COLUMN: Robinson predicts outcomes for high school football championship matches

This year’s competition includes the South Dakota High School Athletic Association (SDHSAA) adding a seventh division: 11AAA.

Play started Thursday at 11 a.m. and continues on after the University of South Dakota versus South Dakota State rivalry game Saturday.

Here, is a preview and predictions to all seven games:

This is one of the most intriguing match-ups of the seven title games. Both teams can score at will and bring viscous defensive attacks.

Hamlin (11-0) has outscored their opponents 676-52 this season. The Chargers are led by junior running back Brody Grantham, who has 1,158 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 151 carries. Grantham also leads the Chargers with 577 passing yards and nine touchdowns through the air. Grantham leads on the defensive side of the ball with 87 total tackles and 12.5 sacks.

Avon (11-0) is back to the Dome yet again this season. The Pirates claim a two headed monster rushing attack this season, led by seniors Brandon Kochmich and Devin Tolsma.

My prediction: Both teams haven’t given up more than 21 points all season. This game screams shoot-out to me. It will come down to turnovers and potentially a defensive stand at the end of the game.

9A was one of the most competitive divisions in South Dakota high school football this season. Both teams faced each other earlier this season, as Leola/Frederick earned the September victory, 12-7.

Leola/Frederick (11-0) handed #4 Wosley-Wessington their first loss of the season in the semi-finals last weekend. The Titans have outscored their opponents 535-89 this season.

Potter County is back to the Dome after a few seasons away. The Battlers, formally known as Gettysburg, upset #2 Howard in the semi-finals 22-8 over the weekend. Potter County outscores their opponents 364-111. The vaunted Battlers defense is giving up 10 points per contest.

My prediction: After a defensive struggle earlier in the season, this game reads as another bar fight. The contest will come down to who will hit the home run ball.

Class 9AA has beaten up on each other this season. Neither team going into the title game has an undefeated record.

Arlington (10-1) edged out Deubrook in the semi-finals to earn a trip to the title game. The Cardinals lone loss this season was to Dell Rapids St. Mary’s in September. Arlington has outscored their opponents 403-230 and average 36 points per game this season.

BEE (10-1) had a tough road to the Dome, having to defeat #1 Gregory 30-8 in the semi-finals. The C-Hawks suffered their one setback at Howard in September. BEE is outscoring their opponents 438-272. The Seahawks defense has stepped up of late, holding their opponents to five shut-outs this season and averaging eight points given up per game in the playoffs.

My prediction: Arlington was an early favorite to make the trip to Vermillion. As for Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan, their playoff push helped earn a spot. I think Arlington’s running game will be too much for the Seahawks.

The 11B match-up has two teams who were in contention all season, but defeated higher ranked teams in the playoffs. Both teams met in September, and Parkston defeated Canton, 21-14.

Parkston (10-1) defeated the number three team in the state, St. Thomas Moore in the semi-finals to earn a trip to Vermillion. Their only loss this season came to then-number-one ranked Winner in October. The Trojans have a ferocious defense this season, allowing only six points per contest to their opponents. Parkston outscores their opponents 265-68 this season.

Canton (10-1) had the toughest road to the Dome out of any team in the state. The ‘C-Hawks had to overcome the top two teams in the state in the quarter and semi-finals. Canton also has a very tough defense, giving up eight points a contest. The ‘C-Hawks have outscored their opponents 470-96 this season.

My prediction: Something has to give when two great defenses meet. Canton is arguably one of the hottest teams in the state coming into this game. It will be a very close game. I don’t see why the magic carpet ride must stop.

In the 11A matchup, we see two teams with powerful offenses. Both teams have met this season, and Madison owned the 24-21 victory over West Central.

Madison (11-0) has dominated all season. Their closest contest was against West Central. The Bulldogs defeated Dell Rapids in the semi-finals game. They have outscored their opponent 467-115 this season, and are averaging video game like points in the playoffs, 52 a game.

West Central (9-2) defeated #2 Hot Springs in a 35-29 barn burner in the semi-finals. Their other loss was a shutout 23-0 defeat to the hands of Canton. The Trojans have outscored their opponents 446-111 this season and are averaging a whopping 45 points a game in the playoffs.

My prediction: This game features two hot offenses. It could become a shootout, but Madison will come out of the gates racing. If West Central can control the tempo early, it will be a contest. Madison is on a mission, and has too much firepower.

In the 11AA game, we have ESD rivals facing off in the Dome. Pierre knocked off Watertown in the first game of the season, 35-24.

Pierre (9-1) man-handled Harrisburg in the semi-finals to reach the title game. The Governors, led by three-year starting quarterback Alex Gray, outscored their opponents 358-121 this season. Their only loss this season was to Yankton in October. The 2013 ESD champions Pierre also was 3-0 when facing 11AAA opponents this season.

Watertown (7-3) had a few rough losses, but righted the ship at the perfect time. The Arrows, led by senior USD running-back recruit Shay Bratland, defeated Yankton last week to earn a trip to the Dome. The Arrows are outscoring their opponents 282-204.

My prediction: On paper, this game looks like it could be a blowout in favor of Pierre. However, after watching Watertown last week, they look a lot better than they did in the opening week. It will be interesting to see how Bratland does at his future home. The Pierre air-raid will be too much for Watertown to handle. The game could come down to the leg of star kicker Garret Pochop for the Governors.

In the showcase event, it has cross-town rivals facing off for the second time this season. Lincoln edged Roosevelt 35-28 in the final minutes in the President Bowl earlier this season.

Lincoln (10-0) has dominated their opponents all season. Their closest contest came to the hands of Roosevelt. The Patriots are led by senior running back Caden Quintanilla. He has piled up 1,530 yards and 21 touchdowns on 200 carries this season. Senior Connor Burchill has passed for 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns. Senior linebacker Matt Wagner leads the Patriots defense with 60 tackles and three interceptions.

Roosevelt (9-1) put up 65 points in their victory over Brandon Valley in the semi-finals. The Rough Riders have been led by highly touted junior quarterback Taryn Christon. He has racked up 1,897 passing yards and 21 touchdowns. Christon also leads the Rough Rider rushing attack with 886 yards and 16 touchdowns.

My prediction: Lincoln has the better team, but Roosevelt has the best quarterback in the state, hands down. If Roosevelt’s defense can slow down Quintanilla, they have a good shot. I am very interested in the Quintanilla and Christon match-up. Like earlier, this will be a very close game.