The Dell Rapids Quarriers took an 11A opening round win over the Dakota Valley Panthers on Thursday, October 31st. Dell Rapids took a 17-0 lead late in the fourth quarter and held for a 17-6 win.
Cole Ruesink started the game with fireworks. He took the opening kickoff for an 87-yard touchdown. Cooper Frost made the extra point to give the Quarriers a 7-0 lead in the opening seconds of the game. The first quarter would end with Dell Rapids leading 7-0. The Quarriers added to the lead late in the second quarter. Ruesink had a 19-yard touchdown run with 2:20 left in the half. Frost made another extra point, and Dell Rapids led 14-0 going into halftime.
Third quarter was scoreless between the two teams, and Dell Rapids led 14-0 going into the final quarter. The Quarriers would extend the lead to 17-0 lead after a 38-yard field goal by Frost with 4:59 remaining in the game. Dakota Valley would keep things exciting. They scored on a seven-yard touchdown with 3:17 to go in the game to make the score 17-6. The Panthers would then recover the onside kick. Dakota Valley would drive the ball inside the 10 yard line, but the Quarriers held on a fourth and goal with 2:26 to play in the game. Dell Rapids was faced with a fourth down of their own with 1:16 to play in the game deep in their own territory, but they were able to force an offside on the Panthers giving Dell Rapids a first down. The Quarriers were then able to run out the clock for the win.
Dell Rapids will host Lennox in the semifinals on Friday, November 8th.
