South Dakota

Class 11AAA

1. Sioux Falls Roosevelt 

What you need to know: They have playmakers at every position group back, including the explosive quarterback Taryn Christian. But the real strength of this team is their air-tight defense.

2. Sioux Falls Lincoln

What you need to know: This could be the best collection of speedsters in the class. Caden Quintanilla, Matt Wagner and quarterback Connor Burchill lead a talented offense.

3. Sioux Falls Washington

What you need to know: The Warriors have made it to the dome six straight year, winning four times under Head Coach Brian Hermanson. Chad Stadem takes over as the Warriors try to keep their winning ways going. They don't have the household names but do have a stingy defense and a big line. They have a battle at quarterback between Sr. Justin Miller and So. Jack Schelhaas.

New Washington Warrior Head Coach, Chad Stadem leads at practice.

4. Brandon Valley

What you need to know: Only two players are back on offense following last season's run to the finals. They do have a good linebacking group and young quarterback Jake Comeaux looks promising.

Tyler Schulte throws a pass last season against Brandon Valley in the opener.

5. Sioux Falls O'Gorman

What you need to know: Last season the Knights only enjoyed 1+ game with Tanner Schulte at quarterback. This year he's fully healthy and ready to add some excitement to the Knights offense. They have speed this year but their size isn't very big on the lines.

Class 11AAA

1. Pierre

What you need to know: Jayson Poppinga takes over as the new head coach. They have Alex Gray and Austin Christopherson back in their explosive passing game and Jace Jerome could be the best running back in the class.

2. Watertown

What you need to know: This team struggled the past two seasons, but they only lost two senior starters and they have Shay Bratland running the ball.

3. Brookings

What you need to know: Brookings won five games playing a lot of underclassmen last year. However their best playmaker, Mikey Daniel is not back because he transferred to play at the IMG academy. Cody Shepardson will take a lot of carries for the Bobcats.

4. Yankton

What you need to know: The Yankton ground game should be in good shape with Levi Davis and Jordan Ligtner toting the rock.

5. Spearfish

What you need to know: Spearfish made the semi-finals in Class 11A last season but move back up to 11AA this year. Quarterback Spencer Kaitfors promises to be exciting.

 

Class 11A

1. Dell Rapids

What you need to know: Steve Hansen is back to make a run at four straight titles. This year might be the most challenging. They do have Riley Schmidt back in the backfield but they'll need to replace a lot of talent.

2. Tea Area

What you need to know: Last season the Titans went 5-4, this year they should win more of the close games. They have seasoned quarterback Taylor Roeman with Gunnar Ensz running the ball and a strong up and coming team around them.

3. West Central

What you need to know: This might be the best West Central team we've seen in years. It's rare for a Trojan team to have a lot of returning starters but this team has 44 letter winners back and many of them have starting experience.

4. Madison

What you need to know:  A talented group of seniors are ready to make the Bulldogs proud for football season. They should improve on last year's 5-win season with Rush Milne carrying the ball.

5. Hot Springs

What you need to know:  Justin Harkless will be at quarterback and Jared Harkless at running back. Those two are the most explosive pair of athletes west river.

 

Class 11B

1. Aberdeen Roncalli

What you need to know: Last season's trip to the semis isjust the tip of this team's potential. Lucas Lorenz, Zach Lundquist and Dalton Cox will be scoring touchdowns while this senior-led defense will be shutting teams down.

2. Winner

What you need to know: Winner loses most of their championship team, but their line and defense are great once again.

3. Parkston

What you need to know: The Trojans could be the surprise team of the class. They quietly won 7 games last year and have Zachary Scott primed for a great year at quarterback. Also watch for junior defensive end Brady Reiff  and linebacker Mitch Heisinger to make this defense great.

4. Tri-Valley

What you need to know:  The Mustangs are always good up front, this year is no different. The guys on the line will make the fresh-faced backs into stars again.

5. St. Thomas More

What you need to know:  Get to know the name Newt Johnson, he'll be an exciting back to watch. This Cavalier team isn't as good as some of their teams a few years ago but you can see the potential.

 

9-Man Teams

(there are three 9-man classes but I rank them all together)

1. Deubrook

What you need to know: The Dolphins aren't a one-hit wonder, this is the start of a string of good teams. They lose 2,000 yard back Ryan Knutson but their head Coach Adolph Sheperdson thinks they won't have much fall off with Riley Hanson taking over.

The defending 9AA Deubrook Dolphins get ready for a new season.

2. Gregory

What you need to know: Gregory lost their top playmaker in Jaden Bartling, but they could be the most improved team from a year ago. Brady Boes and Jonah Beck will be great this season.

3. Colome

What you need to know: The Cowboys have the best quarterback in 9-man football with Terrance Kinzer back.

4. Hanson

What you need to know:  Most people don't think the Beavers can bounce back this high, but I do. Hanson has seven starters back and are fully healthy. Jacob Paradeis should be one of the top rushers in the class.

5. Garretson

What you need to know:  Matt Johnson should enjoy bouncing to the outside in 9-man football. He'll power their running game as Garretson returns to 9-man after being in 11-man football.

6. Avon

What you need to know: Avon didn't produce a lot of wins but much like Hanson should bounce back this year. Logan Mudder and Devin Tolsma lead a group of talented players back in the championship discussion.

7. Harding County

What you need to know:  Harding County won a title last season with their special quarterback Jess Feist, they'll be good on the line again this year and Harvey Mollman should be one of the most explosive athletes in the class.

8. Canistota

What you need to know:  The Hawks have a 36-game winning streak on the line. They will not be an automatic win this season. They do have Nick Hofer in the backfield but the depth isn't as good everywhere else.

9. Hamlin

What you need to know:  Despite losing D-1 athlete Mason Leiseth, the Chargers should be able to follow-up their unbeaten regular season with another winning season. Brody Grantham is a top playmaker and will start at QB again.

9. Herreid/Selby

What you need to know:  If Terrance Kinzer isn't the best QB at the 9-man level than Cooper Schaefebauer (Jr.) is. This team will breeze through their regular season but needs to win some playoff games to get to the next level.