Football

When volleyball came to an end almost a week and a half ago, it closed the door on another fall season of high school sports and activities in South Dakota. A lot happened this fall, so it's important to look back at all the action.

Lincoln’s quest for a perfect season was completed on Saturday night in Vermillion as the Patriots defeated O’Gorman 31-7 for the 11AAA state championship. For Lincoln, this is their fourth state football title, and their first since 2014.

Meet Genevieve Osborn who became the first female to officiate a state championship football game.

For the seventh straight year, the Pierre Governors have won a state football championship. They defeated Yankton 35-7 on Friday night in Vermillion in front of a packed crowd at the Dakota Dome.

Dell Rapids defeated West Central 42-6 on Friday afternoon in Vermillion to repeat as state champions in 11A. This was the seventh state title for the Dell Rapids football program, all coming in the window of 2008 to 2023.

For the first time in state history, Hot Springs has won a state football championship. The Bison defeated Elk Point-Jefferson, the defending state champs in 11B, 13-7 on Friday in Vermillion to claim the title.

When O’Gorman and Lincoln meet in Vermillion on Saturday, they’ll be playing for the 11AAA title. But for Knights junior Tim Weisensee, and his family, the whole idea of playing for a state championship hits a little closer to home than most.

From runner-up a year ago, to now being crowned the state champs – Parkston can celebrate a season of redemption. The Trojans defeated Howard on Thursday night in Vermillion 12-7 in a grind it out, defensive battle, for the 9AA title.

Warner defeated Deubrook Area 76-54 in the 9A title game on Thursday afternoon in Vermillion. Not only is this the first state championship for the Monarchs football program, but the two programs put together the most impressive combined scoring performance in state football history in South Dakota with 130 points.

Avon survived a late game surge over Faulkton Area 32-30 on Thursday in Vermillion to win the 2023 9B state championship. For the Pirates, this is their first state football title since 2013.