Wolsey-Wessington’s journey to this morning’s Class 9A State Championship football game has been anything but short and smooth.

Yet, the Warbirds, 10-1 on the season, have risen to the challenge and will take on undefeated Howard in the title contest at 10 this morning at the DakotaDome in Vermillion.

Wolsey-Wessington endured a 230-mile road trip (one way) to Wall in the semifinals, and then scored in the closing minutes to secure a roller-coaster victory in a game which saw Wall wipe out a 22-point halftime deficit.

“There was a lot of emotions with that one,” said Wolsey-Wessington coach Hayden Hooks, “up and down and all around.”

The Warbirds were determined to win that contest and earn the right to play for a state title.

“They did really well. They really wanted this,” Hooks said. “They’ve been working for it. They came out really focused and ready. … It’s just good to come out with a win. It probably doesn’t matter how it happened.”

Wolsey-Wessington relied on its leaders to make plays with the game on the line.

“I think that’s just a testament to our senior class. They’ve been leading us all year, and kind of showing the way for everybody, underclassmen, coaches included,” Hooks said. “They kind of set the standard for what we were going to be this year and what our path is going to be like. They’ve been very resilient.”

The Warbirds feature a potent offense led by quarterback Caleb Richmond.

“Caleb’s really stepped up this year for us,” Hooks said. “He has been a game changer. He’s kind of been our go-to guy.”

Additional help comes from Moshe Richmond, as well as Peyton Rainford, who has thrived in his new role as running back.

“Peyton coming out of the backfield has just been a big change. … We didn’t really have another guy at running back,” Hooks said, “and he was excited for the opportunity, and he’s really taken advantage.”

Now that the Warbirds have reached the title game, there is one more obstacle lying in the way. A Howard team that has been the top-rated team in 9A all season.

“Howard has a heckuva program. They’re a top team every single year,” Hooks said. “They’re the type of team that’s going to do what they do. They’re going to come out and smack you in the mouth, and see how you react to that.”

Hooks said he looks at this game as another chance to go out, play football, and let the chips fall where they may.

“We’ve talked about that all year. Every week is a new opportunity, and this is just another opportunity that we’ve earned ourselves,” Hooks said. “So, take advantage, enjoy the opportunity, and see if we can come out with a win.”

Hooks knows what his squad is up against in the Tigers. He said keys will be limiting Howard’s big plays on offense and getting his playmakers out in space so they can maximize their skills.

“They’re a very physical team that’s going to run it right at you. Defensively, they’re very, very good, a lot of athletes on the field. Their D-line is very good,” Hooks said. “We’re going to have our hands full, but our goal is to get our guys in space and let them be who they are.”

Wolsey-Wessington’s only blemish on the schedule this season came against Class AA runner-up Parkston late in the year.

While the setback stung at the time, Hooks believe it has paid dividends in the postseason.

“I think that definitely gave us a lot of momentum. We didn’t start that game the way we wanted to, but we definitely finished it the way we wanted to,”’ Hooks said. “Obviously, we weren’t happy with the loss, but it definitely showed us where we were at and gave our kids a lot of confidence.”