sd football players to watch - yankton press &...

Alcester-HudsonCOACH: Brian Haak (8th year)ASSISTANTS: Tim Rhead, Mike Seivert, Steven

HaleVITALS: Class 9A, Region 3, Tri-Valley

ConferenceLAST YEAR: Alcester-Hudson finished 0-8 last

year and last in the Tri-Valley ConferenceRETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Eric Anderson

(Sr., RB/LB), Jerry Morelos (Sr., RB/LB), JacobBusch (Sr., DE), Nathan Johnson (Jr., OL/DL),Tyler Tabbert (So., QB/DB), Barry Wood (Jr.,OL/DL), Dillyn Thompson (Jr., RB/LB)

ASSESSMENT: Alcester-Hudson is looking torebound after a tough season last year. The Cubswent 0-8, but the silver lining of the season wasthe fact many of the younger players received a lotof experience to prepare them for this year.Sophomore Tyler Tabbert returns as the team’squarterback after passing for 353 yards on 32-70passing and coach Haak thinks Tabbert is a playerto watch in the region.

Haak said the key to the season will be to tapinto the experience gained from last year.

“We have several returning players and weneed our younger kids to step up and perform,”Haak said. “We are optimist we can have a betterseason this year, but we will need a team effort.”

Andes CentralCOACH: Darryl Deurmier (2nd year)ASSISTANTS: Cliff Johnson, Bill

Kitchenmaster, Cody SvatosVITALS: Class 9A, Region 3, Great Plains

ConferenceLAST YEAR: Andes Central finished with a 2-6

record in its first year in the Great PlainsConference. The team lost starters Austin Blaine,Cody Chasing Hawk and Matt Schultz.

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: CoreyFrankenstein (Jr.), Stephen Cournoyer (So.), RyanCooney (Sr.), Ryan Knudsen (Sr.), Grant Petrik(Jr.), Colter Florey (Jr.), Tanner Houseman (Jr.),Gunner Olsen (Jr.), Tim MedicineHorn (Sr.), DaleSvatos (Sr.)

ALSO RETURNING: Joey McKeegan (Sr.),Dustin Johnson (Sr.), Sean Flynn (Sr.), AdrianArrow (Sr.), Kenny Archambeau Jr. (Sr.), ScottRoy (Jr.), Bishop Capel (Jr.), Travis Bechen (Jr.),Loren Archambeau III (Jr.), Colten Archambeau(Jr.), Conner Florey (So.), Alex Evans (So.),Marcus Campbell (So.), Jacob Abdo (So.)

NEWCOMERS: Louie Young (Fr.), TrevorDeurmier (Fr.), Gabe Cournoyer (Fr.), Smith Alex(Fr.)

ASSESSMENT: Despite the 2-6 season lastyear, head coach Darryl Deurmier said the teammade a lot of progress.

“We had a good rebuilding year and need tocontinue to improve as the season goes along,”Deurmier said.

Deurmier also said the players last yeargained valuable experience.

“We return a lot of our players and they willhave a better understanding of the coaching staffand new system put into place last year,”Deurmier said. “This improvement should show asthe season moves along.”

AvonCOACH: Tom Culver (11th year)ASSISTANTS: Mel Fathke, Mark Mudder, Matt

Yost, Justin LukkesVITALS: Class 9A, Region 3, Great Plains

ConferenceLAST YEAR: Avon finished the year as the

South Dakota State Class 9A State Championswith an 11-1 record. Gone from the team is RB/DBEarv Archambeau, who went to the University ofSouth Dakota for football, TE/DE Matt Dykstra,who went to Dakota Wesleyan for basketball,QB/DB Adam Oster and C Matt Tjeerdsma.

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Derek Cihak(Jr., RB/LB), Jackson Powers (So., RB/DB),Marshall Cihak (Sr., QB/DE), Nick Poppe (So.,QB/DB), John Wynia (So., TE/DE), Joel Liebel (Sr.,TE/DE), Joe Bertus (So., RB/LB), Jon Vilhauer (Sr.,RB/DE), Wyatt Beeson (So., FB/DB), Kole Wynia(Sr., TE/DE), Josh Cihak (Jr., RB/LB), Ryan Hauck(Sr., FB/LB), Trace Tjeerdsma (Jr., RB/DB), JeffBertus (Sr., RB/DB), Troy Kopp (So., RB/DB),Taylor Hento (Fr., C/DT), Lance Reiff (So., G/DT),Taylor Mudder (Fr., G/DT), Chris Jerke (Jr., C/DT),Eddie Gall (Sr., G/DT), Luke VanGerpen (So.,TE/DE), Brennan Hilzendeger (Jr., TE/DE), LoganPowers (Fr., TE/DE)

ALSO RETURNING: Brad Kocmich (Jr., TE/DE)NEWCOMERS: Brandon Kocmich (8th,

QB/DB), Caleb VanGerpen (8th, TE/DE), MichaelJohnson (8th, TE/DB), Clay Lukkes (8th, G/DT)

ASSESSMENT: Avon lost starters at key posi-tions from a championship team, but head coachTom Culver likes his team’s depth.

“We need to find some kids to be able to stepup and fill some positions we lost to graduations,”Culver said “But we have some depth at manypositions if we stay healthy.”

On offense, Marshall Cihak is the frontrunnerfor the starting quarterback job from the departedAdam Oster and Derek Cihak and Jeff Bertus willsee the carries at running back. Both have somebig shoes to fill after the graduation of EarvArchambeau. Kole Wynia will slide into the start-ing tight end spot vacated by Matt Dysktra.

Culver said one of the keys to the offense isthe experience the players got from last year.

“Some kids got a tremendous amount ofexperience on the line and in the backfield,” Culversaid. “I feel our experience will be a key early inthe year until some of our younger kids get experi-ence and become key contributors.”

Culver said the defense will rely on its speedthis year.

“Our defense’s speed will be key for us andwe should be able to be aggressive on defenseand put a lot of pressure on our opponents,”Culver said.

Avon will find out right away where the teamstands when the Pirates open the season againstHanson, who won the Class 9B state title, in theIrish Bowl at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls.

BeresfordCOACH: Kent Anderson (2nd year)ASSISTANTS: Kirk Walters, Mike Radke, Ben

Walters, Jason Carlson, Joe Bak, Chase LingemanVITALS: Class 11B, Region 3, Big Sioux

ConferenceLAST YEAR: The Watchdogs finished 3-5 in

their first year under Anderson.RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Dillon

Anderson (Sr., WR/DB), Cody Bye (Sr., RB/DB),Luke Hansen (Sr., G/DT), Travis Larson (Sr.,RB/DB), Andrew Kronmiller (Sr., T/DE), SethSwanstrom (Sr., WR/DB), Jackson Anderson (Jr.,WR/DB), Brady Andrews (Jr., G/DT), Kyle DeLoy(Jr., G/LB), Dan Frieberg (Jr., T/LB), KyleMcKelvey (Jr., FB/DE), Chris Mohr (Jr., WR/DB),Jaylen Morren (Jr., T/DE), Joel Van Kekerix (Jr.,G/LB), Vance Voegli (Jr., C/LB), Cody Carlson (JR.,WR/DB), Collin Peterson (Jr., QB/LB), HesstonErickson (So., RB/LB), Matt Haines (So., QB/DB)Ethen Sorensen (So., OT/DT)

ALSO RETURNING: Matt Kennedy (Sr., LB),Andrew Hoffman (Jr., WR), Jed Johnson (Jr., T),KC Kamradt (Jr., DT), Sam Van Noord (Jr., DT),Dan Bogue (So., DE), Kyle Hartwick (So., FB/LB),Clark Rozeboom (So., G)

ASSESSMENT: After his tenure at Beresfordgot off to a slow 3-5 start, Kent Anderson thinksthat ‘09 could be a solid year for his Watchdogs.

Aiding in this thought is the fact that theWatchdogs have six seniors and 10 juniors withvarsity experience returning to the field.

Among these is junior running back anddefensive end Kyle Mckelvey who rushed for 642yards and seven touchdowns last year.

Junior linebacker Kyle DeLoy should also be astrong returner. DeLoy finished second on theteam with 62 tackles last year.

Anderson expects his team to be more physi-cal thanks to the intra-squad competition createdby depth.

Bon HommeCOACH: Byron Pudwill (28th year)ASSISTANTS: Ross Hudson, Brady Muth, Dr.

James TorsneyVITALS: Class 11B, Region 3, Southeast

South Dakota ConferenceLAST YEAR: The Cavaliers finished with a 6-3

record and lost to Platte-Geddes-Dakota Christianin the playoffs. Gone from last year are All-Stateselections Bobbie Rokusek (DL), Derrick Dvoracek(LB), Austin Koch (DB).

TOP PROSPECTS: Robbie Jelsma (Sr., FB/LB),Brad Rokusek (Jr., C/DE), Tad Schuurmans (Jr.,QB/DB), Jared Van Winkle (Jr., WR/LB), MichaelRuppelt (Sr., WR/LB), Joey Sykora (Sr., RB/LB),Krue Carson (Sr., OT/DL), Doug Vanezek (Jr.,RB/LB), Micah Bartlet (Jr., TE/LB), Chad Sykora(Jr., WR/DB), Aaron Best (Sr., OG/DL), TylerDockendorf (Sr., OG/DL), Zac Frank (Sr. OT/DL)

ASSESSMENT: The Cavaliers’ defense returnnine players who started at least one game lastyear and the defense only gave up 42 total pointslast year and limited opponents to an average 131total yards a game.

Bon Homme runs multiple defense sets dur-ing the season. The team can run the 3-4, 4-3,split-6 or 5-2. Coach Pudwill determines whatdefense is needed depending on which opponentthe Cavaliers will play week to week.

The only hurdle Bon Homme’s defense has toovercome may be the loss of three All-State selec-tions from last year.

Pudwill considers Robbie Jelsma his topreturner on defense and said the young guys haveto step up, but they also know what they are doingon defense.

On offense, Pudwill said the players have agreat grasp of the system.

“Our transition from a Wing-T offense to ashotgun spread offense is complete,” Pudwill said.“We have great players at key spots and the kidshave worked hard in the offseason positioningthemselves for success.”

Last year, the offense scored 23 points agame and averaged 213 yards rushing per game.

“We are looking forward to the 2009 seasonand we feel this will be a fun year for the BonHomme football program,” Pudwill said.

CentervilleCOACH: Dan Evans (21st year)ASSISTANTS: Pat SeesVITALS: Class 9A, Region 3, Tri-Valley

Conference

LAST YEAR: The Tornadoes went 1-7 last yearand only lost three seniors from last years squad.

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: JacobAnderson (Sr., OG), Jeremy Nelson (Sr., OG), JackFoley (Sr., RB), Kevin Jeitz (Sr., S), ShelbyHybertson (Sr., NG), Cory Cunningham (Sr., LB),Evan Voeg (Sr., TE/DE), David Diercks (Sr., TE/DE),Dan Smit (Jr., QB), Brian King (Jr., OG), WylonLunning (Jr., RB), Tucker Tornberg (Jr., TE/DE)

ASSESSMENT: The Tornadoes return the maincore of last year’s team and have seven startersback on both offense and defense.

Centerville’s most potent offensive threat,senior running back Jack Foley, returns and ledthe team in rushing and receiving yards. He willalso have senior quarterback Dan Smit back foranother year.

Cory Cunningham will play middle linebackeragain a year after leading the team in tackles andwill one against benefit by having David Dierecksback on the offensive line.

“Hopefully the experience from last year willhelp and we are hoping it leads to a winning sea-son this year,” Evans said.

Dakota ValleyCOACH: Jason Jund (5th year)ASSISTANTS: Jeff VanDen Hul, Tom Miller,

Shawn Giegle, Will Besinious, Bob McCabeVITALS: Class 11A, Region 2, Big Sioux

Conference

LAST YEAR: The Black Panthers finished a 7-3season with a State Quarterfinal loss to Platte-Geddes/Dakota Christian.

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: CameronCarter (Sr.), Jon Curran (Sr.) Rudy Street (Sr.),Matt Green (Sr.), Nick Jasman (Sr.), Paul Oberg(Sr.), Ryan Cook (Sr.), Gary Tott (Jr.), Matt Lupkes(Jr.), Kendall Martin (Jr.), Nate Glanzer (Jr.), JakeChesterman (Jr.), Zach Sexton (Jr.), Blaine Dunne(Jr.)

ALSO RETURNING: Colton Matousek (Jr.),Joey Fillmeier (Jr.), Rhyen Rosenquist (Jr.) TaylorWhite (Jr.), Brad Halverson (Jr.)

ASSESSMENT: The Panther offensive backfieldshowcases one of the most dangerous runningbacks in all of South Dakota. This is 3-time all-state running back Cameron Carter.

Throughout his career Carter rushed for over1,200 yards and scored 21 touchdowns.

If the Panthers can get the kind of productionthey expect from Carter, they could boast one ofthe most powerfull offenses in the state.

On defense the Panthers look to pressureopponents and force as many turnovers as possi-ble.

According to Judd, they should be strong atthe linebacker position.

Elk Point-JeffersonCOACH: Scott Bruning (3rd year)ASSISTANTS: David Dohn, Cole Knippling,

Matt LuzeVITALS: Class 11B, Region 3B, Big Sioux

ConferenceLAST YEAR: The Huskies (3-6) lost to Groton

in the first round of the state playoffs. Gone fromthat team are nine players, including first team All-State quarterback Bo Bruinsma and first team All-State wide receiver Josh Gross.

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Colin Viereck(Sr., RB/S), Ben Sturm (Sr., QB), Tyler Brokemeier(Sr., RB/LB), Adam Trudeau (Sr., WR/S), AdamSundleaf (Sr., OL/DL), Colton McCreary (Sr.,OL/DL), Drake Zeller (Jr., OL/LB), Ethan Pace (Jr.,OL/DL), Scott Shanks (Jr., TE/LB), Gavin Lee (Jr.,RB/LB), Riley Braun (Jr., WB/DB), Kyle Barnes (Jr.,OL/DL), Nick Murphy (So., OL/DL)

ALSO RETURNING: Wyatt Chicoine (Jr.,WR/CB), Josh Curry (Jr., WR/CB), CassonDennison (Jr., OL/DL), Brian Leiton (Jr., WR/DB),Jon Hassenbank (So., RB/LB), Austin Chicoine(So., WR/DB), Jon Vossberg (So., TE/LB)

NEWCOMERS: Brock Zeller (Fr., TE/LB), BrodyElkins (Fr., OL/DL), Jared Limoges (Fr., RB/DB),Tyler Buckley (Fr., RB/DB)

ASSESSMENT: The Huskies return a stronggroup of letterwinners, including six seniors andsix juniors, but will be tasked with replacing a pairof standouts. Gone are All-State selections BoBruinsma and Josh Gross from a potent offensefrom a year ago.

Taking over in the backfield for EPJ this sea-son will be quarterback Ben Sturm, and runningbacks Colin Viereck and Tyler Brokemeier.

The Huskies also bring in four freshmen whofigure to see some playing time in 2009, and willalso rely on the experience of seven other return-ers.

FreemanCOACH: Jim KaufmanASSISTANTS: Curt SageVITALS: Class 9A, Region 3, Cornbelt

ConferenceLAST YEAR: The Flyers finished with a 2-6

record.RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: Spencer Becker

(Sr., B/DB), Tanner Uecker (Sr., B/DB), CodyHerman (Sr., B/LB), Trey Waltner (Jr., B/DB), BriarPeterson (Sr., OL/DL), Colter Hendrix (Jr.,(OL/DL), Chet Hermsen (Jr., OL/DL), Bryce Sayler(So., B/LB)

ALSO RETURNING: Kevin Weber (Jr., B/DB),Tyson Lager (Jr., OL/LB), Kyle Koerner (So.,TE/DE), Slade Mutchelknaus (So., B/DB), JeremyAlbrecht (Jr., B/LB), Briar Peterson (Sr., OL/DL),Alex Eisenbeis (Jr., OL/DL), Kris Huntimer (Sr.,OL/DL), George Eich (Jr., OL/DL), Austin Streyle(Sr., TE/DE)

ASSESSMENT: The Flyers move down from9AA to 9A this year, but head coach Jim Kaufmanis looking forward to the move.

“The move down will give us a more opti-mistic look at a chance for a playoff spot,”Kaufman said. “But the conference schedule stillcontinues to be a challenge with some of the topteams in the state in our conference.”

Freeman loses three seniors from last year’steam, but Kaufman expects the team should haveenough players to fill the empty spots.

Spencer Becker will be the focal point of theoffense against this year after running for 1,130yard on 194 carries (5.8 yard per carry). Also, TreyWaltner will be the quarterback for the Flyers.

On defense, Kaufman is excited about hislinebacking core of Becker, Briar Peterson andCody Herman and expects them to be the brightspot of the defense.

Kaufman said the defense should be a little

better than the offense, but the team is still look-ing for some help in the secondary.

Gayville-VolinCOACH: Bruce Anderson (6th year)ASSISTANTS: Pat Beeman, Tom Rice, Larry

Buffington, Justin KarstensVITALS: Class 9B, Region 2, Tri-Valley

ConferenceLAST YEAR: Gayville-Volin won its first con-

ference title in over 30 years with a 5-0 conferencerecord and finished 7-2 overall. Gayville-Volin’sseason ended in the first round of the playoffswith a loss to Menno.

RETURNING LETTERWINNERS: ParkerErickson (Sr., QB/DB), Trever Jensen (Sr., OL/DL),Trevor Taggart (Sr., OL/DL), Willy Larsen (Sr.,TE/LB), Nick Huber (Sr., TE/DL), KalebChristopherson (Jr., OL/DL), Ron Wells (Jr.,RB/LB), Luke Buffington (So., OL/DL), Zach Barta,(So., OL/DL), Tyler Kasuske (Jr., RB/DB), JaceBennett (Jr., OL/DL)

ALSO RETURNING: Zak Lawrowsen (Sr.,OL/DL), Austin Doty (Sr., RB/DB), Kyle Kochmick(So., TE/DL), Dillion Pokorney (So., WR/DB),Cameron Coke (So., WR/DB)

NEWCOMERS: John Guy (Fr., OL/DL), ZaneJensen (Fr., OL/DL), Zach Engen (Fr., RB/LB), BoMoysis (Jr., WR/DB), Cody Johnson (Jr., WR/DB),Jack Heuther (8th, UTIL), Ross Goedson (So.,QB/DB), Adam Brewer (Sr., OL/DL), Nick Pospishil(Fr., WR/DB)

ASSESSMENT: Gayville-Volin will have torecover from losing four all-conference players —Keith Martinez (RB/LB), Kevin Kellum (RB/DB),Casey Nelson (WR/DB) and Robert Smith (OL/DL)— if the Raiders want to make it back to the play-offs for the second consecutive year. Martinez alsoearned Honorable Mention All State. The Raidersstill have plenty experience back from last year’steam led by returning All-State quarterback ParkerErickson, who rushed for over 1,500 yards rushinglast year.

The offense might lean on Erickson a bit moreat the beginning of the year as the offense startsto gel. The team will benefit from having most ofthe offense line back. The line is anchored byTrevor Jensen and Trevor Taggart, who were bothAll-Conference selections last year.

Anderson said the defensive line should playpretty well, which also includes Jensen andTaggart, and the defense must play well early untilthe offense gets rolling.

Anderson said likes his chances to repeat asconference champions.

“I think we have just as good of a shot asanyone to win the conference and make the play-offs,” Anderson said. “Hopefully we are playingour best at that time of the year.”

Hurley-MarionCOACH: Adam Shaw (1st year)ASSISTANTS: Erik Sommervold, Brian

Snyders, Troy McKinneyVITALS: Class 9AA, Region 3, Cornbelt

ConferenceLAST YEAR: Hurley-Marion won the South

Dakota State 9AA Championship last year with a10-2 record. The Cobras beat Ipswich in the titlegame 42-28. Gone from that team are three All-State players in Derek Handwerk (OL/DL), JeffHorton (FB/LB) and Darin Schoenwald (RB/LB).Also gone is quarterback Bo LeCroix, MikeSchoolmeester (E), Derek Luke (OL/DL), Adam

Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan n Fall Sports 2009www.yankton.net PAGE 5

“For Your Insurance Needs”

Tyndall, SD589-3292

Central Plains Insurance

Tabor, SDLumber Co-op 463-2565

Petro. Dept. 463-2251Lesterville Dept. 364-7522

TABOR LUMBER

COO P

Fort RandallTelephone

Co.Tyndall, SD

589-3366

Gemar’s Market

Tyndall, SD 589-3311

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

Meats & Groceries

www.kochinsurance.com

R. Martin KochIndependent Agent Tyndall Tabor

589-3572 463-2558 Springfield Yankton

369-5520 665-3572Cell: 660-1629 • marty.koch@kochinsurance.com

“My Credit Union... It’s Where You Belong!”

www.scfcu.netFederal Credit Union

Yankton • Springfield • Parkston

CROSBY-JAEGERFUNERAL HOME INC.

Springfield, SD 604 8 th St. • 369-2488

Wagner, SD124 E. Hwy. 50 • 384-3781

Avon, SD119 N. Poplar St.

Tyndall, SD589-3313

SECURITY STATE BANK605-589-3341 – Hospital605-589-3322 – Clinic

605-286-3888 – Avon Clinic

Good Luck Cavaliers!

Bon HommeCavaliers

BON HOMMEVARSITY

FOOTBALLAug. 28 @ Tea AreaSept. 4 Platte Geddes/Dakota Christian @ PlatteSept. 11 BeresfordSept. 18 GarretsonSept. 25 @ WagnerOct. 9 @ CantonOct. 16 ParkstonOct. 22 Elk Point/Jefferson

BON HOMMEVARSITY VOLLEYBALL

Aug. 29 AvonSept. 1 Andes CentralSept. 5 Gregory Invite @ GregorySept. 8 @ VermillionSept. 10 GeddesSept. 15 @ Tripp-Delmont/ArmourSept. 17 @ ViborgSept. 19 @ Bon Homme Tournament - The Cavalier ClashSept. 22 @ WagnerSept. 24 @ South CentralSept. 29 Dakota ValleyOct. 1 MennoOct. 6 Dakota ChristianOct. 8 FreemanOct. 13 @ ScotlandOct. 15 CorsicaOct. 20 ParkstonOct. 23 @ HurleyOct. 24 SESD Conference Tourney

Gazelles Volleyball Team Looks To Build On Solid MiddleBY JAMES D. CIMBUREKjames.cimburek@yankton.net

Under coach Leasa Woodward,the offensive mindset of Yanktonvolleyball has been to attack fromthe outside. With the team’s toptwo returning hitters being qualitymiddle hitters, the Gazelles mightsport a little different look.

Yankton begins the 2009 cam-paign tonight (Friday) with fourplayers with starting experiencereturning, including three thatstarted nearly every match:Seniors middle hitter JaynaSpecht, setter McKenzie Fitzgeraldand libero Kayla Salonen. JuniorEmily Anderson also started sever-al matches at middle hitter lastyear.

Specht was a dominant force at

the net a year ago, leading theteam in blocks with 41 and rankingthird on the team in kills with 102.She also had 57 digs.

Fitzgerald ran the offense, fin-ishing with 567 assists (8.1 pergame) and notching 21 serviceaces, good for second on the team.She also had a hand in 10 blocksand recorded 132 digs, rankingsecond on the team.

Salonen notched a team-best243 digs on the season as theteam’s full-time defensive special-ist.

Anderson played in 12 matchesand just 24 games as a sophomore,

but finished with 17 kills and fiveblocks.

“It’s kind of the reverse of whatwe’ve been the last few years,”said Woodward. “We have a lot ofskill players back, but where we’relooking to fill in is at outside hit-ter.”

Junior Emily Fedders could beone of the players to take an out-side spot. The Gazelles are alsotoying with the possibility of mov-ing Anderson to the outside andputting another player in the mid-dle.

While the Gazelles are lookingfor finishers on offense, the play-ers who get the ball to those hit-ters are locked in by Salonen andFitzgerald.

“That’s a strong nucleus tobuild on,” Woodward said. “Nothaving to replace a setter is huge.

Having your libero back hasbecome just as huge.”

Senior Lindsay Bodenstedt alsoreturns with 11 matches of experi-ence, having recorded 47 digs ayear ago. Three other playersreturn with limited varsity experi-ence, seniors Kelsey Grosshueschand Brittany Livingston, and soph-omore Chloe Cornemann.

Juniors Brianna Nickles andTaylor Specht, sophomores JenaNelson and Sarah Ekeren andfreshman Mikala Hora round outthe varsity roster.

Defending Eastern SouthDakota Conference championAberdeen Central again stands inthe way of the Gazelles’ climb tothe top.

“Aberdeen will be very strongagain,” Woodward said of theGolden Eagles, who return 11 let-

terwinners from their 2008 squad.“They are well-coached and disci-plined. They’re not going to over-power you, but they’ll keep theball alive until you make a mis-take.”

Mitchell is a team thatWoodward expects to see make amove as well.

“They’re looking to go young,”she said. “You never know whathappens then.”

Brandon Valley also has an up-and-coming team.

“They seem to have a nicegroup,” Woodward said. “Theyhave a little more height than nor-mal.”

Woodward expects the threeSioux Falls public schools — ledby Roosevelt — to be in the statetitle hunt.

“It sounds like Roosevelt is

stacked,” she said. “We playedWashington and Lincoln in a teamcamp, and they both had very niceteams. They’re always a concern.”

For the Gazelles to make theirown run, the flow on the courtneeds to improve over last season.

“We definitely need to be moreof a team. Our team chemistryneeds to improve over last year,”Woodward said. “If we get theright kids in the right places, wecan be very competitive.”

The Gazelles begin the seasonwith a road trip today at Pierreand Saturday at Huron.

Start times for volleyballmatches will be earlier this year.Varsity matches will begin at 7p.m., with Saturday matches begin-ning even earlier.

YANKTONVOLLEYBALL

SD FOOTBALL •• SSEEPPTT.. 44 IINN SSIIOOUUXX FFAALLLLSS:: The three 9-manchamps from 2008 will all be in action, as Avonplays Hanson at 10 a.m. and Hurley-Mariondraws Howard at noon at Howard Wood Field.

•• BBOONN HHOOMMMMEE AATT WWAAGGNNEERR,, SSeepptt.. 2255:: The SESDrivalry heads to Wagner in Week 5.•• TTRRII--VVAALLLLEEYY AATT PPLLAATTTTEE--GGEEDDDDEESS--DDAAKKOOTTAACCHHRR..,, OOcctt.. 1166:: A rematch of the 11B semifinals.

GAMES TO WATCH•• BBRRAADD TTUUNNGGEE,, HHuurrlleeyy--MMaarriioonn:: The speedsterlooks to add to his 50 career touchdowns.•• PPAARRKKEERR EERRIICCKKSSOONN,, GGaayyvviillllee--VVoolliinn:: A high-octane runner with a veteran line in front of him.

•• KKYYLLEENN FFRRIIEEDDEELL,, VVeerrmmiilllliioonn:: Had 10 catchesfor 304 yards and 3 scores a year ago.•• TTRREEVVOORR GGRREEGGEERR,, WWaaggnneerr:: All-state linemanfor the Red Raiders in 2008.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

nn SD FOOTBALL, Page 6

HURLEY-MARION: Brad Tunge