On the season, Doren has three receptions for 126 yards and three touchdowns, along with six kick returns for 199 yards and a touchdown. Doren’s real impact has come on the defensive side of the ball where the 6-feet-1, 200-pound senior is shutting down opposing passing games from his cornerback position.

“Dylon is a great athlete but he’s always had nagging injuries,” Tieszen said. “He bought into the summer program and now he’s unstoppable. He’s as strong as an ox and I can’t believe anyone still throws his way. He hasn’t given up a single deep ball and runs like a horse and hits like a freight train.”

Sophomore Thomas Hughes stepped in at quarterback last year when then-senior Seth Hamilton was injured. Tieszen calls Hughes a natural leader and a multi-talented quarterback who has run for touchdowns, thrown for touchdowns and added a receiving touchdown to a breakout sophomore campaign. Junior Jack Coauette transferred from Minnesota and has played some quarterback for the Spartans.

“Thomas does a little bit of everything for us.” Tieszen said. “Jack gives us a different kind of look and is just one more weapon other teams have to prepare for.”

Perhaps the biggest weapon for the Spartans has been the emergence of senior running back Hunter Walters as one of the top running backs in the Class 11AA ranks.

“The talents of Hunter Walters are absolutely crazy and he is a freak athlete,” Doren said. “We wouldn’t be where we are without the offensive line. This year those guys have just been different.” 

Tieszen pointed out Sam Markus, Rees Baetz, Asher Peil, Layton Loup and Matthew Medina, along with a number of backups that have been instrumental to the success of the football program. 

“The depth that we have this year on  both the offensive and defensive lines has been big,” Tieszen said. “We are able to rotate fresh guys in all the time and that works well for us. 

Defensively, and in addition to Doren, Tieszen said linebacker Lathan Lawrence has been spectacular at reading defenses and his hitting has been unmatched. 

The only loss of the season came on Sept. 20 at Aberdeen Central. 

“We were alright against Aberdeen,” Tieszen said. “I thought we competed hard but we had a few mental mistakes that kind of snowballed on us and the ball just didn’t bounce our way that night.” 

On their longer East River road trips the Spartans leave early in the morning, stop for lunch, play the game and then usually get home around 4 a.m. Heading into Friday’s game against Watertown, Tieszen noted the coaches were going to do a few things differently with an eye on keeping the energy up on the bus ride to face the Arrows. 

Friday’s win over the Arrows has Spearfish tied with Brookings (42.667) with the most power-points in Class 11AA. Doren said the emotions were very high after the win over Watertown and called that experience one of the greatest moments of his life. 

“This season has been more than just fun,” he said. “It feels amazing to be part of something special that will hopefully leave behind a dynasty.”