The Dell Rapids Quarriers hosted the Dakota Valley Panthers to open the 2024 football season on Friday, August 30th. The Panthers held for a 22-14 win.
Dell Rapids had multiple big plays in the first half negated by penalties, and the Panthers took advantage. Dakota Valley scored on a one-yard touchdown run with 1:44 to go in the opening quarter. After a two-point conversion, the Panthers led 8-0. They scored again late in the second quarter. With 2:04 in the half, Dakota Valley connected on a 65-yard touchdown pass. Another two-point conversion extended the lead to 16-0.
Cole Ruesink was able to break free for a 64-yard touchdown run with :59 to play in the third quarter. A made two-point conversion cut the lead to 16-8. Ruesink got into the end zone again with 7:36 to go on a two-yard run. This time the Quarriers missed the conversion, and Dakota Valley continued to lead 16-14.
The Panthers put the pressure on the Quarriers after a 67-yard touchdown pass with 6:21 to go in the game. Dakota Valley missed the conversion, and the score was 22-14. Dell Rapids drove down the field over the next five and a half minutes. They had the ball on the five-yard line with a first and goal, but the Panther defense held strong. Dakota Valley broke up a pass near the goal line with :30 to go to force a turnover on downs.
Dell Rapids finished with 291 yards of offense, 237 rushing yards and 54 passing yards. Dakota Valley had 305 yards of offense, 160 passing yards and 145 rushing yards. Ruesink had 14 carries for 132 yards and two touchdowns. Quinn Carr had nine carries for 79 yards. Cooper Frost was 5-12 passing for 54 yards and an interception. Tad Tjaden had three catches for 29 yards. Ruesink finished with two catches for 25 yards.
Kenny Swanson finished with six tackles and a sack. Lucas Keener had 5.5 tackles and an interception. Drake Eastman added 5.5 tackles. Carson Maeschen had 2.5 tackles with a sack. Brandon Schmidt finished with 3.5 tackles, and Ryan Stubbe had 2.5 tackles.
