Sioux Falls Christian defeated Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan 43-8 in the Class 11B State Championship game on Friday. It’s the second straight state title for the Chargers football program.
The Chargers, who received to start the game, took up six-and-a-half minutes on their opening drive. It ended with a five-yard touchdown run by Dawson Mulder. After a failed two-point try, Sioux Falls Christian held a 6-0 lead.
A quick three-and-out by Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan on their opening possession gave the ball back to the Chargers. Clay Vinson then broke loose for a 73-yard run to put Sioux Falls Christian at the Seahawks 10-yard line. However, the Chargers were unable to put it into the end zone and turned the ball over on downs.
End of the first quarter: Sioux Falls Christian 6 Bridgewater-Emery Ethan 0
Much like the first drive for the Seahawks, their second offensive possession also went three-and-out, as Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan was once again forced to punt.
Sioux Falls Christian would find success through the air. Mulder found wide out Mitchell Goodbary in the back of the end zone for a 22-yard touchdown. The two-point conversion was good giving Sioux Falls Christian a 14-0 lead with 9:43 to play in the half.
Both teams struggled to get points through most of the remaining minutes of the half. However, in an attempt to run out the clock, Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan fumbled the football in their own territory. This led to a time-expiring Chargers touchdown pass from Mulder to Goodbary – their second connection for points of the day. The two-point conversion was good.
Halftime: Sioux Falls Christian 22 Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan 0
The Seahawks received to start the second half, but a fumble gave the ball back to the Chargers.
Sioux Falls Christian would capitalize on the turnover. Parker Nelson finished the drive by plunging forward for a one-yard touchdown run, and with a successful two-point attempt, the Chargers led Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan 30-0.
The Seahawks got on the board on their next possession. Quarterback Brady Hawkins fumbled the football on a quarterback keeper, but was able to scoop it up and take it 28-yards for a touchdown. A two-point conversion made it a 30-8 ball game halfway through the third quarter – the Chargers still led.
Sioux Falls Christian wasted no time striking again when running back Parker Nelson got loose for a 56-yard touchdown. Even with an unsuccessful two-point try, it increased their margin to 28-points.
End of the third quarter: Sioux Falls Christian 36 Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan
Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan had a chance for points late in the game, but a Hawkins interception gave Sioux Falls Christian possession once again.
With reserve players in the game, Silas Hoffman got loose for a 70-yard touchdown run. And with 1:41 to play it was a 43-8 lead for the Chargers.
Final: Sioux Falls Christian 43 Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan 8
Sioux Falls Christian put up 435-yards of rushing in the game, beating the Class 11B Championship game record they set last year of 358 rushing yards.
Joe Robbie MVP: Parker Nelson
Outstanding Lineman: Carter Fawcett
Outstanding Back: Parker Nelson
