CLARK, S.D. – The Mobridge-Pollock Tigers’ season came to an end Thursday night, falling 34-24 to Clark/Willow Lake in the first round of the South Dakota Class 11B playoffs. In a back-and-forth battle, the Tigers fought hard throughout the night, but the Cyclones made the most of their opportun ities down the stretch to secure the 10-point victory. Clark/Willow Lake struck first, putting together a methodical opening drive that took 6:56 off the clock and resulted in an 8-0 lead. After the Tigers were forced to punt on their first possession, the Cyclones looked to extend their advantage, but Kyson Good Shield came up with an interception to give Mobridge-Pollock a much-needed momentum boost. The Tigers capitalized on the turnover, with Easton Eisemann finding the end zone on a quarterback keeper. After a successful two-point conversion, Mobridge-Pollock evened the score at 8-8. The Cyclones responded quickly as quarterback Joey Ries connected with Chris Bevers on a long touchdown pass down the middle of the field, putting Clark/Willow Lake back in front, 16-8. Mobridge-Pollock answered with another scoring drive. On third down deep in Cyclone territory, Eisemann rolled out of the pocket and found Kale Knudson, who made the catch and dove into the end zone. Another successful two-point conversion tied the game at 16-16. With the Cyclones threatening to regain the lead before halftime, Mack Saxon delivered a crucial sack on Ries, setting up a fourth-and-25. However, Clark/Willow Lake elected to go for it with 35 seconds remaining in the half, and Ries found Bevers for his third touchdown reception of the first half. The score gave the Cyclones a 22-16 advantage heading into the break. The Tigers came out firing in the second half. Mobridge-Pollock marched down the field and Eisemann connected with Dylan Fjeldheim for a touchdown. Following another successful two-point conversion, the Tigers took their first lead of the night at 24-22. Clark/Willow Lake answered with a scoring drive of its own, capped by a Cade Gaikowski rushing touchdown. The Cyclones reclaimed the lead at 28-24 and kept Mobridge-Pollock from responding on its next possession. The Cyclones then put together another lengthy drive, moving deep into the red zone. Facing fourth-and-goal, Ries connected with Gaikowski for his second touchdown of the half, extending the lead to 34-24. With time running out, the Tigers were unable to put together one final scoring drive, sealing the Cyclones’ 34-24 victory. Gaikowski’s two second-half touchdowns helped Clark/Willow Lake pull away in the closing stages, but the night’s Player of the Game honors go to senior Chris Bevers. Bevers hauled in three first-half touchdown receptions, including a critical fourth-and-25 catch that gave the Cyclones the lead just before halftime. For Mobridge-Pollock, the loss marks the end of a season filled with accomplishments, determination and plenty to be proud of. The Tigers battled until the final whistle and represented their school and community with pride throughout the season. ...read more read less