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.”