In a rematch of last year’s 11A semifinal game, the Dell Rapids Quarriers hosted the Sioux Falls Christian Chargers on Friday, November 3rd. Dell Rapids fought their way to a 22-14 win to punch their ticket to the Dakota Dome.
The Chargers made some noise early. Sioux Falls Christian forced a fumble on the first offense play for the Quarriers and took over on the Dell Rapids 21-yard line. The Chargers scored on that drive on a one-yard quarterback sneak with 8:19 to play in the quarter. With the made extra point, Sioux Falls Christian led 7-0. Mason Stubbe put the Quarriers on the board with a five-yard touchdown run with 2:59 remaining. Jack Henry picked up a fumble on the two-point conversion attempt and scored to give Dell Rapids an 8-7 lead.
The Quarriers extended their lead by scoring the only touchdown in the second quarter. Stubbe had a two-yard touchdown run with 2:27 to play in the quarter. The two-point conversion was no good, but Dell Rapids led 14-7. The score remained 14-7 at halftime.
The Chargers tied the game, 14-14, after a 22-yard touchdown run and made extra point with 6:54 to play in the third quarter. The score remained tied 14-14 going into the fourth quarter. Stubbe got his third rushing touchdown on a one-yard carry with 9:47 to play in the game. Henry scored the two-point conversion to make the score 22-14. The Dell Rapids defensed forced a Charger punt with 5:50 to play in the game. The Quarriers started the final drive of the game from their own 10-yard line. They were able to pick up key first downs and drive the ball 80 yards while running the clock to 0:00 for the win.
Dell Rapids finished with 349 yards of total offense, 267 rushing yards and 82 passing yards. The Chargers had 123 yards of total offense, 106 rushing yards and 17 passing yards. Henry was 6-9 passing for 82 yards. Cole Ruesink had three catches for 35 yard. Stubbe had a catch for 24 yards, and Tad Tjaden had two catches for 23 yards. Stubbe also finished with 27 carries for 161 yards and three touchdowns. Ruesink added 15 carries for 87 yards.
Aiden Geraets finished with 6.5 tackles. Sutton Williams had six tackles on defense. Quinn Carr had five tackles. John Mortrude had 4.5 tackles. Treyse Eastman finished with 3.5 tackles. Henry, Ruesink, and Stubbe all had three tackles apiece. Will Ronshaugen had an interception.
Dell Rapids will face the West Central Trojans again for the 11A title. The championship game will be held at the Dakota Dome in Vermillion on Friday, November 10th at 2:00 p.m.
