Class 9A Championship Capsule

Warner (11-0) vs. Gregory (10-1) 

When: 7 p.m. Thursday at the DakotaDome

Preseason Ranking: Warner - 5th; Gregory - 2nd

Final Ranking: Warner - 1st; Gregory - 2nd

Warner Notes: Warner is playing in their second state championship game in three years. … The Monarchs average 44.2 points per game on offense, while giving up 12.7 points per game on defense. … Warner is seeking its first state football championship in school history. … In their semifinal round win against Harding County/Bison, Warner racked up 377 total yards, including 256 rushing yards. … Running back Hunter Cramer rushed for 129 yards and two touchdowns, while also passing for a touchdown and returning a kickoff 72 yards for a touchdown. … Running back Charlie Dulany added two rushing touchdowns, while Zach Wood caught two touchdown passes and rushed for one score. 

Gregory Notes: Gregory is playing in their first state championship game since 2017. … The Gorillas average 39.2 points per game offensively, while allowing 11.5 points per game defensively. … Gregory is appearing in its first Class 9A state championship game in school history after making several appearances in Class 9AA and Class 11B state championship games. … Quarterback Rylan Peck leads the team with 1,226 passing yards and 18 touchdown passes, while rushing for 986 yards and 22 touchdowns. … Eli Fogel leads the team with 405 receiving yards and eight touchdown receptions, while Kade Stukel adds 318 receiving yards. … Running back Owen Hansen adds 687 rushing yards and five touchdown runs, while also contributing 296 receiving yards and three touchdown receptions. … Linebacker Trey Murray leads the defense with 68 tackles, while Fogel leads with 12 sacks. … Gregory’s lone loss came against Class 9AA finalist Parkston, 32-25, on Sept. 30.