SD Sleeper Playoff Teams looking to make some Noise
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This season has been one of the unexpected players and teams doing better than what some had imagined originally, both in a good and bad sense. But when it is win or go home, anything is on the line for…
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Continue ReadingThis season has been one of the unexpected players and teams doing better than what some had imagined originally, both in a good and bad sense. But when it is win or go home, anything is on the line for teams and they will do anything to make sure they do not get it. So, Let’s look at some teams that I am looking to make some noise in the playoffs.
Aberdeen Central High School
After a few years with some seasons that the school would like to forget overall, Aberdeen has risen to the forefront of schools that had a great season on the backs of the stellar defense and rushing attack that has bolstered the abilities. Their offense was mainly predicated on the backs of Karson Carda Karson Carda 6'0" | 210 lbs | RB Aberdeen Central | 2023 State and his lethal rushing game that willed Aberdeen past opponents this entire season. Carda has been the main force as to why Aberdeen is able to compete with some heavy hitters in the conference and a big part of that is how well they can run the ball and even more so with how the defense has stepped up to the task of getting stops. Aberdeen has prided itself on top of its tough run defense and stifling pass defense that has allowed them to allow not many points when they face tough foes. They like to play a tough and physical style of team football that led them to their first winning record in a while and showed that they have some serious talent brewing, the only question is whether they continue the run into the playoffs.
Brandon Valley High School
Brandon Valley has been at the top of the mountain top the past few seasons, and while they still had a winning season, they had not had as play as well as they would have liked. The players have been playing off the charts, with their offensive weapons playing great their wide receiver core being elite all year, and have just simply had to face some tough opponents. They had to face the best of the best in the AAA Class to start so they had some losses on their record, so which can be deceiving for their true talent. Nate Andresen Nate Andresen 6'4" | 195 lbs | WR Brandon Valley | 2023 State and Dylan Langerock have been the consistent safety blankets for the offense that Lucas Slack Lucas Slack 6'1" | 190 lbs | QB Brandon Valley | 2023 State has looked to all year, and in the playoffs, I would expect him to look for them as the playoffs get underway. Their defense has had some issues at times but has come together as a solid unit that can hold their own quite well and just all of them to get the ball in Slack’s hands. I have learned to never count any school out, and Brandon Valley is a prime example of that, they might not have the best record but they have some talent that can pull off some upsets.
Brookings
Brookings this year has been the most slept-on team that I have been saying time and time again, and I think with their defensive unit that they can put out on the field, they can make some serious noise. While every team needs offensive production to win, Brookings has relied on their defense to win them games, and when it comes to the playoffs, defense wins championships. What Brookings brings to the table is one of the best pass-rushing teams in South Dakota and it is not close with the talent that they have. Caleb Loehr Caleb Loehr 6'0" | 215 lbs | DL Brookings | 2023 State and Jaxton Eck Jaxton Eck 6'0" | 215 lbs | LB Brookings | 2023 State have been leading the team this year with their elite pass-rushing skills and abil[ity to rush the QB. They have shown that they can force turnovers and sacks every single game, which can shift the momentum and allow them to switch in their favor. Brookings is a team that plays hard and works harder, and when it comes to church time, that is exactly what you need when the lights are the brightest.
Madison
Madison has had some great seasons the past few years and this year was a regular season that they would like to forget, but they in my view will be a team to watch to make some noise. Madison has some key players that will be looking to make a big impact with two main players on their team, that being their star QB in the making in Ben Brooks, and star MLB Caden Devries Caden Devries 5'10" | 190 lbs | LB Madison | 2023 State . Brooks has been an elite rushing QB that was able to escape the pocket fast and run if needed, in which more often than not he would go off on big runs. He has trces of someone who can truly show to be an elite power rusher and also throw the ball at a high level. Not to mention he has great vision at the line of scrimmage and adjust the plays as needed. DeVries has the heart of his defense and it clear to see that when she is on the field, he is the general for his team and they listen to what he has to say. Watch out for the Bulldogs to make some serious noise, and I can see them playing spolier to some other teams.