By Rich Winter

605 Sports

AGENCY VILLAGE — As the fall weather turns colder the Tiospa Zina football team always seems to find another gear. In the four years the league has been in existence, the Wambdi have gone to the title game three times winning back-to-back titles in 2020 and ‘21. 

Tiospa Zina is 5-1 heading into this week’s regular-season ending game against Crow Creek.  Coach Mike Peters feels like his squad is playing their best football of the season.

“The Tiospa Zina offense has DJ Renville playing quarterback at a high caliber and he gets better every game,” Peters said. “Every game we have a solid fullback running behind a big line we play well.”

Renville leads Tiospa Zina with 335 yards passing and six touchdown passes. He also leads the Wambdi in rushing yards (339) and rushing touchdowns (7). 

None of the Tiospa Zina running backs are putting up big-time numbers but Peters has a stable of backs that are feeding off one another. 

“We have four fast running backs who are always wanting their turn to make gains,” he said. “One of our greatest strengths is our football IQ.”  

All told Tiospa Zina has four running backs that all have at least 130 yards this season with Malclovio Campbell leading that pack with 207 yards and six touchdowns. 

The Wambdi also have a group of solid tight ends this season. 

“We have two big tight ends with blocking ability and good hands,” Peters said. “Our boys are enjoying the game and we have an athletic director, Rich Crow Eagle, that supports us well and we have a sound coaching staff.” 

Tiospa Zina faced Lower Brule in both teams’ season opener. After spotting the Sioux a two-touchdown lead Tiospa Zina fought back late and that game before falling 25-22.

Since that game Tiospa Zina hasn’t given up a point in five straight games. 

“Our defense has really stepped it up in really important situations throughout the season,” Gabe Akipa, Tiospa Zina defensive coordinator said. “With the addition of (defensive end) Carvin Fish we were able to bump a few guys back to the linebacker spots which has really helped us with our depth.”

Akipa said the Wambdi are eight-deep at the linebacker position. 

“All of those guys are really versatile and they can play anywhere we ask them,” he said. “From the start of the season our defense has greatly improved. We’ve cleaned up a lot of little mistakes and are starting to click.”

The Wambdi are currently the top-seed in the B Division but Lower Brule (5-1) is right on their heels with a monster game at Omaha Nation (5-1) this week.

Class B standings: 1. Tiospa Zina, 5-1, 43.167; 2. Lower Brule, 5-1, 42.667; 3. Omaha Nation, NE, 5-1, 42.667; 4. McLaughlin, 3-3, 41.000; 5. Crow Creek, 3-3, 39.500; 6. Crazy Horse, 1-5, 38.333; 7. Flandreau Indian, 1-5, 38.333; 8. Marty, 0-6, 35.500

Week seven Class B scores

Tiospa Zina 60, Flandreau Indian 0

Lower Brule 50, Crow Creek 0

Omaha Nation 50, Marty Indian 0

McLaughlin 16, Crazy Horse 12