BUFFALO, S.D. — Lead-Deadwood built an early three-touchdown lead and survived a late comeback attempt Friday night, edging Harding County/Bison 42-40 in a non-conference nine-man football matchup.
The Golddiggers improved to 4-3 on the season, while Harding County/Bison dropped to 3-4.
Lead-Deadwood came out fast, scoring 21 points in the opening quarter and taking a 28-0 advantage early in the second quarter. Harding County/Bison responded with 24 unanswered points before halftime, but the Golddiggers still carried a 28-24 lead into the break.
Lead-Deadwood regained momentum after halftime, scoring two third-quarter touchdowns to extend its lead to 42-24 heading into the final period.
Harding County/Bison mounted one final rally in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 points to pull within two points, but the Golddiggers were able to hold on for the victory.
Harding County/Bison was powered by a strong rushing performance from Elim Simmons, who carried the ball 25 times for 247 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Ryder Hunsucker completed 14 of 22 passes for 142 yards and one touchdown, while Tyrel Koan hauled in eight receptions for 119 yards and a score.
Despite piling up offense, the Bison came up just short in one of the highest-scoring games of the week.
The win gives Lead-Deadwood momentum heading into a Black Hills Conference matchup against Hill City on Friday. The Rangers enter the game with a 1-6 record.
Harding County/Bison will return to league play next week against undefeated Timber Lake, which improved to 6-0 with a win over Sully Buttes.
Lead-Deadwood’s victory marked its fourth win of the season and kept the Golddiggers in the hunt as the regular season enters its final weeks.
