Lyman is the top-ranked team in state Class 9AA. But that does not mean anything to the Raiders as they move into Saturday's state semifinal game against Emery/Ethan.
The only thing on the Raiders' minds is a win and a trip to the state title game at the DakotaDome in Vermillion.
"At this point, it really doesn't matter where you are (ranked)," said Lyman head coach Michael Kieffer. "When you lose, you are done. You are only No. 1 if you win in Vermillion."
Standing in the way of the state title game is an Emery/Ethan team with a run-first mentality. Kieffer said Emery/Ethan has some talent running backs and linemen, But more importantly, the team is fundamentally sound.
The Raiders, who are the only western South Dakota nine-man football team still playing this season, are going into the game knowing they must be physical and mentally sound to have a chance to win. Aiding in that cause is veteran leadership. The Raiders have 14 seniors on the roster, and they all want to finish their prep careers the right way.
"There's excitement, but you know its one of those deals. The kids know it is a win-or-go-home deal. You don't want to see your season end one game short," Kieffer said.
Lyman will be led in the game by running back Dawson Jandreau. He has rushed for more than 100 yards in each of his games this season, and he likes to run between the tackles for the tough yards, Kieffer said.
Skyler Eriksen, a center and defensive tackler, will be the team's leader on defense. Eriksen fills in where needed. After making the all-state team as a linebacker last season, he leads the team in tackles as a defensive lineman. Kieffer is also looking to linebacker and fullback Reed Reuman to be a leader for his team.
The other semifinal matchup in Class 9AA features Howard and Leola-Frederick. Howard, which was ranked No. 1 earlier in the season before a close loss to Lyman, has a solid team with plenty of talented athletes, especially at the linebacker position, Kieffer said. And, Howard puts up points. The Tigers put up 61 points in a win over White Lake/Plankinton and 75 in a win over Chester Area.
Kieffer does not know much about Leola/Frederick, a team that advanced to the state semis with a 54-8 win over Deubrook Area and a 40-13 victory over Langford/Roslyn.
In Class 9A action, Avon grabbed the top seed and will play Arlington.
Both teams had little trouble so far in the playoffs. Avon won its previous two playoffs games - over Andes Central and Irene-Wakonda - by a combined score of 112-6. Arlington won its two games - over Tri-State and Castlewood - by a combined score of 116-12.
The other semifinal game features Hanson and Sully Buttes.
The Chargers of Sully Buttes are a surprise. They defeated a tough Harding County squad, 20-14, to advance to the semifinals. Hansen played its way into the state semis as the No. 3 seed in Region 2, edging Corsica/Stickney and Mt. Vernon.
In Class 9B, top-seeded Hitchcock-Tulare will play Warner. Hitchcock-Tulare has not allowed a point in its two playoff wins over Faulkton and Waverly-South Shore. Warner upset the Faith Longhorns, 28-20, before shutting out New Underwood, 28-0.
Dell Rapid St. Mary and Gettysburg will meet in the other semifinal. Gettysburg had little trouble with Scotland in the first game, 38-0, but then the Battlers inched out a 16-13 win over Sunshine Bible Academy in the second game. Dell Rapid St. Mary has put up many points. The team won 68-22 over Sanborn Central in its playoff opener, and then the team needed all of its 46 points in a 46-41 victory over Viborg.
