Speed Kills: Viborg-Hurley Outruns Elkton-Lake Benton

Friday Night was Prep Redzone Dakotas' official launch, and the first game ever covered was the top ranked Viborg-Hurley Cougars taking on the Elkton- Lake Benton Elks. I haven't watched much 9-man football personally, and this was actually my first ever South Dakota High School football game. In terms of talent and excitement, this game did not disappoint, lots of big plays and scores for both teams. The Cougars are the returning Class 9AA Champions, and the Elks are a young up-and coming team, both teams had similar play styles. Here's a quick scoring recap for the game. 1st Quarter VH: #24 <strong>Tate Kessler</strong>- 22 yd. rush (2-pt. failed) 6-0, 9:21. VH: #52 <strong>Connor Kesseler</strong>- 2 yd. rush (2-pt. failed) 12-0, 6:17. ELB: #9 <strong>Aiden Erickson</strong>- 31 yd. reception from #15 Ryan Krog (2-pt. successful) 12-8, 4:01. VH: #23 <strong>Angel Johnson</strong>- 75 yd. Kickoff return (2-pt. failed) 18-8, 3:55. VH: #23 <strong>Angel Johnson</strong>- 12 yd. run (2-pt successful) 26-8, 2:52. 2nd Quarter VH: #23 <strong>Angel Johnson</strong>- 40 yd. reception from #7 Blake Schroedermeier, fumble recovered by #24 Tate Kessler rush 20 yards touchdown (2-pt. failed) 32-8, 10:52. VH: #3 <strong>Hayden Gilbert</strong>- 25 yd. reception from #7 Blake Schroedermeier (2-pt. successful) 40-8, 3:36. 3rd Quarter VH: #3 <strong>Hayden Gilbert</strong>- 56 yard Kickoff return (2-pt. failed) 46-8, 11:55. VH: #21 <strong>Carter Gust</strong>- 31 yd. rush (2-pt. successful) 54-8, 6:34. 4th Quarter VH: #52 <strong>Connor Kessler</strong>- 3 yd. rush, (2 pt. not attempted) 60-8, Mercy rule. Players Highlighted from VH: WR/DB- <strong>Angel Johnson</strong>, this kid was just flat out fast, if he gets the ball on the perimeter, he will take it to the house 9 times out of ten. He was also very tough to bring down. WR/DB- <strong>Hayden Gilbert</strong>, played great in coverage, always had good position and high-pointed the ball. He has a good set of hands and a nice burst of speed. DL/TE- <strong>Gradee Sherman</strong>, great in the bull-rush, gets off the ball quickly and was wreaking havoc in the backfield all game. DT/OL- <strong>Collin Graves</strong>, plugged up the middle to halt the rushing attack, also flushed the QB many times. Players Highlighted from ELB: QB/DB- <strong>Ryan Krog</strong>, for a young QB, this kid stepped up big for the Elks. He stayed calm under pressure, had good presence in the pocket, and made good decisions. He made some good throws and had nice runs. RB/LB- <strong>Aidan Erickson</strong>, ran hard into the bigger defenders, not shying away from contact. Kept up a good rushing attack and made some nice tackles on defense. OL/DL- <strong>William Neill</strong>, did a great job blocking up front against a bigger line, really drove off the snap and was able to pick up some blitzes. OL/DL- <strong>Caden Miller</strong>, young lineman stepped up and made plays on both sides, some big tackles for loss, and was blocking the edge well.