*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 Howard Tigers
Last Season: 12-0, State Champions (A)
Howard is coming off of probably the most impressive 9-man season from last fall, and despite losing two great players in Jace Sifore and Ty Beyer, the Tigers are a dangerous team in this upcoming season.
The Tigers are able to run the ball very well, with Karsyn Feldhaus (648 yards, 13 TD) and Griffin Clubb (693 yards, 9 TD) back from last season. But Howard also is able to transition to a passing game right after you think you are ready for the run. That aerial attack is headlined by QB Taiden Hoyer (43-72, 893 yards and Atticus Darnell (324 yards, 3 TD).
Speaking of Darnell, the 2021 DL of the Year is ready to make another impact defensively after amassing 81 tackles, 8 sacks and 3 fumble recoveries. He will be joined by Kasten Hamilton (64 tackles), Jack Neises (52 tackles), Kaden Hofer (37 tackles), and Taiden Hoyer (30 tackles). Clubb (82 tackles) and Feldhaus (69 tackles, 3 INT) also join the defense as two-way talents.
After such a spectacular season last year, all eyes are going to be focused on the Tigers. However, Howard certainly has the talent to reach the Dome, even in this tough class.
State Championships (4): 2004 (11B), 2009, 2014 (A), 2021 (A)
#2 Platte-Geddes Black Panthers
Last Season: 10-2, State Champions
It’s been a successful run for the Black Panthers with two state championship trophies, but now they will attempt to repeat that success without Grayson Hanson or Jackson Neuman.
Platte-Geddes will still have some talented players, including QB Dawson Hoffman, WR Joey Foxley and a strong senior class lead by Aiden Bultje and Joey Baas.
There is high expectations for the Black Panthers after the last couple of seasons, and they’ll start the new season with a test at Parkston.
State Championships (5): 1982* (B), 1986** (11B), 1992** (11B), 2020, 2021
*Geddes, **Platte
#2 Wall Eagles
Last Season: 10-1, State Semifinals(A)
This season has “unfinished business” written all over it for Wall. The Eagles came up just short of the Dome last season in an incredibly tough 9A class, but have the ability to reach that target and fight for a state championship.
Cedar Amiotte is a talented player who is back after rushing for 1,195 yards and 17 touchdowns. QB Burk Blasius is also a threat in the air (1,268 yards, 17 TD) or in the option (495 yards, 9 TD) while Mason Heath (472 yards, 11 touchdowns) and Rylan McDonnell (403 yards, 9 TD) are some of the better receivers west of the Missouri. Not to forget mention, but Stran Williams (312 yards, 2 TD) is also a strong option.
That offense is extremely dangerous. They already have a win to their name after their 50-0 victory over Bennett County last name. Now, the Eagles will look to go undefeated in the regular season, and finish the season in Vermillion.
State Championships (2): 1990 (B), 1994 (B)
#4 Hanson Beavers
Last Season: 8-2, State Quarterfinals
The Beavers were struck down by Platte-Geddes last year in the quarterfinals, but now they look to reach new heights this season.
Hanson runs a wear-you-down offense with a trio of running backs, including Hadley Wallace, Brock Tuttle, and Jackson Harding, who combined for over 1,700 yards last season. Those three will wreck havoc on an defense they have to face, especially at the 9-man level.
Week 0 will put this team to the test, however, as the Beavers travel to Howard for what should be a fun matchup.
State Championships (4): 2005 (A), 2008 (B), 2009 (A), 2010 (B)
#5 Hamlin Chargers
Last Season: 7-3, 1st Round
The Chargers were close to a championship just two seasons ago, and now are looking to get back to the Dome in a tough class.
Luke Fraser will help lead the way as a multi-threat running back, totaling 1,423 yards and 16 touchdowns last fall. He will be joined by two solid receivers in Evan Stormo (518 yards, 5 TD) and Tyson Stevenson (369 yards, 4 TD).
Stevenson (30 tackles, 4 INT), Fraser (34 tackles, 3 INT) and Stormo (39 tackles, 2 INT) also help headline a strong defense that features Kasen Prouty (64 tackles) and Kadyn Swenson (58 tackles).
The Chargers are going to have some strong core pieces that could put together a run late into the fall.
State Championships (5): 1989 (11B), 1990 (11B), 1991 (11B), 1996 (11B), 2014 (B)
RECEIVING VOTES
Parkston Trojans
Last Season: 8-3, State Semifinals
Another team that finished just short of the Dome, Parkston is looking to reach Vermillion this season. They will do it behind RB Brayden Jervik, alongside a strong senior class lead by QB Kaleb Weber.
Parkston will be put to the test with a week 1 battle against Platte-Geddes, and a week 3 matchup on the road versus Hanson.
State Championships (1): 2014 (11B)
Bon Homme Cavaliers
Last Season: 3-6, 1st Round
I covered Bon Homme some years for a few playoffs game, and you can tell that the community really loves the Cavaliers. And when you have a community that cares, success usually in step.
The Cavs will now look to capitalize on a rebuilding season, and start the season with extra practice due to a bye week. When they do return to the gridiron on the 26th against Kimball/White Lake, QB Riley Rothschadl and a strong senior class look to lead the way.
State Championships (4): 1994 (11B), 1995 (11B), 2018
Ipswich Tigers
Last Season: 8-2, State Quarterfinals
Ipswich returns some solid options for a run back at the quarterfinals and beyond. QB Ian Beyers will lead the way after throwing 1,080 yards and 11 touchdowns, while also behind a tough defender (48 tackles, 2 FR). He’s also joined by two-way RB/LB Tyler Hettich, who rushed for 345 yards and 7 touchdowns with 61 tackles.
Defensively, Carter Geditz (58 tackles), Grant Weisser (33 tackles) and Chet Petterson (31 tackles) are also back for the Tigers. And with those guys returning, this team has a chance to be one of the defenses in the class.
Florence/Henry Falcons
Last Season: 7-2, 1st Round
The Falcons of Florence/Henry suffered a tough 1st round loss after a great regular season, and will be back hoping to elevate themselves to new heights. Tegan Sumner returns after throwing for 912 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also forcing 4 turnovers and 45 tackles on defense. He will be joined in the backfield by Mehki Keller, who totaled over 600 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Defensively, Clay Trupe (80 tackles, 2 INT) is back after a big season in 2021.
THE FIELD
Garretson Blue Dragons
Last Season: 5-5, State Quarterfinals
The Blue Dragons are losing 9A QB of the Year, Dylan Kindt, and 9A WR of the Year, Cooper Long, to graduation. Those are two talented players that are going to be tough to replace.
However, K of the Year, Jenna VanHolland, is back after a solid first season. Carson Clark is also returning after rushing for 342 yards.
The Blue Dragons
State Championships (2): 1990 (A), 1991 (A)
Leola/Frederick Area Titans
Last Season: 4-5, 1st Round
The Titans bring back some key pieces on offense that can help drive them to a winning record. QB Brayden Sumption (40-82, 712 yards, 6 TD) will lead the campaign, along with Hans Lapka (64 carries, 588 yards, 12 TD).
Meanwhile, Jericho King (30 tackles) and Samuel Vetter (41 tackles, 2 FF) headline the defense.
State Championships (1): 1982* (A)
*Frederick
Stanley County Buffaloes
Last Season: 5-5, 1st Round
The Buffaloes have a schedule that has some very good teams mixed in, including De Smet, Lemmon/McIntosh and Sully Buttes. Those are the teams Stanley County want to play, so they have the experience to make it later in the playoffs.
State Championships (1): 1986 (A)
Elkton-Lake Benton Elks
Last Season: 3-6, 1st Round
The Elks made some noise last night with their dominant 55-14 victory over Colman-Egan. Ryan Krog and the offense were dominate, and it will be exciting to see if he can improve on this 18 touchdowns and 1,400+ total yards from last season.
Defensively, Tanner Stein (48 tackles), Riddick Westley (38.5 tackles, 3 FR) and Blake De Vries (38 tackles) will be key pieces on a team that put the state on notice in their first game.
Britton-Hecla Braves
Last Season: 3-6, 1st Round (A)
Just five year removed from a state title, the Braves hope to continue to develop towards deeper playoff runs in the future. That campaign will be lead by BoDell Davidson, who rushed for 519 yards and 6 touchdowns, while forcing four fumbles and nabbing 59 tackles on defense.
Luke Storley is also back after making 12 catches for 265 yards and a pair of scores, while Gage Storley (43.5 tackles, 6 PBU) and Collin Beaner (4 FR) hope to bring energy to the defense with their play making abilities.
State Championships (2): 2001* (11B), 2017 (A)
*Britton
North Central Thunder
Last Season: 3-7, 1st Round (A)
After a first round exit in 9A, the Thunder are hoping to improve on last year’s record. And they will have a chance to do so, with no currently ranked teams on the schedule.
Great Plains Lutheran Panthers
Last Season: 3-5 (A)
The Panthers have some bright spots returning this season, in hopes of a winning record. Thomas Erickson was a solid running back in 2021, totaling 814 yards and 8 touchdowns on 105 carries. He also made 38 tackles with 3 interceptions on defense, and will be the leader of this group along with Jacob Bartels (34 tackles).
Viborg-Hurley Cougars
Last Season: 2-6
Another team that is very recently off of a state championship, the Cougars are now looking to work their way back to the Dome with the hopes of a playoff appearance this season. They will travel to Sunshine Bible Academy tonight, before a facing a brutal schedule that features Canistota, Platte-Geddes, Howard and Hanson.
State Championships (3): 2000* (B), 2008**, 2019
*Viborg, **Hurley/Marion
Bennett County Warriors
Last Season: 2-6 (11B)
The Warriors dropped down from 11B, but already faced some tough competition, as they lost 50-0 against #2 Wall. Looking at their schedule, however, the Warriors have a chance to improve on their record from last season and reach the playoffs.
Kimball/White Lake WiLdKats
Last Season: 2-7 (A)
The WiLdKats are looking to continue their rebuild after losing some senior offensive pieces. Carter Lenz is the new quarterback after making 18 catches for 344 yards as a wide receiver last season.
State Championships (5): 1996* (A), 2001** (A), 2002*, 2003** (B), 2004** (B)
*Plankinton/White Lake, **Kimball
Dupree Tigers
Last Season: 1-7
Dupree got the season started with a very close and exciting 14-13 loss against Faith. They played a lot better than their 2021 record would show, and I think this is a team that is going to see some improvements this fall.
White River Tigers
Last Season: 1-7
The Tigers are well known for their basketball team, but not so much for their football squad. They took a tough 38-0 loss to Kadoka last night, and still have #2 Wall on the schedule, but they definitely have some winnable games in the near future that could help them improve on their record from last season and build towards the future.
Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy Phoenix
Last Season: N/A
The Phoenix are looking to make some noise after a quick turnaround and co-op. The student-athletes from Freeman have seen success, with three state championships in recent years, so it will be interesting to see how this team plays out in the future.
State Championships (9): 1981* (AA), 1996* (A), 1997* (A), 1998* (A), 1999* (A), 2008**, 2018*** (A), 2019*** (A), 2020*** (A)
*Freeman, **Hurley/Marion, ***Canistota/Freeman
