STURGIS, S.D. (KELO) — The Sturgis Scoopers football team is in the semi-finals for just the third time since state championships have been held at the Dakota Dome.
The Sturgis Scoopers were able to comeback against Watertown in the fourth quarter to score two touchdowns, sending them to the next round.
“We just all had that feeling where when we get down, we’re not going to give up, it;s time to keep going. Defense stepped up bigtime a lot of the time and I’m super proud of how the defense has been and the O-line blocking,” Senior Quarterback Jaxon Cano said.
It’s been 42 years since the Scoopers made it to the state championship and 30 years since they’ve been in the semi-finals.
“None of us have given up, we’ve always believed in the kids that we have here because we see them in the halfways. It’s just getting everybody to pull on that same side of the rope and giving our community something to get excited about. Because like I’ve said, they’ve always supported us. Now it’s time for us to give something back in a team that they can be proud of and go out there and cheer for us on Fridays,” Scooper Head Coach Chris Koletzky said.
During the regular season Sturgis was able to upset Yankton who they now prepare to face this week again, this time on the road.
“Just watching film, seeing what they’ve changed, based on what happened after our game. Going through the plays that worked against them and what plays didn’t work, and seeing what we need to do to fix. To stay level headed is just coming ready to practice everyday like it’s a faceless opponent,” Cano said.
“The weight of, the expectations of this game and what they’re hoping is going to happen. I think that’s, you know, the cliche of playing with house money right now. Hey, we’re in a great spot, let’s just go play our brand of football. Getting rid of the fear of judgement and the fear of failing. Just get that out and play hard and the results will take care of themselves if you’re intentional everyday. And I think this is the result of that, just coming out and playing hard for each other,” Koletzky said.
The state tournament continues this Friday.
KELOLAND will be following and updating all playoff games this week, as teams take their final shot at reaching the championship.
