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(NewsDakota.com) The Groton Area Tigers advanced to the South Dakota State Class 11B Semifinals last season, losing to the eventual State Champions from Winner.

On Friday night, the Tigers started their 2016 season on the right foot with a crushing 55-13 victory over the Oakes Tornadoes, and the scoring started for Groton (1-0) the moment they touched the ball offensively.

Senior Bennett Shabazz returned a 60 yard punt for the game’s first score, and Groton went on to score the first 47 points of the game. 

The Tornadoes (0-1) did score twice in the contest; courtesy of touchdown receptions by senior Chris Schmit of 43 and 16 yards, each throw by senior Jordan Cunningham and sophomore Coy Awender. Cunningham and Awender also had an interception apiece in the contest. 

Oakes will welcome the Polar Bears of Larimore on Friday, September 2. Coverage on KDDR-AM 1220/95.9 FM and NewsDakota.com starts at 6:30 p.m. with kickoff at 7 p.m.