By Rich Winter

Two years ago the Takini Skyhawks ventured into their first-ever football experience. In 2019, with many of their players never having played organized football, Takini was better than expected and football fever was flowing at the small school located near Eagle Butte.

And then 2020 hit and COVID-19 took more than just in-person school away.

“We had 15-20 kids that wanted to play last year,” Takini coach Donald Schroeder said. “With the COVID virus, that put our program back to square one.”

605 Sports visited with Schroeder in August just before the season and Schroeder had some concerns about the youth on his team.

“Our backfield is very young with seventh and eighth-graders,” he said. “A lot of teams are older with more experienced players.”

Takini didn't even make it onto the field until their fourth game of the season. Forfeits to McLaughlin, Tiospa Zina and Crazy Horse started the year before the team was able to field a squad for Friday's game against Lower Brule.

All-Nations Football Conference recap

Winnebago 48, Todd County 12

MISSION – The Winnebago Indians rushed for 253 yards Friday on their way to an impressive win over previously undefeated Todd County. Quarterback Zaiden Bernie finished with 120 yards passing and a touchdown pass to Logan Suarez. Bernie led Winnebago in rushing with 137 yards and three touchdowns. Sophomore Antrell Harlan racked up 113 yards with two touchdowns.

For Todd County, Sayge Yellow Eagle finished with 246 all-purpose yards that included a 30-yard rushing touchdown and an 82-yard kick return for a score.

All-Nations scores

Tiospa Zina 38, McLaughlin 28

Lower Brule 65, Takini 8

Marty 46, Oelrichs 30

Omaha Nation 46, Crow Creek 0

Omaha Nation 62, Marty 0 (game played on Tuesday)

Cheyenne Eagle-Butte 21, St. Francis Indian 12

McLaughlin 52, Crow Creek 0

All Nations B division standings

Omaha Nation 3-0

Crazy Horse 2-0

Tiospa Zina 2-0

McLaughlin 2-1

Lower Brule 2-2

Marty 1-2

Crow Creek 0-3

Oelrichs 0-4

Takini 0-4

All Nation A division standings

Winnebago 4-0

Red Cloud 3-0

Todd County 3-1

Cheyenne Eagle-Butte 2-2

St. Francis Indian 1-1

Pine Ridge 1-1

Little Wound 1-2

Standing Rock 0-2

The All Nations schedule remains fluid

Tuesday: Pine Ridge at St. Francis Indian