TEA, S.D. (KELO) — The KELOLAND Sports Game of the Week returns for the 12th time this football season, with a ranked battle in class 11AA.
#1 Yankton is set to travel to #5 Tea Area. Pregame coverage begins at 6:31 p.m. with kick-off at 6:35 p.m.
A NEW NUMBER ONE
11AA has had more parody than any other class in the state. Pierre, Watertown, Brookings and Yankton have earned the title of number one in the class this season.
The Governors spent the first three weeks at the top, before Watertown took over. Brookings earned the top spot last week, but now it’s Yankton’s turn to be the top team.
PLAYING DEFENSE
Yankton and Tea Area own two of the top defenses in the class.
The Bucks are allowing 13.7 points per game, which is third best in 11AA. Tea Area is giving up 16.7 points, which sixth best in the class.
HEATING UP
There are just two weeks left in the regular season, meaning now is a good time to be playing your best football and that’s exactly what Yankton may be doing.
The Bucks have won three straight games and four of their last five. The lone loss in the stretch was to 11AAA #1 Harrisburg.
Yankton has outscored it’s opponents 94-14 over the past three games. That includes a 24-7 domination of previously top-ranked Brookings.
Tea Area on the other hand has had a tough go lately. They won four straight games in September, but October has been tough on them.
The Titans knew the schedule got tougher in October, but it’s come with a 29-22 loss to Brookings and then a 25-0 loss to Watertown.
THE SERIES
Tea Area and Yankton are 2-2 in their four most previous meetings.
Yankton swept the two games last year, with a 37-26 win in the regular season and a 33-25 win in the playoffs.
Tea Area won in the playoffs in 2021 and the regular season in 2022.
THE GAME
The ranked matchup will begin following the 6 p.m. news on Friday night. Pregame begins at 6:31 p.m. with kick-off at 6:35 p.m.
You can watch the game on KELOXTRA or in the video player at the top of the page.
Play-by-play will be provided by KELOLAND’s Grant Sweeter and Jordan DeSmet.
