Gridiron Scoreboard: Cobblers snap 29-game skid, Spartans topple No. 1 Watertown

Any given Friday. That's what high school football is all about.

Within the landscape of West River high school football, a long losing skid was finally snapped and a ranked squad took down a top-ranked East River team in double overtime.

Then, several teams came up big in their proverbial showdowns.

It all starts with Rapid City Central, who put away with a long, 29-game losing skid with a dramatic 3-0 victory over Sioux Falls Washington on Friday at O'Harra Stadium. Capping off Homecoming Week with a moment to remember, the Cobblers entered the win column at 1-5.

No. 5-ranked (Class 11AA) Spearfish came up huge in their road clash with top-ranked Watertown, before outlasting the Arrows with a massive 27-20 victory on Friday at Watertown Stadium.

Rapid City Christian and St. Thomas More secured road wins, defeating Lakota Tech and Belle Fourche, respectively.

No. 2-ranked (Class 9A) Wall continues to overpower opponents, this time dominating Jones County in Murdo. Hill City extended their current win streak to three straight on Senior Night, blanking Philip with a 53-0 score at Ranger Field.

Top-ranked (Class 11B) Winner earned a hard fought win over No. 5 Mount Vernon/Plankinton in Mount Vernon, and No. 5-ranked (Class 9A) Harding County/Bison had to dig deep to defeat Dupree in Bison.

Hot Springs returned to the win column, while Kadoka Area recorded their second win in a row. New Underwood broke into the win column with a victory over Lyman, and Lemmon/McIntosh outlasted Timber Lake.

The following are capsules from a full slate of high school action, which took place on Thursday and Friday.

Football Capsules for Friday, Oct. 4

Sioux Falls Washington at Rapid City Central, held at O'Harra Stadium.

Final Score: Rapid City Central 3, Sioux Falls Washington 0.

Records: Rapid City Central 1-5, Sioux Falls Washington 1-5.

Quick Notes: Since Sept. 18, 2021, victory had eluded the Rapid City Central football team. 29 games later, the losing skid is finally put to rest.

The Cobblers entered the win column for the first time in two years in dramatic fashion, as senior Triston Ducheneaux booted a 25-yard field goal with 4:31 left in the game to grant Central a victory on Homecoming.

While points came at a premium, Cobblers' defensive unit recovered a fumble to end the Warriors' first drive in the first quarter and turned away a potential touchdown drive with an interception from senior Caleb Crawford.

At the break, Central and Washington were locked in scoreless tie.

The lack of scoring continued until late in the final period, as Ducheneaux split the uprights from 25-yards out. Washington had an opportunity to tie the game up with 1:09 left, before the 33-yard attempt sailed wide left.

Central was able to go into victory formation and put the long losing skid to rest.

Next up: The Cobblers will challenge No. 2-ranked Sioux Falls Lincoln (5-1) at 5 p.m. CT next Friday at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls. The Warriors will host O'Gorman (2-4) at 7:30 p.m. CT next Friday at Howard Wood Field.

No. 5 (Class 11AA) Spearfish at No. 1 (Class 11AA) Watertown, held at Watertown Stadium.

Final Score: Spearfish 27, Watertown 20 (2OT).

Records: Spearfish 5-1, Watertown 4-2.

Quick Notes: It took everything they had and then some, but the Spartans took down the top-ranked team in Class 11AA.

It was a slow first half, but the Spartans held a 7-0 lead at halftime. This was due to a huge 62-yard touchdown run by senior Hunter Walters with 11:29 on the clock in the second quarter.

Both sides went back and forth, before going into the proverbial fifth period at 14-14. Both sides scored six points, but each squad missed their respective extra points, forcing a double overtime.

Spearfish scored the go-ahead touchdown on a fourth and five, as sophomore Thomas Hughes connected with wideout Kade Vavruska from 10 yards out. Vavruska beat out two Watertown defenders to reel in the TD.

Junior Samuel Marcus split the uprights, providing the Spartans with a seven point lead at 27-20. To win, the Arrows would have to go for two.

On a fourth and five, Watertown quarterback Treyton Himmerich fired a play action pass to the back of the endzone. The pass was broken up by sophomore Karsen Seyer and junior Laythan Lucas to seal the Spartans' massive upset.

Next up: The Spartans will return home against Douglas (0-6) in a matchup slated for 6 p.m. next Friday at Lyle Hare Stadium in Spearfish.

The Arrows will bring in Tea Area (4-3) for Senior Night, scheduled for 7 p.m. CT at Watertown Stadium.

Rapid City Stevens at No. 4 (Class 11AAA) Sioux Falls Jefferson, held at Howard Wood Field, Sioux Falls.

Final Score: Sioux Falls Jefferson 56, Rapid City Stevens 13.

Records: Rapid City Stevens 0-6, Sioux Falls Jefferson 5-1.

Quick Notes: It's been a tumultuous week for the Raiders, who saw head coach Patrick Towne be relieved of his duties this past Thursday. Taking over for the Raiders for the rest of the season is Joe Moore, who served as an assistant coach prior to Towne's dismissal.

Nonetheless, the Raiders were unable to keep up with the Cavaliers on the road.

Next up: The Raiders will square off with Sioux Falls Roosevelt (2-4) for a matchup set for 6 p.m. next Friday at O'Harra Stadium. The Cavaliers will enter a top-five showdown with top-ranked (Class 11AAA) Harrisburg (6-0) at 6 p.m. CT at the Harrisburg High School Track and Football Complex.

Rapid City Christian at Lakota Tech, held at Lakota Tech High School, Pine Ridge.

Final Score: Rapid City Christian 53, Lakota Tech 0.

Records: Rapid City Christian 3-3, Lakota Tech 0-6.

Quick Notes: The Comets are officially back at the .500 mark, as the navy and gold spoiled Homecoming for the Tatanka.

Senior Braylon Marshall crossed the century mark on the ground, rushing for 101 yards and two touchdowns on five carries. Defensively, Marshall had eight tackles.

Senior Wes Schlabach picked up a receiving touchdown and a rushing touchdown, while quarterback Simon Kieffer went 4-of-4 passing for 52 yards and two passing TDs, while also producing a rushing touchdown.

Sophomore Sully Kieffer and senior Victor Enriquez both had rushing TDs, and senior Mason Peterson snagged two catches for 11 yards and one receiving TD.

Kyle Courtney contributed to this report.

Next up: The Comets will make a short trip into the Black Hills to take on Lead-Deadwood (1-5) at 6 p.m. next Friday at Ferguson Field in Deadwood.

The Tatanka face another stiff challenge in No. 1-ranked (Class 11B) Winner, slated for 6 p.m. next Friday on the campus of Lakota Tech High School in Pine Ridge. The game is designated as Senior Night/Parents Night for Lakota Tech.

St. Thomas More at Belle Fourche, held at Belle Fourche High School Football Field.

Final Score: St. Thomas More 48, Belle Fourche 0.

Records: St. Thomas More 4-2, Belle Fourche 0-6.

Quick Notes: The Cavaliers have been on fire over the past few weeks, recording their fourth straight win over a winless Broncs team.

Next up: STM will take on Hot Springs (4-3) for Cancer Awareness Night, slated for 6 p.m. next Friday on the campus of St. Thomas More High School.

The Broncs will bring in Custer (1-5) for Homecoming, slated for 6 p.m. next Friday at the Belle Fourche High School Football Field.

Sturgis at No. 3 (Class 11AA) Yankton, held at Crane-Youngworth Field, Yankton.

Final Score: Yankton 35, Sturgis 0.

Records: Sturgis 2-4, Yankton 4-2.

Next up: The Scoopers will look to return things around at 6 p.m. next Friday, when they face off against a slumping Pierre (2-4) squad at Woodle Field.

The Bucks are in for a showdown with No. 2-ranked (Class 11AA) Brookings, as both teams collide at 7 p.m. CT next Friday at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings. The game is designated as Senior Night for Brookings.

Douglas at Huron, held at Tiger Stadium, Huron.

Final Score: Huron 36, Douglas 0.

Records: Douglas 0-6, Huron 2-4.

Next up: The Patriots will gear up for a clash with No. 5-ranked (Class 11AA) Spearfish (5-1) at 6 p.m. next Friday at Lyle Hare Stadium in Spearfish. The Tigers will take on a surging Aberdeen Central (3-3) squad at 7 p.m. CT at Golden Eagle Field in Aberdeen.

Philip at Hill City, held at Ranger Field, Hill City.

Final Score: Hill City 53, Philip 0.

Records: Hill City 6-1, Philip 4-2.

Quick Notes: On Senior Night for Hill City, the Rangers and Scotties put their respective winning streaks on the line. However, it was all Rangers.

Every time Hill City touched the football, they were constantly visiting the endzone. As hard as the Scotties fought, the game ended at halftime.

Next up: The Rangers will hit the road for their regular season finale, taking on Kadoka Area (4-2) at 6 p.m. next Friday on the campus of Kadoka Area High School.

The Scotties will look to bounce back at home, facing off against Lyman (3-3) at 6 p.m. next Friday at the Philip High School Football Field.

No. 1 (Class 11B) Winner at No. 5 (Class 11B) Mount Vernon/Plankinton, held at Mount Vernon Football Field.

Final Score: Winner 16, Mount Vernon/Plankinton 0.

Records: Winner 6-0, Mount Vernon/Plankinton 4-2.

Next up: The Warriors are back on the road next week, taking on Lakota Tech (0-6) at 6 p.m. next Friday on the campus of Lakota Tech High School in Pine Ridge. The game is designated as Senior Night/Parent Night for the Tatanka.

The Titans will face Miller/Highmore-Harrold (1-5) at 7 p.m. CT next Friday at Bob Schroeder Field in Miller.

No. 2 (Class 9A) Wall at Jones County, held at Jones County Football Field, Murdo.

Final Score: Wall 62, Jones County 8.

Records: Wall 6-0, Jones County 2-4.

Next up: The Eagles get to put on the Homecoming festivities next week, before bringing in Bennett County (2-5) at 7 p.m. next Friday at Wall High School.

The Coyotes will play host to New Underwood (1-5) for a matchup set for 7 p.m. CT next Friday at the Jones County Football Field in Murdo.

Dupree at No. 5 (Class 9A) Harding County/Bison, held at Bison High School.

Final Score: Harding County/Bison 26, Dupree 14.

Records: Harding County/Bison 6-1, Dupree 3-3.

Next up: The Ranchers will make a trip to Faith, where they will face the Longhorns (0-6) at 6 p.m. next Friday on the campus of Faith School District. The Tigers will bring in Lemmon/McIntosh (4-2) for a contest slated for 6 p.m. next Friday on the campus of Dupree High School.

Custer at Hot Springs, held at Woodward Field, Hot Springs.

Final Score: Hot Springs 48, Custer 21.

Records: Hot Springs 4-3, Custer 1-5.

Quick Notes: The Bison jumped out to a 19-0 lead by the end of the first quarter and never looked back.

Next up: The Bison make a trip to Rapid City at 6 p.m. next Friday, when they take on St. Thomas More (4-2) on the campus of St. Thomas More High School.

The Wildcats will play Belle Fourche (0-6) at 6 p.m. next Friday at the Belle Fourche High School Football Field. The contest is designated as Homecoming for the Broncs.

Bennett County at Kadoka Area, held at Kadoka Area High School.

Final Score: Kadoka Area 34, Bennett County 14.

Records: Kadoka Area 4-2, Bennett County 2-5.

Next up: The Kougars will have a litmus test on their hands, welcoming in Hill City (6-1) for a matchup set for 6 p.m. next Friday on the campus of Kadoka Area High School.

The Warriors are also in for a challenge, paying a visit to No. 2-ranked (Class 9A) Wall (6-0) for a matchup set for 7 p.m. next Friday at Wall High School. The game is designated as Homecoming for the Eagles.

New Underwood at Lyman, held at Lyman High School Track and Football Complex, Presho.

Final Score: New Underwood 36, Lyman 22.

Records: New Underwood 1-5, Lyman 3-3.

Next up: The Tigers will aim to create a winning streak, going east to face Jones County (2-4) at 7 p.m. CT next Friday at the Jones County Football Field in Murdo. The Raiders will face Philip (4-2) at 6 p.m. next Friday at the Philip High School Football Field.

Colome at Scotland/Menno, held at Baker Field, Scotland.

Final Score: Scotland/Menno 51, Colome 0.

Records: Colome 0-6, Scotland/Menno 2-4.

Next up: The Cowboys are in for a tough one, bringing in No. 5 (Class 9AA) Tripp-Delmont/Armour/Andes Central/Dakota Christian (5-1) for a contest set for 7 p.m. CT next Friday at Fetzner Field in Colome. The Trappers will challenge No. 1-ranked (Class 9B) Avon at 7 p.m. CT next Friday at the Pirate Sports Complex in Avon.

Timber Lake at Lemmon/McIntosh, held at Lemmon Lions Field.

Final Score: Lemmon/McIntosh 32, Timber Lake 8.

Records: Lemmon/McIntosh 4-2, Timber Lake 3-4.

Next up: The Cowboys will take to the road, squaring off against Dupree (3-3) at 6 p.m. next Friday at Dupree High School. The Panthers will look to rebound against Potter County (0-6) in a game scheduled for 7 p.m. CT next Friday at the Gettysburg Sports Complex.

No. 4 (Class 9B) Sully Buttes at Faith, held at Faith School District.

Final Score: Sully Buttes 54, Faith 0.

Records: Faith 0-6, Sully Buttes 5-1.

Next up: The Longhorns will have another test on their hands, challenging No. 5 (Class 9A) Harding County/Bison (6-1) at 6 p.m. next Friday on the campus of Faith School District. The Chargers will host Herreid/Selby Area (3-4) for a matchup set for 7 p.m. CT next Friday on the campus of Sully Buttes High School.

Winnebago, Neb., at Little Wound, held at Little Wound School, Kyle.

Final Score: Winnebago 40, Little Wound 0.

Records: Little Wound 3-3, Winnebago 6-0.

Next up: The Mustangs will look to get back on track by facing Cheyenne-Eagle Butte/Tiospaye Topa (3-3) at 6 p.m. next Thursday on the campus of Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School in North Eagle Butte.

Football Capsules for Thursday, Oct. 3

Cheyenne-Eagle Butte/Tiospaye Topa at Todd County, held at Todd County High School Football-Track Complex, Mission.

Final Score: Todd County 42, Cheyenne-Eagle Butte/Tiospaye Topa 28.

Records: Todd County 5-1, Cheyenne-Eagle Butte/Tiospaye Topa 3-3.

Next up: The Falcons will set their sights on Pine Ridge (4-1) for a contest set for 6 p.m. next Thursday at Thorpe Stadium in Pine Ridge. The Braves will look to regroup against Little Wound (3-3), slated for 6 p.m. next Thursday on the campus of Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School in North Eagle Butte.

Crazy Horse at White River, held at White River High School.

Final Score: White River 52, Crazy Horse 0.

Records: White River 4-1, Crazy Horse 3-3.

Next up: The Tigers will bring in Omaha Nation (5-1) for a contest set for 4 p.m. CT next Thursday at White River High School. The Chiefs will play host to Marty (1-3) at 2 p.m. next Saturday at Crazy Horse School in Wanblee.

Mahpíya Lúta at St. Francis Indian, held at St. Francis Indian School.

Final Score: Mahpíya Lúta 42, St. Francis Indian 38.

Records: Mahpíya Lúta 1-5, St. Francis Indian 1-5.

Next up: Mahpíya Lúta continues their road stretch, facing McLaughlin (0-5) at 4:30 p.m. next Thursday at McLaughlin High School. The Warriors will jump across the border to take on Winnebago, Neb., (6-0) at 6 p.m. CT next Thursday on the campus of Winnebago High School.

You can contact Sports Editor, Tyler Anderson, at .