VERMILLION, S.D. (KELO) — Winner’s Eli Vobr scored on a quarterback keeper in the fourth quarter Friday and that was the difference in the contest as the Warriors defeated Sioux Valley 20-14 in the 11B championship.
The victory marks Winner’s tenth state championship in program history. It’s their first since winning back-to-back 11B titles in 2020 and 2021.
Three different players were honored following the game. Karson Keiser was named the Joe Robbie MVP, Gus Bartels earned the game’s Outstanding Back and Shawn Hammerbeck won the Outstanding Lineman award.
THE GAME
Scoring was limited in Friday’s 11B championship as just five touchdowns were posted.
Neither team scored in the first quarter, but Winner got into the endzone in the second quarter with a 30 yard touchdown pass from Vobr to Kellen Brozik.
But back came the Cossacks. Donovan Rose ran in a 33 yard score, but the point after attempt was no good. Winner led 8-6.
In the final seconds of the first half, Keiser scored on a six yard touchdown to build a 14-6 halftime lead.
After forcing a punt, the Cossacks went 80 yards in the third quarter and scored on a 55 yard touchdown run by Rose.
However, an unsportsmanlike penalty was called on the Cossacks, making the two point conversion a 17 yard play. Brock Christopherson still found Maverick Nelson for the conversion to tie the game.
Winner was forced to punt on their ensuing drive, but they pinned the Cossacks deep.
Despite the bad field position, Sioux Valley had the ball and a chance to take the lead. However, a fumble gave the Warriors the ball at the 15.
Two plays later, Vobr scored on the QB keeper to take the 20-14 lead. Their defense would hold from there to seal the win.
THE NUMBERS
The overall numbers were pretty similar as Winner outgained Sioux Valley 278-229. However, the biggest difference was in the time of possession. The Warriors outgained the Cossacks 30:24-17:36.
Seven different players tallied carries on the ground for Winner, including Keiser who had a team high 86 rushing yards and a touchdown. Eli Vobr threw for 59 yards and a touchdown.
Rose led the way for Sioux Valley. He rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns.
