ALEXANDRIA — Hanson flipped the script on Platte-Geddes.

The Beavers exacted a measure of revenge against the Black Panthers, who have eliminated them three consecutive seasons in the playoffs. On Thursday, however, Hanson turned the tables and picked up a 42-18 decision over the two-time defending state champs in Class 9AA first-round action. 

“It felt good,” Hanson senior running back/defensive back Jackson Jarding said. “They are a great football team and we just played our best game we could.” 

The Beavers (8-1) will play Hamlin (8-1) in the Class 9AA quarterfinals on Oct. 27 in Hayti. The Chargers defeated Viborg-Hurley, 41-8, to set up the Hamlin vs. Hanson matchup. 

On Thursday, Hanson racked up 373 total yards and built a 42-6 lead en route to the win. The Black Panthers (4-5) tacked on two fourth-quarter touchdowns. 

“We knew there wasn’t going to be any quit in them,” Hanson coach Jim Haskamp said. “We knew they were going to play hard and physical and that’s exactly the type of game it was. That was a good high school football game.” 

The teams duked it out last year in the quarterfinal thriller, a 26-24 overtime win by the Black Panthers in Alexandria. The teams traded touchdowns in the first quarter and another instant classic felt imminent. 

Did Jarding feel like it was going to be a case of déjà vu?

“A little bit,” he said. “But I knew we had that fight and grit in us and that’s what we did. We ran it down their throats a few times and it worked out in our favor.”

The Beavers scored 22 points in the second quarter to seize control. Hanson quarterback Jayce Slaba scored on a quarterback sneak — his second of the game — to give the Beavers a 14-6 lead. Jarding scooted in for a 30-yard touchdown run on Hanson’s next possession for a 22-6 advantage. 

The Beavers stretched it to 34-6 on two plays between the second and third quarters. In the second quarter, Slaba scrambled and hit Hadley Wallace for an 11-yard touchdown strike as time expired. The Beavers led 28-6 at halftime. 

“I thought Jayce did a great job of showing composure on that and you score right before half with no time on the clock,” Haskamp said. “That’s a big momentum swing.”

On the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter, Jarding darted for a 55-yard touchdown run and a 36-6 lead. 

“It was a really big momentum shifter for us,” said Jarding, who finished with 202 rushing yards and three touchdowns. 

Hanson’s Ethan Cheeseman intercepted a Platte-Geddes pass to setup Jarding’s third touchdown and stretch the margin to 42-6 in the third quarter. 

Platte-Geddes' Trevor Rolland, left, catches the ball against Hanson's Hadley Wallace, right, on Thursday in Alexandria. (Ryan Deal / 605 Sports)

In the fourth quarter, Aiden Bultje hauled in a touchdown reception from Joey Foxley. The Black Panthers recovered the ensuing onside kick and Foxley scored to get within 42-18 with 7:50 left. Cheeseman intercepted another Platte-Geddes pass and Hanson ran out the clock for the win. 

Platte-Geddes quarterback Dawson Hoffman finished with 100 passing yards. Foxley rushed for two scores, while Bultje rushed for 61 yards. 

Slaba threw for 79 yards. Wallace (57 rushing yards) and Brock Tuttle (25 rushing yards) added to the rushing attack for the Beavers, who finished with 294 rushing yards. 

“Our rushing attack did great,” Jarding said. “I found some holes and our line did great. They opened up holes for me and I just had to hit them and that’s what happened.”

The Beavers also controlled the time of possession, 25:20 to 20:02. Hanson also ran 49 total plays compared to 28 by the Black Panthers. 

Haskamp harped to his team about controlling the ball and clock, while eliminating Platte-Geddes’ scoring opportunities. Mission accomplished on all fronts. 

“If you were able to control the football, that gives them less chances to run some of that stuff and maybe get you on something you aren’t prepared for,” Haskamp said.  

Up next, the Beavers will turn their attention to Hamlin. 

“We are looking forward to a big battle,” Jarding said. “They are big up front and they have really good athletes and it’s going to be a big test for us.”