SSI Football: Friday August 21 Game Preview! Elk-Point Jefferson (0-0) @ McCook Central/Montrose (0-0)

GAME DAY: FRIDAY AUGUST 21

KICKOFF: 7:00 PM

WHERE: GENE DANIELSON FIELD

WEB COVERAGE: www.fan.hudl.com

The 2026 season finally begins in the state of South Dakota after a long off-season. Two quality teams coming off playoff berths a season ago lock horns here this Friday night in McCook, South Dakota.

The Huskies of head coach Jake Terry return plenty of fire power to reach the state title game once again. Things get ramped up this Friday on the road. Senior QB Levi Hanson returns behind center. Junior Aiden Hammitt 6-2 (195) returns at RB after posting (882) yards and (8) touchdowns last fall. Junior OL Addison Peterson 6-3 (315) returns after earning all-conference honors a season ago. Senior Brody Van Roekel 5-8 (180) returns at RB where he posted (592) yards and (10) scores in 2025. Senior LB Caleb Heuertz 6-1 (200) returns at linebacker where he earned all-conference honors by racking up (57.5) tackles and (4.5) TFL. Senior Luke Swatek 5-10 (165) will be active in the defensive secondary.

The Cougars of head coach Mike Garry coming off a (6-4) season return some experienced players and one athlete that is on the radar of several colleges. Junior QB Andrew Sabers 6-2 (170) is a dual threat with the ability to run or pass and serves as an extension of the run game on offense. Junior Connor Heiberger 6-0 (185) is the main featured RB and is also one of the better defenders from his linebacker spot on defense and is drawing interest from colleges. Senior Parker Randall 5-7 (150) is a WR on offense and a free-safety on defense.

SSI GAME PLAN: This is a good road test for the Huskies right out the gate. There is one distinct advantage for the Huskies and that is the line of scrimmage. I feel behind the offensive line of junior Addison Peterson 6-3 (315) and senior Blake Trudeau 6-1 (220) along with Caleb Heuertz 6-0 (200) the Huskies will wear the Cougars down by the third quarter. Junior Aiden Hammitt is a big back at 6-2 (195) and should roll to over 125 yards on the ground and a couple scores.

PREDICTION:

HUSKIES: 35

COUGARS: 13