WATERTOWN, S.D. — Kaeden Himmerich connected with Hunter Peterson on a dramatic two-point conversion with 1:07 remaining to cap a 14-point fourth-quarter rally, lifting Watertown to a 15-14 victory over Bishop O’Gorman on Thursday night.
The win marked Watertown’s first victory over a Class 11AAA opponent since 2023.
O’Gorman took a 7-0 lead into halftime after Chace Hermmanson hit Tanner Charon for a 56-yard touchdown pass. Late in the third quarter, the Knights extended their advantage to 14-0 when Brady Majeres capped a nine-play, 55-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run.
Watertown answered on the very next drive. Himmerich found Braden Jenc for a 41-yard touchdown strike to cap a five-play, 72-yard drive, putting the Arrows on the board with 10:41 left in the game.
Later in the quarter, Tyson Miller capped a 12-play, 74-yard drive that consumed 6:30 with a short touchdown run to bring Watertown within 14-13. Opting against the game-tying extra point, the Arrows went for the win, and Himmerich found a wide-open Peterson in the end zone for the decisive two-point conversion.
O’Gorman responded with a quick drive into field-goal range, setting up a 29-yard attempt with four seconds remaining. However, the kick sailed wide left as time expired.
Himmerich finished 13-of-23 passing for 151 yards and a touchdown. Miller paced the ground attack with 118 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, while Jenc hauled in three receptions for 57 yards and a score.
Defensively, Peterson led Watertown with eight tackles and a half-sack. Miller added seven tackles and a sack. Caden Corey and Kutler Swenson each intercepted a pass to help stall O’Gorman drives.
With the victory, Watertown earned the No. 3 seed in the Class 11AA playoffs and will host No. 6 seed Spearfish on Oct. 29.
