VERMILLION, S.D. – Platte-Geddes defeated Hamlin 42-12 to win the 9AA state championship game on Thursday in Vermillion. Both teams came into the game flaunting undefeated records.
The Black Panthers won the coin toss and elected to receive to start the ballgame. Platte-Geddes would use up half the opening quarter on their first drive, capping off a 58-yard drive with a six-yard touchdown pass from half back Grayson Hanson to running back Jackson Neuman. After a failed two-point try, the Black Panthers held an early 6-0 lead.
Platte-Geddes kept their momentum going on Hamlin’s first offensive possession as the Black Panthers defense forced a three-and-out.
End of the 1st Quarter: Platte-Geddes 6 Hamlin 0
On the first play of the second quarter, quarterback Kelby Vanderweff connected with tight end Jackson Olson for a 31-yard touchdown. The two-point try this time was good, and Platte-Geddes led Hamlin 14-0.
The Chargers got on the board on their second offensive possession of the game when quarterback Xander Sheehan found fullback Cameron Thue, who snuck behind the defense, for a 50-yard strike. After a failed two-point try, the Black Panthers held a 14-6 lead with 9:06 to play in the first half.
Platte-Geddes would find the end zone again at the 4:50 mark of the second quarter, courtesy of a one-yard quarterback keeper by Hanson. The Black Panthers would extend their lead, 20-6. Both teams would then trade empty possessions to close out the first half of play.
Halftime: Platte-Geddes 20 Hamlin 6
Hamlin received to start the second half, but the drive was halted short of midfield when fullback Thue was stripped of the football – recovered by Myles Kott of the Black Panthers. Platte-Geddes would capitalize on the turnover with a 22-yard field goal from Jackson Olson, which made it 23-6 just four-minutes into the third quarter.
The Chargers next drive also struggled as Platte-Geddes’ defense forced a turnover-on-downs in Hamlin territory. Hamlin’s defense then provided a much-needed spark with a quarterback strip sack of Vanderweff by junior defensive end Michael Stevenson to give the ball back to the Chargers. The Black Panthers defense would once again hold, though, keeping Hamlin from shrinking the deficit.
End of the 3rd Quarter: Platte-Geddes 23 Hamlin 6
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Vanderweff connected with Hanson for a 50-yard touchdown pass. This extended Platte-Geddes lead to 29-6.
Disaster would continue for Hamlin as Grayson Hanson weaved his way through defenders on a direct snap that went 15-yards for another Black Panthers touchdown. With just over eight-minutes to play in the contest, Platte-Geddes led 36-6.
The Black Panthers would score one more time on their next offensive possession as Aiden Bultje broke loose for a 31-yard score down the sideline.
Hamlin would score on the final play of the game with a six-yard touchdown run by Luke Fraser.
