605 Sports Staff

Four Thursday games kicked off the first week of All-Nations Football Conference. 

Defending Class A champion Todd County opened its season with a 40-14 win over Little Wound. In a rematch of the Class B championship game Lower Brule held on for a 24-22 win over Tiospa Zina. Omaha Nation erupted for 68 points in their 68-24 win over Crazy Horse. 

In one of the best games of the day Pine Ridge earned a 36-34 win over Winnebago.

Pine Ridge earns win in slugfest over Winnebago

In the game of the week Pine Ridge outlasted Winnebago - Photo courtesy of Teddy Pedregon
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PINE RIDGE — On Friday morning, following Thursday’s 36-34 win over Winnebago the Pine Ridge football players came to school sore but still hyped from what head coach Teddy Pedregon called a gigantic win. 

“The energy level was just crazy last night and it felt like old school football was back,” Pedregon said. “It was a lot different getting a big win and we haven’t had a win like this in ten years.”

The win didn’t come easily as Winnebago is one of the traditional powers in the Class A division of the All-Nations conference.  

“It was a dog fight and Winnebago is a tough team,” Pedregon said. “It was back and forth and we literally played until the last whistle.

Leading the way for the Thorpes was sophomore quarterback Marvin Richard III who was 19-30 passing for 327 yards and three touchdowns. Richard III also had 117 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Pine Ridge stats: 

• Dominic Ghost Bear - seven receptions for 150 yards and two touchdowns.

• Daniel Davis - 55 rushing yards, 60 receiving yards, 10 tackles, 1 fumble recovery. 

• Anthony Steele - 40 rushing yards, 95 receiving yards, 23 tackles. 

• Kanye Hollow Horn - 20 yards receiving, one touchdown reception. 

• Julian Weston - 10 tackles, forced fumble and fumble recovery. 

Winnebago stats: 

• Antrell Harlan - 126 yards rushing, four touchdowns, two sacks, two tackles for loss. 

• Cashus Kearnes, 1 reception, 87 yards and a TD. 

Todd County ground game lifts Falcons over Little Wound

Todd County junior Ty Valandra stiff-arms his way for a big gain - Photo courtesy of Josh Larson - Public Relations Coordinator at Todd County School District

MISSION — Todd County opened up a 14-0 halftime lead and got things clicking in the second half for a 40-14 win over Little Wound.

Falcon coach Bob Kornely had a mixed review of his Falcons on their opener.

“We were kind of stale at the start of the game,” he said “I felt like our offensive execution got better as the game went along.”

Junior running back Ty Valandra had a strong opener with 17 carries for 181 yards and three touchdowns.

Little Wound didn’t get on the board until the fourth quarter. 

“I was happy with the physicality of our defense but we need to get better,” Kornely said.