By 
The WHS student section during the last National Anthem played at Watertown Stadium (photo by Brandon Heim, Watertown Current)
History came full circle on the evening of Friday, Nov. 8, for the Watertown Arrows football team. In a repeat of the first Homecoming Game 100 years ago, the Arrows defeated the Brookings Bobcats. With a score of 20-7, the Arrows punched their ticket to the 11AA State Championship Game.
Fans at the last game played at Watertown Stadium (photo by Brandon Heim, Watertown Current)
It was a fitting end to 83 years of the Watertown Stadium, and over 100 years on the Kemp Avenue site, first known as Fletcher Field. Although formal closing celebrations were held during the last regular season game, a Dome berth was perhaps the most appropriate close-out for “a dream of many years,” as the stadium was described at its 1941 opening.
Fletcher Field opened with a 63-0 shutout of Lake Preston in 1919. The stadium opened with a 27-0 victory over Madison. Another victory bookmarks this era of Purple and Gold history.
The historic season also saw the Arrows claim their first ESD Conference title in 14 years.
The Arrows travel to the DakotaDome on the campus of the University of South Dakota in Vermillion for the championship game on Friday, Nov. 15. They will face defending champions, the Pierre Governors at a 7pm kick-off. Tickets are handled by USD and may be purchased at https://goyotes.evenue.net/event/SDHS2024/SDHS1115B
