The Wolsey-Wessington Warbirds (10-1) varsity football team from Wolsey, SD, will face the Howard Tigers (11-0) in a neutral playoff game on Friday, November 15, at 10 a.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 SDHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (South Dakota) for Class 9A.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: South Dakota High School Football
Who: Wolsey-Wessington vs Howard
When: Friday, November 15, 2024
Time: 10 a.m
Bracket: 2024 SDHSAA High School Football Playoff Brackets (South Dakota) – Class 9A
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Game preview: Wolsey-Wessington vs Howard

With dominant seasons behind them, the Howard and Wolsey-Wessington high school football teams are poised to face off in what promises to be an electrifying clash. Both teams have excelled within South Dakota, but Howard’s undefeated 11-0 record and Wolsey-Wessington’s strong 10-1 performance mean that this game could be a thrilling battle of the state’s top programs.

Rankings and Records

Howard enters the matchup ranked as the 31st team nationally, sitting atop both the South Dakota and Class 1 standings. The Tigers boast an impressive 11-0 overall record and have gone 5-0 in their region, excelling in both home (7-0) and away (4-0) games. Their dominant season has led to a remarkable point differential, scoring 511 points while only allowing 63, demonstrating their defensive strength alongside their offensive firepower.

Wolsey-Wessington ranks 113th nationally and fifth in South Dakota, placing them at the top of Class 2. Their 10-1 season includes a 4-1 regional record. With an equally strong home record (6-0) and one loss on the road (4-1), Wolsey-Wessington has proven their mettle, outscoring opponents 424 to 202.

Scoring and Team Statistics

Howard has averaged 46.5 points per game, establishing themselves as a high-powered offense that stays strong throughout each quarter. Wolsey-Wessington’s scoring average sits at 38.5 points per game, largely driven by their second-quarter output, where they score an average of 22 points.

Comparing team statistics, Howard and Wolsey-Wessington present intriguing contrasts:

• Howard’s Key Strengths:
  • Total Yards Per Game: 418 yards, achieved through a balanced offense.
  • Points Per Game: 38.4, with a consistent ability to find the end zone.
  • Tackling: 53.9 tackles per game, showing a disciplined and effective defense.
• Wolsey-Wessington’s Key Stats:
  • Rushing: 246.7 yards per game, indicating a ground-heavy attack.
  • Passing: 171.3 yards per game, adding a significant air attack component.
  • Total Offensive Production: Driven by standout performances from players like Caleb Richmond and Moshe Richmond.

Player Highlights

Caleb Richmond stands out for Howard, leading with 111.7 rushing yards per game and 164.2 passing yards per game, giving him an impressive total yards average of 275.9. Moshe Richmond has excelled in receiving, with 83.6 yards per game, while Colin Hughes leads in defensive stats with 10.8 tackles and 0.8 sacks per game.

Wolsey-Wessington’s Attack centers on a balanced strategy, leveraging strong rushing (246.7 yards per game) and passing (171.3 yards per game) to keep defenses on their heels. Their defensive average of 53.9 tackles per game highlights their resilience in critical situations.

Common Opponents

Both teams share two common opponents: Estelline/Hendricks and Deubrook. Howard bested Estelline/Hendricks with a score of 35-8, while Wolsey-Wessington took a 38-22 victory. Against Deubrook, Howard dominated with a 55-0 win, while Wolsey-Wessington won 52-6. This suggests similar strength, though Howard’s shutout against Deubrook indicates a potential edge.

Record Breakdown

Howard has been unstoppable, securing an undefeated 11-0 record and maintaining their dominance in both regional (5-0) and non-league (3-0) play. Wolsey-Wessington’s only blemish was a single region game, leaving them at 10-1 overall and 4-1 in their region. Both teams are undefeated in the playoffs at 3-0.

Outlook

This highly anticipated matchup features two well-prepared, disciplined teams with powerful offenses and hard-nosed defenses. Howard’s undefeated run makes them the slight favorite, yet Wolsey-Wessington’s gritty resilience and multi-faceted offensive threats mean this showdown could go either way.