As the dog days of summer give way to the crisp promise of autumn, South Dakota’s high school football scene is buzzing with anticipation. The first week of practice for Classes 11AAA and 11AA has already set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling season. But beyond the X’s and O’s, what’s truly fascinating is the human drama unfolding on these fields. This isn’t just about football—it’s about resilience, tradition, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Here’s what I’m seeing, and why it matters.
The Quarterback Conundrum: More Than Just a Position Battle
One thing that immediately stands out is the number of teams grappling with quarterback battles. Brandon Valley, Harrisburg, and Sioux Falls Washington are all in the same boat, and it’s not just about who can throw the prettiest spiral. These battles are a microcosm of the larger challenges these teams face.
Take Brandon Valley, for instance. Fresh off a state championship, they’re rebuilding almost from scratch. Personally, I think this is where their storied tradition will be tested. Sure, they’ve got a new offensive line and a new backfield, but what makes this particularly fascinating is how they’re leaning on their culture of player development. Will VanLeur and Jake Halseth aren’t just competing for a job—they’re carrying the weight of a legacy.
Harrisburg’s situation is equally intriguing. Their offensive line looks college-ready, but their quarterback battle between Dalton Wendling and Jonah Young could determine whether they’re contenders or pretenders. What many people don’t realize is that a dominant line can mask a lot of weaknesses, but it can’t win games on its own. The quarterback will need to step up, and fast.
Rebuilding or Reloading? The Fine Line Between Hope and Hype
Several teams are facing significant roster turnover, and how they handle it will define their season. Brandon Valley and Harrisburg are prime examples, but they’re not alone. Sioux Falls Washington, for instance, lost a lot of skill talent, but their energy at practice is infectious. Head coach Ryan Evans seems to have them fired up, and that’s no small feat.
What this really suggests is that culture matters—maybe even more than talent. Teams like O’Gorman, with the smallest roster in 11AAA, are relying on a tight-knit atmosphere to compete. Their practice dynamic, where every player gets reps and attention, is a refreshing contrast to the bigger schools. If you take a step back and think about it, this could be the year the underdogs make some noise.
Defense Wins Championships, But Offense Sells Tickets
Sioux Falls Jefferson’s defense is the talk of the town, and for good reason. Anthony Patron is a game-changer, and their defensive line looks like a brick wall. But here’s the thing: their offense has to face that defense every day in practice. That’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, it toughens them up; on the other, it could break their confidence.
Sioux Falls Lincoln, meanwhile, has the opposite problem. Their offense, led by Brody Schafer, is electric. But their defense? They’re going up against one of the state’s best offenses in practice. This raises a deeper question: Can a team with a high-powered offense but an average defense win it all? Personally, I think Lincoln’s athleticism will carry them far, but they’ll need their defense to step up in the big moments.
The Underdogs: Experience vs. Potential
Teams like Sioux Falls Roosevelt and Tea Area are flying under the radar, but they could surprise a lot of people. Roosevelt, coming off a 1-9 season, is banking on the experience of their young roster. Wes Werkmeister, their junior quarterback, is a player to watch. He took his lumps last year, but what’s impressive is how he’s responded. This isn’t just about football—it’s about growth, both on and off the field.
Tea Area, on the other hand, has one of the best QB/WR duos in 11AA with Mitch Grant and Grifin Wiebenga. Grant’s offer from South Dakota State is no fluke—he’s the real deal. But depth is a concern, and in a grueling season, that could be their Achilles’ heel.
The Bigger Picture: What This Season Tells Us About High School Football
If there’s one thing this first week has shown me, it’s that high school football is about more than wins and losses. It’s about tradition, resilience, and the ability to adapt. Teams like Brandon Valley and Harrisburg are rebuilding, but they’re not starting from zero—they’re standing on the shoulders of giants.
What makes this season particularly fascinating is the balance of power. There’s no clear favorite in 11AAA, and that’s exciting. It’s anyone’s game, and that’s what makes sports so compelling.
Final Thoughts: A Season of Possibilities
As we head into the first games, I’m struck by the potential for upsets, breakthroughs, and storylines that will resonate long after the final whistle. This isn’t just a season—it’s a narrative in the making. And in my opinion, that’s what makes high school football so special. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s unpredictable.
So, as the lights come on and the crowds fill the stands, remember this: every team has a story, and every player has a dream. This season, more than most, feels like it could be something extraordinary. Let’s see how it unfolds.
