There will be a new Class 9B state champion next month, as a punishing ground game by the Faulkton Area Trojans gave them the lead 32-6 over Sully Buttes, only to hold onto a 32-22 victory in Faulkton Thursday night.
The combined rushing by Trojan backs Tristan Baloun, Landon Coyle and QB Spencer Melius went for 267 yards, and kept the Chargers defense on the field most of the night. After a Melius rushing score and extra point made it 8-0, the Chargers answered with a Gavin Colson 71 yard punt return to make it 8-6. By halftime the Trojans put three more TD’s on the board to lead 26-6 at the mid break. Faulkton scored again in the third to go up 32-6. The Chargers showed heart and fortitude with three scores in the fourth quarter, and were driving late in the fourth for another, but an interception killed the rally, and the Trojans ran out the clock to seal the victory. In all, Sully Buttes had three turnovers, and Faulkton Area cashed in on two for TD’s. Sully Buttes ends its season at 8-2, while Faulkton Area ups its mark to 7-3.
The Trojans have a road date next Friday in Dell Rapids against 10-0 Dell Rapids St. Mary’s in the 9B semifinal. In the other semifinal matchup, second seed 9-1 Avon will host 7-3 Colman-Egan.
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