VERMILLION, S.D. (KELO) — The Lincoln football team repeated as 11AAA state champions, following a 31-21 win over Brandon Valley on Saturday night.
The victory marked the fourth overall football championship for the Patriots.
Quarterback Brody Schafer was named the game’s Outstanding Back and Joe Robbie MVP. Luke Krempges was named the game’s Outstanding Lineman.
THE GAME
Saturday’s 11AAA title game saw plenty of offense as 52 total points were scored.
Lincoln got the scoring started with a touchdown pass to Everett Starks.
The Lynx responded with 14 straight points including a pair of Briggs Knutson touchdown passes.
The Patriots scored the final ten points of the first half to take a 17-14 lead in the halftime locker room.
Knutson connected with SDSU commit Landon Dulaney in the third quarter to put the Lynx back in front.
It took just 1:40 for the Patriots to answer. Schafer threw to Samuel Degroot to add seven points and give Lincoln the lead right back.
Both teams had a chance to add on over the next several minutes, but ultimately it was Lincoln who put up the next score.
Schafer found Mikey Roche for a 63 yard touchdown, capping a 10 play, 97 yard drive, giving the Patriots a ten point lead.
Brandon Valley had tried to put together a key drive, but a deflected pass was intercepted by Lincoln to seal a 31-21 win.
THE NUMBERS
Lincoln outgained Brandon Valley 434-401.
Brandon Valley threw for 239 yards and rushed for 162 yards. Lincoln rushed for an impressive 208 yards and 226 yards through the air.
A key stat that leaned Brandon Valley’s way was the time of possession. The Lynx won that battle 30:57 to 17:03.
Schafer was named the MVP and rightfully so. He rushed for a team high 122 yards and threw for 226 yards, while totaling three touchdowns.
Roche hauled in just three receptions, but they totaled 81 yards for a score.
The Lynx were led by Levi Veskrna who was a force. He rushed for 167 yards on 34 carries. Dulaney hauled in 12 catches for 79 yards and two touchdowns.
