By Rich Winter

Immediately following Kadoka's 48-18 win over Faith on Aug. 19, junior Gabriel Fauske and family headed to Pierre to compete in the South Dakota 4-H finals. Fresh off rushing for 113 yards (1 TD) and 5 tackles, Fauske changed gears to a new passion, Saddle-Bronc riding.

“I just started riding,” said Fauske who lives between Wall and Kadoka.

For anyone that's been following Saddle-Bronc riding from that part of the state, rodeo has some good Bronc riders out west.

“I really like the adrenaline rush of rodeo,” he said. “Everyone is one big family and everyone is willing to help out.”

While the 4-H state finals put the finishing touches on high-school rodeo, Fauske now turns his attention to another family, the Kadoka Kougar football family.

A year ago Kadoka football reached the never before reached heights by making the 9B semifinals.

For his part, the then sophomore was on the outside, looking in on a very good football team.

“I played the first game but then broke my collarbone in the second game,” he said. “I didn't play until the last game of the season, that semi-final vs. Dell Rapid's St. Mary's.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVgHqlA7Tu0

That run last season got the whole town/community fired up about football and Fauske said last year's experience is carrying over into 2021.

“I loved it and it was really good to be around good people that encouraged everyone,” he said. “The seniors last year were really good leaders.”

If ya get a chance to watch Chad Eisenbraun's offense don't be offended by the old school approach. A lot of misdirection and a lot of guys getting to touch the rock.

Stats vs. Faith:

Rushing:

• Tyus Williams – 12-148 (TD)

• Gabriel Fauske – 12-113 (TD)

• Reece Ohrtman – 10-53 (3 TD's)

• Gus Stout – 12-84

Rushing totals: 49 carries for 400 yards

“If everyone does their job we get four or five yards per play,” he aid. “Once you get that offense working and everyone is doing their job you can pop outside and find green grass.”

At last check Kadoka had 25 players on their roster. The junior-high program is looking strong so the future of football in Kadoka is very bright.

“It feels like the whole town is involved and everyone loves football,” he said.

A big game awaits this Friday as the Kougars (1-0) host Lex Heathershaw's (2-0) Wall Eagles.