Potter County fumbled the ball with the lead in the fourth quarter allowing Dell Rapids St. Mary to tie the game in the final two minutes and broke the Battlers hearts in double overtime, taking the 9B state championship, 44-42.
Both teams were held off the scoreboard in the first quarter but it was Dell Rapids St. Mary to strike first on a pick six early in the second quarter. However, the Battlers responded as Grant Luikens hit Drake Bassett for a 47 yard touchdown reception to tie the game at 8-8. Potter County took a halftime lead with a three yard rush by Luikens to lead 14-8 at the break. Dell Rapids St. Mary was able to answer in the third quarter with two scores including a 27 yard pass from CJ Smith to Tate Buckers to give the Cardinals the lead. However, on the first play of the fourth quarter, Luikens found Ryder Falkenhagen on fourth and ten to tie the game at 20-20. After recovering a fumble, the Battlers would score a play later with Luikens running it in from eight yards out. Carter Luikens picked up the two point conversion to give the Battlers an eight point lead. But it was Dell Rapids St. Mary tied the game with just 1:06 left to send the game to overtime at 28-28. The two teams traded touchdowns and conversions in the first overtime but it was the Cardinals who converted the two point conversion in double overtime to win the game 44-42.
Luikens went 16-25 for 297 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. Luikens also ran in both rushing touchdowns for the Battlers who finish the year at 10-3. Drake Bassett caught nine passes for 173 yards and two scores. Ryder Falkenhagen had four grabs and two touchdowns.
For Dell Rapids St. Mary, Nic Gaspar scored three times, twice on the ground and another through the air while also being on the end of multiple two point conversion plays for the Cardinals who claim its first ever state championship.
