The lights will shine brighter than usual Thursday night at Woodle Field as the Sturgis Scoopers (4-4) host the #5-ranked Spearfish Spartans (5-3) in a pivotal Class 11AA showdown. With playoff implications looming and emotions running high on Senior Night, this clash carries extra weight—not just for the scoreboard, but for the cause. Fans are encouraged to “Wear Gold” in support of the fight against childhood cancer.
Since 2008, Sturgis holds a narrow 10-7 edge in the series, including back-to-back wins in 2023 (46-14) and 2024 (15-10), the latter of which denied Spearfish a home playoff seed. The Spartans’ last win came in dramatic fashion in 2022—a 28-27 overtime thriller. Historically, each team has traded two-game win streaks, with Sturgis owning the longest streak at three.
Head Coach Chris Koletzky’s squad has shown flashes of brilliance—like their upset of Yankton—but has struggled to string together complete performances. Last week’s 29-15 loss to Watertown marked their second straight game under 300 total yards.
- QB Jaxon Cano leads the offense with 737 passing yards and 601 rushing yards, accounting for 10 total TDs.
- RB Sully Jost, who had 9 TDs before a season-ending injury, leaves a void filled by Peter Pi and Zhoel Irion, who’ve combined for 338 yards and 5 scores.
- TE Gage West leads the receiving corps with 192 yards and 3 TDs.
- The young offensive line—four juniors and one senior—plays with grit beyond its size.
Defensively, the Scoopers have transitioned to a 3-3-5 scheme to compensate for size, but run fits remain a concern. MLB Brody Bulat (45 tackles) and DL Dion Eccoffy (3 TFLs, 2 sacks) anchor the unit. Nine different players have recorded interceptions, including CB Seth Burton, who returned one for a touchdown.
Coach Tom Tieszen’s Spartans are one of the most dynamic teams in South Dakota, averaging nearly 28 points and over 314 yards per game. However, penalties and injuries have disrupted their rhythm.
Last week, Spearfish jumped out to a 21-0 lead over #3 Pierre before surrendering 45 of the next 52 points. Despite the loss, QB Thomas Hughes dazzled with 267 passing yards and remains one of the state’s most electric athletes with total yards this season.
- RB Mick Bosh has 534 rushing yards on 105 carries.
- The receiving trio of Kade Vavruska (519 yards, 5 TDs), Karsen Seyer (293 yards, 4 TDs), and Jack Couaette (182 yards, 3 TDs) gives Hughes plenty of options.
- Injuries to Laythen Lucas and Payton Jones will push Couaette into a TE role.
Defensively, Spearfish allows just 17.5 points per game and has scored four defensive touchdowns. With Lucas likely out, Brock Lewis (47 tackles) will lead the linebacker corps. Hughes also contributes on defense with six interceptions.
With playoff seeding on the line and pride at stake, expect a physical, emotional battle under the Woodle Field lights. Whether it’s Hughes’ highlight-reel plays or Cano’s dual-threat grit, this rivalry promises fireworks. But above all, Thursday night is about more than football—it’s about honoring seniors and standing together in gold for a cause that transcends the game.
Kickoff from Woodle Field is slated for 6:00 pm. Coverage will begin at 5:30 on KDSJ 980 AM, 103.5 FM, and KDSJ980.com. Fans can also watch the game for free on KDSJ-TV on YouTube and KDSJ’s Facebook page.
