SPEARFISH, S.D. — In a hard-fought defensive battle, the Spearfish Spartans earned a crucial 23-12 victory over the Watertown Arrows to move to 4-2 on the season. The win showcased the Spartans’ toughness on both sides of the ball and their ability to make big plays when it mattered most.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Spartans struck first early in the second when junior quarterback Thomas Hughes weaved through defenders for a thrilling 78-yard touchdown run, putting Spearfish up 7-0. Watertown responded with a 39-yard touchdown pass from Markus Pitkin to Hunter Peterson to even the score.
Spearfish answered with a six-play, 88-yard drive capped by a pair of long completions to Kade Vavruska, including a 24-yard touchdown reception to regain the lead. A key interception by Samuel Marcus helped the Spartans hold a 14-7 advantage heading into halftime.
Watertown opened the second half with a 12-play, 81-yard drive, finishing with a four-yard run from Pitkin to narrow the gap to 14-12. Spearfish’s defense tightened up from there. The Spartans added a field goal in the fourth quarter to make it 17-12 before delivering the knockout blow—a strip-sack fumble recovery returned 47 yards for a touchdown by Laythan Lucas to seal the victory.
Thomas Hughes led the offense with 12 carries for 149 yards and one touchdown, while also throwing for 54 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Graham Hughes added 33 rushing yards on 12 carries.
Defensively, Brock Lewis anchored the unit with 11 tackles, while Laythan Lucas tallied 8 tackles and the game-sealing fumble return for a touchdown. Jack Coauette turned in a standout performance with six tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and an interception, and Kade Vavruska contributed on both sides with seven tackles and three catches for 58 yards and a score.
The Spartans (4-2) will look to carry their momentum into next week as they host the Douglas Patriots on Friday, October 10, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. MT.
