RAPID CITY — It was far from a perfect performance, but the Spearfish Spartans showed Friday night they have the firepower to overcome mistakes.
Despite over 28 penalties and five turnovers, Spearfish pulled away for a 48-21 victory over Rapid City Stevens at O’Harra Stadium during the Rushmore Bowl, improving to 2-1 on the season.
The Spartans leaned on their dynamic Hughes brothers duo to secure their second straight win. Graham Hughes rushed for 194 yards and two touchdowns on just 15 carries, while quarterback Thomas Hughes accounted for 307 total yards and four touchdowns.
Spearfish struck first when Thomas Hughes capped a drive with a 6-yard touchdown run late in the opening quarter. Stevens answered to tie the game at 7-7, but the Spartans seized control in the second quarter.
Thomas Hughes connected with Kade Vavruska for an 18-yard touchdown before Graham Hughes broke free for a 50-yard scoring run. After a Spartan turnover, Brock Lewis intercepted a Stevens pass and returned it 13 yards for a touchdown to put Spearfish ahead 26-7. Lewis was awarded the Superior Performer of the Game.
The Raiders were able to get the ground game going after half, but struggled to cross the goalline, thanks in large part to a Spearfish defense that repeatedly answered the call. Lewis finished with 15 tackles, a half sack and the pick-six, while Jack Scharf added 10 tackles. Karsen Seyer contributed two sacks and forced a fumble, and Vavruska added an interception.
Stevens cut the deficit to 34-18 midway through the fourth quarter, but the Spartans responded immediately. Thomas Hughes found Seyer for a 46-yard touchdown just 27 seconds later to restore control.
Vavruska caught three passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns while also throwing a 22-yard completion on a successful fake punt.
Spearfish, now 2-1, returns to Lyle Hare Stadium in Spearfish for a west river, Class 11AA matchup with the Douglas Patriots (1-2) on Friday. Kickoff is at 6:00 pm, and the game in being broadcasted on KDSJ 980 AM, 103.5 FM, kdsj980.com, and the KDSJ Sports Mobile App. Fans can also watch the game on KDSJ-TV on YouTube and on Facebook Live!
Replay: https://www.youtube.com/live/Q2YOReamq-c?si=BAZDeFSSO5_KtqFA
