BROOKINGS, S.D. – On a wet, misty night that made throwing the football a challenge, Spearfish relied on its running game, a clutch special teams play and a late defensive stand to earn a 28-21 victory over Brookings on Friday night at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium.
The Spartans improved to 4-1 on the season after overcoming an early turnover and a fourth-quarter deficit in a hard-fought road win during Brookings’ homecoming game.
With steady moisture in the air throughout the contest, both offenses leaned heavily on the ground game as passing opportunities were limited by the slick conditions.
Brookings struck first after Colten Walsh intercepted Spearfish quarterback Thomas Hughes on the Spartans’ opening possession. The Bobcats turned the takeaway into points when Caden Walsh scored on a 6-yard touchdown run to take a 7-0 lead.
Spearfish responded quickly. Hughes connected with Kade Vavruska for a 19-yard touchdown pass to tie the score at 7-7 late in the first quarter. Early in the second quarter, Graham Hughes capped another Spartans drive with a 5-yard touchdown run to put Spearfish ahead 14-7.
The Bobcats answered through the air when Baker Hanson found Hayden Jones on a slant for a 29-yard touchdown. A failed extra point kept Spearfish in front 14-13 heading into halftime.
Neither team found the end zone in the third quarter as both defenses tightened up and the difficult weather conditions continued to limit the passing game. Brookings first drive of the half took up nearly 10 minutes of the quarter, but a Spearfish defensive stand on fourth down ended the drive with zero points.
Brookings finally regained the lead early in the fourth quarter. Hanson scored on an 11-yard touchdown run, and Caden Walsh added the two-point conversion, giving the Bobcats a 21-14 advantage with 10:45 remaining.
The Spartans answered immediately behind their senior running back. Graham Hughes broke through for a 14-yard touchdown run, trimming the deficit to one point after the extra-point attempt was missed.
The game’s decisive play came with less than six minutes remaining. Facing fourth down near midfield, Brookings attempted a pooch punt, but Brock Lewis broke through and blocked the kick. Spearfish recovered at the Bobcat 36-yard line and quickly turned the momentum into points.
Thomas Hughes punched in a 1-yard touchdown run and added the two-point conversion to give Spearfish a 28-21 lead with 3:59 remaining.
Brookings had one final opportunity after recovering a late Spearfish fumble and driving into Spartan territory. The Bobcats reached the Spearfish 23-yard line, but on fourth-and-three with 13 seconds left, Hanson’s pass for the end zone sailed incomplete to seal the Spartans’ victory.
Graham Hughes led the Spearfish offense with 158 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries, awarding him the Superior Auto Solutions Superior Performer of the game. Thomas Hughes added 40 rushing yards and a touchdown while also throwing for a score. Lewis paced the Spartan defense with 11 tackles and the blocked punt.
Despite the challenging weather and several momentum swings, Spearfish made the critical plays late to secure the win and will carry a 4-1 record into next week’s homecoming matchup against Yankton. That game will be broadcasted live on KDSJ 980 AM, 103.5 FM, and streamed on KDSJ-TV on YouTube and on KDSJ’s Facebook Live.
Replay: https://www.youtube.com/live/eD_nGAaYRzs?si=o8BGLmAVOmnN8YE3
