Darren Boyle's Weekly Words of Wisdom "The Playoffs Continue"

As I mentioned in my last post there were alot of good football teams in our area this year. Over the years there have been several teams that have consistently been there when the playoffs started, but how long has it been that we have had five area teams in the football playoff "final four"? Gettysburg has been to the semi finals several times, earning more trips to the title game than anyone in the 9 man ranks. Their comeback win over a tough Sunshine Bible squad Monday night gives them yet another opprotunity as they face Dell Rapids St.Marys.. I gave Sully Buttes a punchers chance against Harding County and the Chargers took care of business getting a hard fought win. I would think that after the long trip to Buffalo, the trip to Hanson wont be too intimidating. And with the weather forecast talking of sunshine and good weather Saturday, I can't help but think that Sully Buttes again will have a "punchers chance" against the Beavers. Todd County has had a great season and they have earned their spot in the semi finals, but they probally have the biggest test of any area team as they make the trek to Milbank. Winner has looked strong all year in their first season in class 11B, their performance in the regular season gave them the #1 seed through the playoffs and they will enjoy home field as they host Wagner. The Warriors are GOOD folks, dont be surprised when they take home the 11B hardware next week. And finally the Lyman Raiders, who also earned the #1 seed throughout the playoffs. They will host another team with extensive playoff experience, the Emery-Ethan C-Hawks. (5:00 kickoff on KPLO by the way) This will be alot closer game than most 1 vs. 4 seed games would be. E-E has been there and done that as far as the playoffs are concerned and being on the road will be no big deal for them. Lyman has been playing some of their best football during the playoffs. And the biggest difference between this year and last year is the majority of the kids hit the weight room during the offseason. As you remember, the Raiders got outsized a little bit by Marion-Hurley in the semi finals last year. And this years senior class made sure it didnt happen this year. The kids deserve alot of credit along with the Raider coaching staff, who made sure the weight room was open when needed. That is how a program is built. I will go out a limb and predict that three of the five area teams will be playing again next week. Winner is an easy pick over the Red Raiders. Lyman will defeat Emery Ethan but it will take four quarters of quality football to get the job done, and the Raiders will make their first trip to the dome since the 90's. (believe it or not I called that game, does that make me old?) And if Sully Buttes has any gas left in the tank they will score in the final minutes and defeat Hanson. I believe in the Chargers passing game. What do you think?