After suffering a heartbreaking loss to their crosstown rivals in 2016, the Yellow Jackets played with a chip on their shoulder this time around. The emphasis for practice that week was to be the more physical team right out of the gate.  

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Hardrocker head football coach credited their win last year to the physicality throughout the game. His statement is what drove the Jackets during the offseason. From winter conditioning to spring ball and throughout the summer, one of the Jackets’ main goals on their pyramid of success was to “take it to” the Hardrockers. 

Black Hills State University ended up down 6-24 at halftime. Head coach, John Reiners, had a few words to say to refocus his team. “Hey guys, what’d I tell you? You think that comeback against Adams State was exciting? Just wait ‘til after this game. Wait ‘til how you feel after we rally and fight back and beat these guys. This is what playing for the guy next to you gets you,” preached Reiners.  

The Jackets’ answer to this statement was a second half shutout for the Hardrockers. They came out on fire as they rallied for 19 unanswered points to put them up 25-24. This game not only brought the trophy back to Spearfish, but also filled an empty void that was in the hearts of the seniors and coaches.  

Jacket running back, Phydell Paris, was emotional after the game as he went on to say, “This was a long time coming. Out of the four years I’ve played these guys, this was definitely the most emotional win. It’s our senior year and it was all or nothing for some of these guys.” 

The Yellow Jackets traveled to New Mexico Highlands University to take on the Cowboys on their home turf.  They are hoping to continue riding this momentum and pick up even more wins throughout the season.