Lyman is the top-ranked team in Class 9AA. But that does not mean anything to the Raiders as they move into

today'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," Lyman head coach Michael Kieffer said. "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 talented 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 physically 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. 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 wins over Deubrook Area and Langford/Roslyn.

In Class 9A action, Avon grabbed the top seed and will play Arlington. The other semifinal game features Hanson and Sully Buttes.

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 Rapids 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.