Another weekend of high school football starts today (Friday) around the state. One of the best-looking games is taking place between two Class Nine-Double-A teams that have built strong traditions.
To someone who doesn’t follow South Dakota high school football, something like “Gorillas versus Warbirds” would sound like a World War Two epic or an offering on The History Channel. But tonight in Wolsey, the defending Class 9-AA champion Wolsey-Wessington Warbirds have an important game ahead. The Gregory Gorillas are making the trip, and both teams are unbeaten for the year. Gregory Coach Brian Allmendinger says the Gorillas are playing at a higher level than last season.
”I’d say our biggest improvement from last year really has been—our defense has played very, very well. Holding, as you know, Bon Homme, who scores quite a few points and does a lot of things offensively, we held them to seven. And I think that’s just a statement of how well we’re playing this year—and that’s obviously gotta continue, or even get better,” says Allmendinger
Gregory and Wolsey-Wessington have won the 9-AA title game the past two seasons, with both teams defeating Woonsocket-Wessington Springs-Sanborn Central in the Dakota Dome. Allmendinger says the defending state champions will provide a strong challenge tonight—but Allmendinger says his team is ready.
“Oh, absolutely—they’re ready to go, and they’re excited to play this game. You know, there’s not really a lot of pressure on us, and we’re just gonna go up there and play our game, and do what we do well and let the chips fall where they may, so to speak. But they’re excited, and I’m excited for them. We’re not putting a lot of pressure on us—we’re just going to go up there and try to give ‘em a good game.”
Gregory comes into the game with four wins in four games, the Warbirds are Three-and-Oh for the year. For South Dakota Public Broadcasting, I’m Gary Ellenbolt.