ONIDA — The explosive plays were on display for Herreid/Selby Area on Friday.

The Class 9B No. 1 Wolverines scored three touchdowns of 50 or more yards en route to a 46-6 win over Sully Buttes. Herreid/Selby Area improved to 5-0 on the season, while Class 9B No. 3 Chargers dropped to 5-1. 

“Obviously we have been planning for this and we knew it was their homecoming,” HSA running back Brenden Begeman said. “We knew we had to come out fired up and I think the guys did a great job.”

Begeman, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound bruising running back, finished with 212 rushing yards on 19 carries and scored three rushing touchdowns. He added a 32-yard touchdown reception and had eight tackles on defense. 

Begeman scored on touchdown runs of 53 and 63 yards, while he added a one-yard touchdown run. HSA quarterback Tray Hettick also added to the explosive offensive attack, connecting with Trevor Gill for a 72-yard touchdown strike. 

“They were ginormous, for sure,” Begeman said about the long touchdowns. “They were kind of stopping us a little bit and then when you break off one of those, it’s really disheartening for the defense.”

The Wolverines struck early in the first quarter. After forcing a punt on Sully Buttes’ first possession, Begeman scored a 53-yard touchdown run on fourth down. Hettick connected with Begeman and Gill for touchdown receptions, pushing HSA’s lead to 24-0 after the first quarter. 

“It was a really good first quarter for us,” HSA coach Clayton Randall said. “Now credit to them, they didn’t roll over and they stayed true to their game plan.”

The Chargers found their offensive footing in the second quarter. Sully Buttes quarterback Landon Hepker threw a touchdown pass to Lucas Arcoren to get within 24-6 at halftime. 

HSA, however, pitched a shutout after halftime. Begeman scored two more touchdown runs in the third quarter and Hettick’s 12-yard TD strike to Gill in the fourth quarter reached the final margin.  

“We had a nice drive out of the half,” Randall said. “It was kind of a who we are drive and we got back on track.”

Defensively, HSA’s Nathan Bradford recorded 10 tackles and Kaden Sayler added eight stops. Collin Tisdall logged an interception and Hunter Friend recovered a fumble.  

“Turnovers are big,” Randall said. “Our defense prides themselves on takeaways. We were plus-two tonight and so anytime you can give two extra possessions and give your offense field position, you are going to be in a good position.”

The Wolverines will host Northwestern on Sept. 30. The Chargers will play at Lyman on Oct. 7.