LEAD, S.D. — The Lead-Deadwood Golddiggers opened a new chapter in program history Friday night, making their debut in 9-man football, but Wall spoiled the occasion with a 36-7 victory at Ferguson Field.
The Eagles took control early, scoring on their first three possessions to build a 20-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.
Tanner Volmer opened the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run, then connected with Shooter Frederick on a 37-yard touchdown pass on Wall’s next possession. The Eagles added another score when Volmer found Carter Sundall for an 8-yard touchdown pass, giving Wall a commanding early advantage.
Lead-Deadwood’s defense settled down after the fast start. The Golddiggers came up with a key fourth-down stop at their own 12-yard line in the second quarter and later stopped Wall on a fourth-and-one play from the 5-yard line in the final minute of the first half to keep the deficit at 20-0 entering halftime.
The Golddiggers showed improvement offensively in the third quarter. Blake Janssen recorded receptions of 12 and 10 yards, Garrett Rantapaa added an 8-yard catch, and Zade Seaman broke free for an 18-yard run as Lead-Deadwood moved into Wall territory. The drive reached the Eagles’ 24-yard line before stalling on fourth down.
Wall added to its lead in the second half behind the play of Volmer, who scored on a 10-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter. He later broke loose for an 86-yard touchdown run to extend the Eagles’ advantage to 36-0.
Lead-Deadwood got on the scoreboard in the final minute after Rantapaa recovered a Wall fumble at the Eagles’ 23-yard line. Quarterback Blaze Artz capitalized with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Braydon Munier, and Janssen added the extra point for the Golddiggers’ lone score.
Despite the loss, Lead-Deadwood showed progress as the game continued, particularly on defense after the opening quarter. The Golddiggers adjusted to the faster pace and wider-open style of 9-man football while generating several positive offensive plays in the second half.
Lead-Deadwood opens the season 0-1 and will look for its first win when it travels to Philip next Friday. Wall improves to 1-0 on the season.
