The ACGC Chargers were unable to get past the quarterfinal as they fell 24-14 to the West Sioux Falcons on Friday night. Although the Chargers had an electric start with a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Joe Crawford, they couldn’t find that explosiveness on offense. The Charger offense had to earn every yard, and in the process made a few mistakes that stunted their rhythm. The defense played well and kept them in the game, but the Falcons made the big plays at the big moments. Unfortunately for ACGC, the lack of sustained offense proved to be the difference as they failed to reach the semis for the fourth time in the last five years.

The Chargers could not have dreamed of a better start to the game. On the opening kickoff, the Falcons made the mistake of kicking the ball to Crawford. Fielding it at the two yard line, Crawford started up the middle of the field and eventually found open grass down the sideline to give ACGC an early touchdown lead. However, it didn’t take West Sioux long to find a response. The Falcons drove the field efficiently on the back of running back Braylon Lopez. However, it was the pass game that would register the first score for West Sioux. From 20 yards out, Blake Wiggins dumped it off to Gavin Gerritson, who found the end zone. Despite giving up the touchdown, the Chargers blocked the extra point to keep a lead intact.

Back with the ball, the Chargers struggled to move the ball, as they did at times throughout the night. They also struggled with procedural penalties, particularly false starts that stunted some of their momentum. ACGC’s second drive stalled out, and they were forced to punt, opening the door for the Falcons to take the lead. Despite having one of the best passing offenses in Class-A, West Sioux leaned on Lopez and the run for most of the night. They featured him again on the second drive as he scored from seven yards out to give the Falcons their first lead of the night. However, this time, the Chargers had a response. Going on a long, extended drive capped off by 7-yard touchdown run from Crawford to retake the lead. The drives before the half could’ve been big for both teams but neither of them capitalized on the opportunity as the score remained 14-13 ACGC into the half.

West Sioux’s opening drive set the tone for the second half. Again, relying on Lopez, they moved down the field. However, once in goal-to-go, the Chargers made a stand. Keeping the offense on the field, West Sioux tried to throw the ball to the flat, but it fell incomplete.  However, the Chargers took a critical penalty and were called for roughing the passer, giving the Falcons new life. It didn’t take long for them to take advantage as Lopez scored from three yards out. It was the only touchdown scored in the second half. In a bit of trickery, Garritson threw to the goal line and completed a pass to convert the two-point conversion.

The ACGC offense struggled to consistently move the ball the rest of the way. Although they did pick up three or four yards a play, eventually the drives stalled out. They fought hard the entire game, but West Sioux stayed true to their assignments. ACGC’s defense kept them in the game, keeping the Falcons off the board. However late in the game, Lopez popped off a massive run that all but sealed the deal. Although the Chargers made another stand and forced a field goal, it left little time for the Chargers to work with. Although they moved downfield, time ran out in the game and the season. Head coach Cody Matthewson credited West Sioux’s discipline, but ultimately felt like they left some things on the table.

It is a tough loss to swallow for the Chargers. However, Matthewson appreciated all the work his team and especially his senior class had poured into the program.