The Dell Rapids St Mary Cardinals got back to the gridiron after a bye week in De Smet on Friday, September 14th. The Cardinals evened their record with a 30-22 win over the Bulldogs.
The Cardinals offense was working well in the first half. St Mary held a 22-12 lead at halftime. Neither team was able to score in the third quarter, and St Mary held on to a 10-point lead heading into the final quarter. De Smet pulled within two points in the fourth quarter at 22-20, but the Cardinals were able to put the final score on the board and hold on for the victory.
St Mary finished with a total of 389 yards of offense, 202 rushing yards and 187 passing yards. De Smet finished with 230 yards of total offense, 137 rushing yards and 93 passing yards.
Connor Libis finished the game 11-17 passing for 187 yards, two touchdowns, and a two-point conversion. Libis also had 16 carries for 72 yards and a two-point conversion. Ryan Eining had one catch for an 84-yard touchdown. The 84-yard touchdown pass set a new school record for longest pass play. Ethan Geraets had six catches for 75 yards and a touchdown. Weston Geraets added three catches for 21 yards. Eli Longville had 10 carries in the game for 71 yards with a touchdown and a two-point conversion. Payton Park added seven carries for 54 yards and a touchdown.
Cardinal head coach Ross Flemmer said, “The boys played hard Friday night. They are improving each week and we hope to take another step this week against Castlewood.”
St Mary (2-2) will host Castlewood for Homecoming on Friday, September 21st. The game can be seen on Big Sioux Media.