After a slow start Friday night, the Woonsocket-Wessington Springs-Sanborn Central Bucks found their rhythm, using a strong ground game and key defensive stops to secure a hard-fought win over Miller/Highmore-Harrold.
Head Coach Michael Schmitz said his team needed time to settle in but responded when it mattered.
“We started out a little slow, but as the game went on, we gained confidence and played better,” Schmitz said. “The kids stepped up when it really mattered. The offense really got our ground game going in the second half, and the defense stepped up to shut things out. This was a fun game to be in.”
Offensive Highlights
Quarterback Luke Larson led the charge, finishing 9 of 16 passing for 119 yards, with two passing touchdowns and one interception. Larson also made a big impact on the ground, carrying the ball eight times for 101 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
Running back Wesley Molnar added toughness between the tackles, rushing 17 times for 85 yards and one touchdown, while Nathan Gaikowski contributed 55 rushing yards on eight carries.
In the air, Dawson Baye-Larson had two receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown, and Colby Flowers caught two passes for 30 yards and another score.
Defense Locks Down
The Bucks’ defense tightened up in the second half to preserve the win.
Flowers led the effort with six tackles and a sack, while Molnar came up with a key interception.
Hunter Fenske recorded four tackles and a sack, and Carson Finn chipped in six tackles and a sack.
Schmitz said the performance showed resilience and growth for the Bucks as they look ahead.
“The way we finished that game gives us confidence,” he said. “Now we shift our focus to preparing for this coming week.”