VERMILLION, S.D. – Wall capped an undefeated season with a 48-26 victory over Dell Rapids St. Mary’s on Thursday in the 9B championship game at the DakotaDome in Vermillion.
The Eagles used a powerful rushing attack and an explosive performance from quarterback Tanner Volmer to finish the season 12-0. Dell Rapids St. Mary’s suffered its first loss of the season, falling to 11-1, and unable to win back-to-back 9B titles.
Volmer accounted for six touchdowns, throwing for three scores and running for three more as Wall built an early advantage and maintained control throughout the game.
Wall wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. The Eagles opened the game with an 95-yard drive in 10 plays. Volmer capped the possession with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Teelan Kjerstad. Volmer connected with Kjerstad again for the two-point conversion to give Wall an 8-0 lead with 8:02 remaining in the first quarter.
After forcing a punt, Wall took over and put together another scoring drive. The Eagles moved 70 yards in 11 plays, with Volmer finding Carter Sundall for a 23-yard touchdown pass with 8:03 remaining in the second quarter. The two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving Wall with a 14-0 advantage.
Dell Rapids St. Mary’s finally got on the scoreboard on its next possession. Quarterback Brady Jewett connected with Logan Bauer for a 48-yard touchdown pass with 3:27 remaining in the first half. The Cardinals attempted a two-point conversion, but Jake Heinitz was stopped short, making it 14-6.
Wall responded immediately. Volmer took over on the ensuing possession and broke free for a 37-yard touchdown run with 2:36 left in the half. The Eagles were unable to convert the two-point attempt, extending their lead to 20-6.
After forcing another Dell Rapids St. Mary’s punt, Wall added one more touchdown before halftime. Volmer connected with Kjerstad for a 23-yard scoring pass with 10 seconds remaining in the second quarter. Shooter Frederick’s extra-point kick was good, sending Wall into the locker room with a 27-6 advantage.
Wall continued to control the game after halftime. The Eagles opened the second half with another scoring drive, moving 7 yards after taking over near midfield. Volmer finished the possession with a 1-yard touchdown run with 10:13 remaining in the third quarter. The two-point conversion failed, but Wall extended its lead to 33-6.
Dell Rapids St. Mary’s responded with a touchdown of its own. After taking over at the Wall 49-yard line, the Cardinals moved the ball downfield before Jacob Geraets scored on a 2-yard run with 2:16 remaining in the third quarter. The two-point conversion failed, and Wall carried a 33-12 advantage into the fourth quarter.
The Cardinals continued to battle in the final period. Jewett scored on a 12-yard quarterback run with 11:40 remaining. Jewett then connected with Jake Heinitz on the two-point conversion, cutting the deficit to 33-20.
However, Wall answered with another explosive play. On the first play of its next possession, Volmer broke loose for a 52-yard touchdown run. He then threw a successful two-point conversion pass to Kason Barry, pushing the Eagles’ lead to 41-20.
Wall’s defense delivered another major play moments later. Jewett lost a fumble on the Cardinals’ next possession after being forced to cough up the ball by Klansey Lange. Shooter Frederick recovered the fumble and returned it 7 yards for a touchdown. Frederick added the extra point, giving Wall a 48-20 advantage.
Dell Rapids St. Mary’s managed one final touchdown when Jewett connected with Bauer for a 49-yard scoring pass with 9:23 remaining. The Cardinals attempted another two-point conversion, but Jewett’s run was unsuccessful, leaving the final score at 48-26.
Volmer led Wall’s offensive attack with a remarkable all-around performance. He completed 13 of 22 passes for 135 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. He also rushed 21 times for 192 yards and three touchdowns, finishing with 327 total yards of offense and six touchdowns.
Kjerstad was Wall’s leading receiver, catching seven passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Barry added three receptions for 32 yards and a touchdown, while Sundall caught two passes for 34 yards and a score.
The Eagles finished with 364 yards of total offense, including 229 rushing yards on 34 attempts. They averaged 6.5 yards per offensive play and recorded 21 first downs. Wall also converted four of its 11 third-down opportunities and both of its red-zone possessions into touchdowns.
Dell Rapids St. Mary’s finished with 389 yards of total offense. Jewett completed 16 of 29 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns, with two interceptions. He also led the Cardinals in rushing with 61 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown.
Bauer had a big night receiving for Dell Rapids St. Mary’s, finishing with seven catches for 155 yards and two touchdowns. He accounted for more than half of the Cardinals’ passing yardage. Heinitz added five receptions for 92 yards.
Geraets finished with 20 rushing yards and a touchdown, while LaVoy added 20 rushing yards.
Despite producing more total offense, the Cardinals struggled to turn their yardage into points. Wall’s defense forced two interceptions, recovered a fumble for a touchdown and recorded a sack. The Eagles also limited Dell Rapids St. Mary’s to 4-of-12 on third-down attempts.