Class 11B Preview – Digital Z Sports

*Notes:

State Championships listed are from 1981-2022.
Players listed in the preview either had at least 300 yards in a category, 30 tackles, 5 sacks or 2 interceptions, or are the returning leader in passing, rushing, receiving or tackles.
Returning SDHSBCA All-State Offensive Linemen were also included.
All stats were provided by coaches at the end of last season or were available at MaxPreps.com or Varsitybound.com

Top 5

#1 Winner Warriors

Last Season: 12-0, State Champion

The road to a championship in 11B runs through Winner. They are simply, a dynasty.

This year’s team is now looking to continue that success after back-to-back undefeated seasons. They are losing a ton of production in a strong senior class, but do have some key players returning. A solid running back duo will headline this team, as Riley Orel (933 yards, 11 TD) and Aiden Barfuss (843 yards, 11 TD) plan to wreak havoc this season. They will have to do it with a new QB in Stratton Morehart, along top target Ethan Bartels (12 rec, 221 yards, 5 TD) who will help lead the way.

Defensively, Linebackers Jack Peters and Jack Kruger are back after finishing second and third in tackles with 33 and 31. The Warriors were a pretty even defensive unit, with a fair amount of defenders returning in that 10-25 tackle range, and I think they will continue to find success with multiple guys being able to step up at any time.

Overall, they run a offense that requires discipline for the defense, with two top options in the backfield, and a solid receiver at tight end. The Warriors also return a good defensive core to compliment their tough offense. I don’t think it’s going to get any easier for opposing teams…after all, winners win.

State Championships (7): 2009, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2020, 2021

#2 Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan Seahawks

Last Season: 8-4, State Runner-Up

The Seahawks have a history of success, making the dome in 5 straight seasons. And if they want to make it back this season, they are going to have replace some really good players.

Kaden Klumb, Koby Kaiser, and Jay Storm, aka, the leading passer, rusher, and receiver, are gone to graduation. Riley Endres will now return as the top rusher with 284 yards and 5 touchdowns, while Sam Hofer is the top WR with 185 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Hofer is also going to be a part of a talented returning defense. The senior finished with 3 interceptions, 4 pass breakups, and 54 tackles last season. He will be patrolling the secondary with 2021 11B DB of the Year, Sutton Arend, who had an absolutely incredible season. Arend finished with 68 tackles, 5 interceptions and 13 pass breaks in last fall. Those two will be joined by Aguer Van Sickle, who is back after making 53 tackles last season.

The Seahawks are a great program, who are going to find some new faces to man this offense. But as we wait for this offense to materialize, this secondary is going to be really run to watch.

State Championships (8): 1981 (9B*), 2001 (9AA**), 2003 (9AA**), 2007 (9AA**), 2010 (9AA), 2011 (9AA), 2013 (9AA), 2019

*Bridgewater, **Emery/Ethan

#3 Elk Point-Jefferson Huskies

Last Season: 8-4, Semifinals

Over the last few years, anytime a team is in the same conversation as Winner and B-E/E, that team is a good team. These Huskies deserve a place in that conversation.

In fact, they return the most production in the class from last season. Running backs Ben Swatek (817 yards, 17 TD) and Lucas Hueser (788 yards, 18 TD) make a scary duo, while dual threat QB Noah McDermott ran for over 500 yards and threw for 1,200 last season.

Not to forget mention, but they also have Devon Schmidt, a swiss army knife type of player who rushed for 342 yards (4 TD), caught for 580 yards (5 TD) and made 30.5 tackles on defense.

Speaking of that defense, Schmidt and Swatek (56.5 tackles) help headlining a group that is going to be menacing this year. Linebackers Gavin Jacobs (48.5 tackles) and Carson Timmins (2 INT) join the two aforementioned plays in the front 7, while Lucas Hueser (42.5 tackles), Hunter Geary (50.5 tackles, 2 INT), Alex Scarmon (5 INT), and Jakob Scarmon (4 INT) fortify a secondary that is going to be tough to get past.

Winner and B-E/E have proven that they are Dome-ready dynasties, but EP-J is just as poised to end their season in Vermillion.

#4 Sioux Valley Cossacks

Last Season: 8-2, Quarterfinals

The Cossacks are losing a very talented QB in Parker Puetz, and a solid senior class, but Sioux Valley still has their sights set on a better finish than last season.

Jace Christensen now takes over at QB after being the backup last season, and he’ll have some help with Boden Schiller, who caught 25 passes for 353 yards and 3 touchdowns last fall. Donovan Rose will also join those two in the backfield, as the top rusher returning.

Defensively, Schiller leads the way again with 83 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 fumble recoveries. Sophomore Brock Christopherson also had a solid freshman campaign with 44 tackles, while junior Austin Siegel looks to continue to improve after 38 tackles last year.

State Championships (1): 1988

#5 St. Thomas More Cavaliers

Last Season: 5-4, 1st Round

After a 1st round exit in 2021, the Cavaliers are trying to make some noise with a lot of talent returning. Probably the biggest news of the young season in the west river area, Easton Ogel has transferred from Stevens to STM. The wide receiver was one of the top options in AAA last year, making 37 receptions for 798 yards and 7 touchdowns. He will join Peyton Young (18 rec., 2 TD) to provide some solid options for quarterback Lee Neugebauer (1,287 yards, 12 TD). On the ground, Matt Larson has a chance to eclipse 1,000 yards after 900 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.

Defensively, Larson is a two-way playmaker who grabbed 4 interceptions and 79 tackles, while Young pulled down 5 INTs of his own. But they aren’t the only stars returning, as Layton Spratte (68 tackles, 5 sacks), Caden Peterson (42 tackles), Chase Donnelly (80 tackles, 2 INT), and Spencer Johanessen (64 tackles) all put up big numbers last season.

The Cavaliers are shaping up to a dangerous team this season, and have a high chance of playing in the final weeks of the season.

RECEIVING VOTES

Roncalli Cavaliers

Last Season: 7-3, Quarterfinals

Very rarely do you have the 2021 Kicker of the Year return in any class, but the Cavaliers have an athlete in Jackson Isakson. The do-it-all QB rushed for 344 yards last year, while passing for 752, and only looks to increase those numbers. He’ll do it with a strong backfield, as Abe Kretchman (589 yards, 6 TD) and Maddox May (445 yards, 5 TD) provide a dual-threat on the ground. In the air, Andrew Brennan is the top returning receiver after pulling down 13 passes last fall.

Another team that brings back some defensive talent, Josh Schaunaman is back after making an impressive 73 tackles last season. He will be joined by Brenden Livermont (69 tackles), Phillips Zens (53 tackles), and Zane Backous (42 tackles), as well as a pair of two-way stars in Kretchman (40 tackles) and May (36 tackles).

11B has a lot of teams that are going to fight for those Dome and semifinal spots, and I don’t see any reason why the Cavaliers aren’t in that conversation. This is a team to watch out for.

State Championships (2): 2005, 2006

Tri-Valley Mustangs

Last Season: 5-5, Quarterfinals (A)

Tri-Valley is now in 11B after a half a decade in 11A. Carter Sorenson, Eli McFarland, Lawson Loiseau, and Logan Ellison look to be part of an upperclassmen backfield core that leads the Mustangs into the new era. TV will be tested earlier, however, as they host Winner tonight.

State Championships (3): 2007, 2008, 2011

Mount Vernon/Plankinton Titans

Last Season: 7-2, 1st Round

The Titans had a brillant regular season before a tough loss in the first round. Now, they will return some talented players back to the gridion.

QB Reed Rus is back after finishing with nearly 20 touchdowns. He’ll be joined by senior running backs, Rylan Bush and Drew Gerlach, and along with wide receiver Jordan Stoltz. That’s some solid leadership returning for the Titans.

MV/P will also have an opportunity to develop before a tough final three games against Tri-Valley, Wagner and Winner.

State Championships (4): 1996 (9A*),1999 (9AA**), 2000 (9AA**), 2002 (9AA*)

*Plankinton/White Lake, **Stickney/Mt Vernon

McCook Central/Montrose Fighting Cougars

Last Season: 7-3, Quarterfinals

The Fighting Cougars are going to see some new faces offensively, but many are excited to see what this team brings to the table. Will Cleveland is back after a solid 2021 season, making 27 catches for 380 yards and 4 touchdowns, along with 40 tackles on defense.

Speaking of the defense, Carter Randall returns after making 62 tackles, grabbing 3 interceptions, and recovering 2 fumbles. Those are some beastly numbers. He will be joined by Kade Grocott (46 tackles), Austin Hoiten (43 tackles) and Carter Jandl (41 tackles, 8 TFL).

State Championships (2): 1983 (9A*), 1984 (9A*)

*Montrose

Hot Springs Bison

Last Season: 7-2, 1st Round

Iverson will be a name you’ll hear quite often this fall around Hot Springs, with running back Landon Iverson looking to make a big splash in his final year after rushing for 907 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. He’ll be joined in the backfield by Camron Maciejewski (390 yards, 6 TD) and new starting QB Preston Iverson.

Defensively, Maciejewski is a dominant force that had 10 tackles for loss, 3 fumble recoveries, and a grand total of 68 tackles in 2021. Caleb Rickenbach also returns with 11 sacks and 63 tackles to his name, while Chaney Klippenstein looks to be a ball hawk after nabbing 2 picks.

Those are some big playmakers on both ends of the ball, so this could be a team that is filled with highlight-reel plays.

THE FIELD

Wagner Red Raiders

Last Season: 6-4, Quarterfinals

Wagner had a really solid season last year, ending in a quarterfinal loss to a talented EP-J team. However, their excellent senior class is gone, including QB Dustin Honomichl.

Senior Chris Nelson now takes over at the QB position, hoping to help lead the Red Raiders back to the success of last season. He’ll be joined by some solid options in running back Jhett Breen and wide receiver Glenn Cournoyer.

The Red Raiders will begin the season with back-to-back road games at M/H-H and Winner.

State Championships (1): 1982

Groton Area Tigers

Last Season: 7-2, 1st Round

Running back Andrew Marzahn will lead a new core of Tigers after the graduation of a strong senior class. The Tigers will face an immediate test on the road against Roncalli, before a favorable schedule for a playoff push.

Woonsocket/Wessington Springs/Sanborn Central Blackhawks

Last Season: 5-4, 1st Round

Blake Larson returns as a two-way threat, throwing for 8 touchdowns, while making 3 interceptions on defense. Brother Brady Larson joins him on defense after making 39.5 tackles and recovering 2 fumbles in 2021, while Toby Kneen (30 tackles) finished with 4 sacks.

State Championships (1): 1992 (9A*)

*Alpena/Woonsocket

Redfield Pheasants

Last Season: 5-4, 1st Round

The Pheasants look to carry some momentum around the community after a strong baseball season. Redfield will host Hot Springs tonight before an exciting matchup with Roncalli in week two

Deuel Cardinals

Last Season: 5-4, 1st Round

The Cardinals return quite a few talented players, include a solid QB in Trey Maaland.

Maaland threw for 742 yards and 9 touchdowns last season, while gaining 705 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. He’ll be joined by two solid backs in Carver Nothem (332 yards) and Owen Quail (330 yards).

He’ll also help headline a defense that put up some big numbers last year, including guys like Ronnie Begalka (52 tackles), Ty Lovre (43 tackles), Dominic Constant (42 tackles) and Gavin Benck (2 INT). This is a team to make note of after their first round finish in 2021.

Clark/Willow Lake Cyclones

Last Season: 4-5, 1st Round

Another team with some solid two-way players, the Cyclones have a duo that can compete with just about any team in the state.

Trey Huber is back after throwing for 704 yards, rushing for 632, and scoring 15 total touchdowns, but he’s just as relevant on defense with 7 pass breakups and a pair of interceptions. Meanwhile, Mitchell Larson is a top option in the air (346 yards, 4 TD), while thwarting opposing attempts to gain big yards (5 PBU).

State Championships (1): 2002*

*Clark

Lead/Deadwood Gold Diggers

Last Season: 5-3

Quarterback Sam Kooima is back to lead the way after over 1,000 yards of total offense and 15 touchdowns, but he can make some on defense as well (11 TFL).

He’ll be joined by his top option to pass to last season, Crew Rainey (322 yards, 6 TD), as well as solid running back in Ryan Rantappa (301 yards, 2 TD). Those two were also great defenders, as Rainey grabbed 3 interceptions and 53 tackles, while Rantappa made 5 sacks on his way to 70 tackles.

Mobridge-Pollock Tigers

Last Season: 3-5

QB Holden Eisemann will lead this offense after throwing for 804 yards, while Jackson Eisemann looks to have a big season after 5 touchdowns and 401 total yards in 2021. Joining the Eisemanns on defense is Taylon Carmondy, who is the top returning tackler with 20.5 last fall.

Miller/Highmore-Harrold Rustlers

Last Season: 2-6

Quarterback Trey Knox returns after throwing 11 touchdowns last season, as well as a good running back in Tate Hoffman (843 yards, 9 TD). Wide receiver Coby Aasby (322 yards, 2 TD) is also returning for a final season.

Jim River Trappers

Last Season: 3-5

After a new co-op, and possibly the best logo in the state, Jim River hopes to improve off of a learning season last year. They will have a schedule that gives them a solid chance at a winning record, and maybe even a postseason appearance.

Tripp-Delmont/Armour/Andes Central/Dakota Christian Thunderhawks

Last Season: 3-5

T-D/A/AC/DC (say that tongue twister three times fast) will begin the new season on Saturday where they will be hosting Hill City, and have a schedule that is also favorable to a playoff appearance.

State Championships (8): 1983 (9B*), 1984 (9B*), 1985 (9B*), 1985 (9A**), 1987 (9A***), 1997 (9B***), 2000 (9A***), 2002 (9B***)

*Tripp, **Armour, ***Tripp-Delmont

Rapid City Christian Comets

Last Season: 3-5

The Comets are looking to break into the post season after falling a few game short last fall. They will start the campaign with an away bout against Lead-Deadwood.

Flandreau Fliers

Last Season: 2-6

The Fliers are really young this season, and look to rebuild after losing their senior class. This new roster will host MC/M tonight.

State Championships (1): 2010

Baltic Bulldogs

Last Season: 1-7

The Bulldogs are hoping to use 2021 as a rebuilding year after going 1-7. They will have the hardest start to the season of any team in this class, with #2 B-E/E, #3 EP-J and (RV) MC/M in the first three weeks.

Parker Pheasants

Last Season: 1-7

The Pheasants will have to play a tough schedule this year, with #3 EP-J slated for game one, (RV) Tri-Valley in game two and #2 B-E/E near the end of the season.

State Championships (1): 2006

Webster Area Bearcats

Last Season: 1-7

Brent Bearman is back after being the leading rusher last year, as well as two solid defensive players in Jacob Keller (53 tackles, 2 INT) and Brent Snaza (32 tackles).

State Championships (3): 1983, 2000, 2003

Dakota Hills Grizzlies

Last Season: 1-7

The Grizzlies had a tough season last year, picking up just a single 9 point win over Sisseton on homecoming. They’ll take on the Redmen again for the first game of the year tonight.

Hill City Rangers

Last Season: 1-7

The Rangers struggles to put a team together last season was highly documented, but an increase in roster size should help the Rangers build off of 2021.