Landon Keiser Scores Four Times as Platte-Geddes Reaches State Title Game
The running back also intercepted a pass from safety, helping his team overcome an early deficit against Hamlin.
By Fatima Saleh ·
Landon Keiser ran for four touchdowns and returned a kickoff for a score to lead the Platte-Geddes Black Panthers to a 45-24 win over the Hamlin Chargers last Friday.
The victory on the road in Hayti secures the Black Panthers a spot in the 9AA State Championship Game. They will face Parkston this evening at 7:30 P.M. at the Dakota Dome. This matchup serves as a rematch of the only loss Platte-Geddes suffered during the regular season.
The game did not start favorably for the visitors. The Hamlin Chargers built an 8-0 lead in the first quarter. Platte-Geddes coach Bruce Hanson cited advice from a former superintendent that one should ride their best horses in big races. The team leaned heavily on its running game to close the gap.
Keiser, a 6-foot-1, 195-pound running back, broke through with 2- and 37-yard rushing touchdowns. He also handled the subsequent two-point conversions to put Platte-Geddes ahead 16-8. Hamlin tied the score late in the first half before kicking away. The Black Panthers sent the kickoff to Keiser, a move that surprised many on the sideline given his limited return history this year. He took the ball 88 yards for a touchdown, giving his team a 22-16 lead at the break.
The offensive pressure continued in the second half. Keiser opened the third quarter with a 38-yard run to extend the lead to 28-16. A teammate converted the extra points. Soon after, Keiser added a 42-yard touchdown run that effectively ended the contest. He finished the night with 19 carries for 292 yards. His season totals stand at 1,955 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns.
Keiser also contributed on defense. An injury to the Black Panthers' defensive backfield forced a roster change. Keiser moved from linebacker to safety for the first time this year. He intercepted a pass to help stop the Hamlin offense. Hanson described the interception as a result of Keiser timing a hopeful throw from the opposing quarterback.
Hanson noted that Keiser has become more effective by hitting running holes harder rather than cutting back too early. The coach praised the player's humility, noting that Keiser often credits the offensive line for his success. The Black Panthers now prepare for their final game of the season against Parkston.
