Dell Rapids defeated West Central 42-6 on Friday afternoon in Vermillion to repeat as state champions in 11A. This was the seventh state title for the Dell Rapids football program, all coming in the window of 2008 to 2023.
Coach Jordan Huska spoke about the character and dedication that his team has had the past two years.
"This group, like we’ve been saying all night, they’ve been working hard for the last twelve months," Huska said. "They were focused. About a week after last year’s win, they were back at it, working hard to be back here. They had a goal and worked hard to achieve it."
The Quarriers received to start the contest, and they wasted no time getting their offense going. Cole Ruesink broke loose for a 43-yard gain that put Dell Rapids in range for a three-yard touchdown run by Mason Stubbe. The two-point conversion was good, which gave the Quarriers the early 8-0 lead.
West Central began their opening offensive possession from their own 15-yard line. They did gain one first down, but a holding call on a big run halted the drive, which forced a Trojans punt.
Stubbe would score again for Dell Rapids on the Quarriers second possession, this time on a 14-yard pass from quarterback Jack Henry. The two-point try following the score was no good, but it extended Dell Rapids lead to 14-0.
On the first play of West Central’s next possession, Aidan Bartmann fumbled the football, which was recovered by Will Ronshaugen. The Quarriers then pulled out some trickery to follow up the turnover with a reverse flea flicker from Henry to Tad Tjaden for a 41-yard score. With just over a minute to play in the first quarter, Dell Rapids led 20-0.
End of the 1st Quarter: Dell Rapids 20 West Central 0
The second quarter started with West Central’s offensive struggles continuing, while Dell Rapids put together a nice drive when they got the ball back. With 5:10 to play in the half, Henry found Ruesink for a seven-yard touchdown to make it 26-0.
Dell Rapids one more time in the second quarter on another Henry to Tjaden connection – this one from seven-yards out.
Halftime: Dell Rapids 34 West Central 0
The Trojans received to start the second half. After having zero passing attempts in the first two quarters, they opted to try moving the ball through the air. They did pick up a couple first downs, but then Caden Alfson threw an interception to Will Ronshaugen.
Dell Rapids would score a few plays later when Henry hit Sutton Williams on a slip screen that went 35-yards to the end zone. The Quarriers lead of 42-0 implemented the running clock in the contest.
End of the 3rd Quarter: Dell Rapids 42 West Central 0
West Central found the end zone on the first play of the fourth quarter as Chet Carda stretched the ball forward from one-yard away. The two-point conversion was no good.
From there, starters got pulled and the clock ran out.
Final: Dell Rapids 42 West Central 6
Jack Henry finished the game with 144-yards passing and five passing touchdowns for Dell Rapids. Mason Stubbe also had a rushing touchdown with 118-yards on the ground for the Quarriers.
Joe Robbie MVP: Jack Henry
Outstanding Back: Jack Henry
Outstanding Lineman: Kale Evans
