VERMILLION, S.D. – Freeman used a fast start and a balanced offensive attack to build a commanding lead before defeating Bennett County 57-12 on Thursday in a South Dakota high school football game at the DakotaDome in Vermillion.
The Flyers scored on their first possession and found the end zone three times in the opening quarter. Freeman added 20 points in the second quarter to take a 42-6 lead into halftime. The Flyers continued to control the game after the break, scoring once in the third quarter and adding another touchdown in the fourth.
Freeman improved to 12-0, while Bennett County finished the game with a 10-2 record.
The Flyers wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. After receiving the opening kickoff, Freeman needed just two plays to cover 62 yards. Axle Schultz broke free for a 9-yard touchdown run with 11:47 remaining in the first quarter. Tayden Kerrigan added the two-point conversion run for an 8-0 lead.
Freeman’s defense forced a turnover on Bennett County’s first possession. The Warriors moved the ball into Freeman territory, but Maddox Risse’s pass was intercepted by Logan Pankratz.
The Flyers capitalized on the takeaway. Kerrigan connected with Brody Sorensen for a 48-yard touchdown pass with 8:51 remaining in the quarter. Kerrigan then found Easton Tschetter for the two-point conversion, extending the lead to 16-0.
Freeman added another touchdown late in the opening quarter. Kerrigan threw a 37-yard scoring pass to Tschetter with 36 seconds remaining. The two-point attempt failed, leaving the Flyers with a 22-0 advantage.
Freeman continued to build its lead in the second quarter. Kerrigan found Oliver Waltner for a 23-yard touchdown with 5:32 remaining. The two-point conversion pass was unsuccessful, making it 28-0.
Bennett County finally broke through on its next possession. The Warriors covered 80 yards in five plays, with Risse throwing a 56-yard touchdown pass to Rush O’Neill with 3:35 remaining in the half. Bennett County could not complete the two-point conversion, leaving the score at 28-6.
The Flyers answered with a seven-play, 56-yard drive. Tschetter scored on a 3-yard run with 48 seconds remaining in the second quarter. Kerrigan’s pass on the two-point attempt was incomplete, and Freeman led 34-6.
Bennett County responded with another scoring drive before halftime. Risse connected with O’Neill for a 56-yard touchdown pass with 10 seconds remaining. The Warriors again missed the two-point conversion, cutting the deficit to 34-12.
Freeman added one more score before the half ended. With 22 seconds remaining, Kerrigan kept the ball for a 1-yard touchdown run. Tschetter ran in the two-point conversion, sending the Flyers into halftime with a 42-12 lead.
The teams played a scoreless first part of the third quarter before Freeman added to its advantage. Alaric Knittel scored on a 6-yard run with 6:48 remaining in the quarter. Alexis Guzeman converted the extra point, giving the Flyers a 49-12 lead.
Neither team scored again in the third quarter. Freeman’s defense continued to limit Bennett County’s opportunities, and the Flyers carried their 37-point advantage into the final period.
Freeman added the final touchdown in the fourth quarter. Kerrigan completed an 11-yard touchdown pass to Tannen Auch with 6:48 remaining. Max Unruh threw the two-point conversion pass to Waltner, bringing the score to 57-12.
The Flyers’ offense finished with 504 total yards, including 212 rushing yards and 292 passing yards. Freeman averaged 11.2 yards per offensive play and recorded 20 first downs. The team also went 5-for-5 in the red zone, scoring a touchdown on each trip.
Kerrigan led the offensive effort. He completed 12 of 18 passes for 273 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 64 yards and a touchdown on seven carries.
Schultz added 125 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. He also caught four passes for 108 yards and a touchdown, giving him 233 yards from scrimmage and two total touchdowns.
Tschetter caught four passes for 108 yards and a touchdown and added a rushing touchdown. Sorensen caught two passes for 65 yards and a score. Waltner had one reception for 23 yards and a touchdown, while Auch caught one pass for 11 yards and a score.
Bennett County finished with 253 total yards, including 84 rushing yards and 169 passing yards. The Warriors recorded 11 first downs and completed 14 of 30 passes.
Risse completed 14 of 29 passes for 169 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. O’Neill led the Warriors with eight receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown. Hayden Risse rushed for 69 yards and a touchdown on two carries.