A two-completion in the Kernels first drive from Mitchell quarterback Treyson Schultz to Jace Palmer put the Kernels on the winning path on Friday night in the season opener at Joe Quintal Field.
The Kernels defeated Spearfish 28-7 to improve to 1-0 on the season. Schultz completed five passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns. His second touchdown was a 55-yarder up the middle of the field to AJ Siemsen in the fourth quarter to give Mitchell a 28-0 lead. Tucker Vilhauer also scored a touchdown for Mitchell on a 10-yard run in the third — and Schultz added one more score on a 27-yard run up the left sideline to the end zone.
The Mitchell defensive front was stifling against Spearfish and Spartan quarterbacks Jaden Guthmiller and Brady Hartwig were on the run for most of the game. Hartwig, who started the game at running back, finished with 12 carries for -15 yards. Hartwig threw Spearfish’s lone touchdown of the night — late in the fourth quarter — to Peyton Millis, who took it 90 yards to the end zone on a one-play drive.
Next up for Mitchell is Pierre, which lost 56-20 to Harisburg on Friday. Kickoff for that game in Pierre is scheduled for 7 p.m.