Dakota) – Class 11B
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Game preview: Winner vs Sioux Valley

As the 2024 high school football season heads toward its climax, two unbeaten teams from South Dakota stand out: Sioux Valley and Winner. Both teams have dominated their respective schedules, posting perfect records, and they now look poised to meet in what promises to be a thrilling showdown. Here’s a look at their impressive seasons and what to expect from this clash of titans.

Sioux Valley (11-0) Overview

The Sioux Valley Cossacks have been nothing short of dominant this season. With a perfect 11-0 record, they have established themselves as one of the most potent teams in South Dakota. Their success is built on a balanced attack that has averaged an impressive 40.5 points per game, with standout performances from key players.

Scoring Breakdown:

• 1st Quarter: 12.3 points
• 2nd Quarter: 12.5 points
• 3rd Quarter: 10.8 points
• 4th Quarter: 8.0 points

This consistent offensive output is spearheaded by Donovan Rose, who has been the team’s workhorse. Rose averages 159 yards per game on the ground, contributing to Sioux Valley’s strong rushing attack. As a result, they average 72.9 rushing yards per game and 76.2 total yards per game. With a solid defense that limits opponents to just 156 points all season, the Cossacks have made a name for themselves as a well-rounded, tough team.

Winner (11-0) Overview

Much like Sioux Valley, Winner has been nearly flawless this season, finishing 11-0 with an equally impressive set of statistics. The Winner Warriors have averaged 31.6 points per game, with a particularly strong showing in the first half of games. They are especially potent in the opening quarters, averaging 28.0 points in the first and 22.0 points in the second.

Scoring Breakdown:

• 1st Quarter: 28.0 points
• 2nd Quarter: 22.0 points
• 3rd Quarter: 8.0 points
• 4th Quarter: 0 points

Though their second half scoring drops off, the Warriors have proven they can jump out to an early lead, and their defense, which has allowed just 53 points this season, is among the best in the state. This has led them to an undefeated season, with a remarkable 5-0 record in their region.

Team Comparisons

• Rushing Yards Per Game: Sioux Valley leads with 72.9, while Winner’s running game has been effective but less emphasized.
• Passing Yards Per Game: Sioux Valley has averaged just 3.3 passing yards per game, indicating a more run-heavy offense.
• Total Yards Per Game: Sioux Valley averages 76.2 yards per game, while Winner has slightly higher numbers at 76.2 yards per game.
• Tackles Per Game: Sioux Valley has shown solid defensive play, averaging 10.1 tackles per game.

Key Players

• Donovan Rose (Sioux Valley): Rose has been a standout, with 159 rushing yards per game and 10 points per game. He has been a key factor in the team’s offensive success.
• Mitchell Guthmiller (Sioux Valley): With 9 receiving yards per game, Guthmiller has been crucial in the passing game despite the team’s run-heavy offense.
• Preston Top (Sioux Valley): Defensively, Top leads with 6 tackles per game.
• Broden Teske (Sioux Valley): Teske has added pressure to opposing offenses with 0.5 sacks per game.

For Winner, standout players like Hunter Weller and Tyler Knutson have been crucial on both offense and defense. Their ability to make plays in key moments has helped the Warriors maintain their undefeated record.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, with Sioux Valley finishing 3-0 against teams like St. Thomas More and Elk Point-Jefferson, and Winner going 2-0 against similar teams.

Head-to-Head Common Opponent Results:

• St. Thomas More: Sioux Valley defeated them 35-0, while Winner won 36-0.
• Elk Point-Jefferson: Sioux Valley won 17-14 and 28-14, while Winner earned an 18-8 win earlier in the season.

Record Breakdown

Both teams have remained undefeated throughout the season, showcasing their dominance in league play, non-league games, and playoffs. Here’s a breakdown of their records:

• Overall Record: Both teams are 11-0.
• Home Games: Sioux Valley is 7-0 at home, and Winner is also perfect at 7-0.
• Away Games: Sioux Valley is 4-0, while Winner holds a 4-0 away record as well.
• Playoffs: Both teams have gone 3-0 in playoff action, with dominant performances throughout.

Looking Ahead

With both Sioux Valley and Winner sporting perfect records, their potential meeting could be one of the most exciting matchups of the season. Sioux Valley will look to continue its ground game behind Donovan Rose, while Winner will aim to maintain its strong early-game offense and defensive dominance. Whichever team comes out on top, it’s clear that both squads have made their mark on the 2024 season.

Fans of South Dakota high school football will certainly be watching closely as these two powerhouse teams prepare for what could be an epic showdown.