Travis Kriens, KORN News Radio Sports Director
The 2025 South Dakota Class 9AA football playoffs kick off this Thursday.
Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy: The Top Seed
Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy enters the playoffs with an undefeated 8-0 record, earning the top seed in the bracket. Their offense has been dominant, averaging an impressive 46 points per game. The No. 1 seed faces No. 16 Garretson (3-5), a team that made a big jump from last year’s 0-8 record to make the playoffs in 2025.
Parkston Seeks Another Championship Run
Parkston, last year’s runner-up, is back in the mix with a 7-1 record and the No. 3 seed. Their only loss this season was a 20-6 defeat to Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy, but the Trojans have rattled off seven straight wins since their season opener. In 2024, Parkston knocked off Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy in the semifinals and went on to claim the state runner-up spot after a 32-8 loss to Hamlin in the state championship game. This year, the Trojans look to make a return to the DakotaDome as they start their playoff run with a matchup against No. 14 Bennett County (3-5).
Defending Champion Hamlin Looks to Repeat
Hamlin enters the playoffs as the No. 5 seed with a 7-1 record, coming off a 32-8 win over Parkston in last year’s championship game. The Chargers have built a reputation for being a strong postseason contender, making it to the semifinals three years in a row. With a defense that’s only allowed nine points per game this season, Hamlin is poised to make another deep playoff run. They’ll face No. 12 seed Scotland/Menno (4-4) in the first round. The Chargers were unable to cap off an undefeated regular season as they lost to Elkton-Lake Benton last Friday night 46-14.
Elkton-Lake Benton: High-Powered Offense, Strong Playoff Hopes
No. 2 seed Elkton-Lake Benton (7-1) leads all Class 9AA teams with an eye-popping 49 points per game. They’ll face No. 15 De Smet (3-5) in the opening round.
Viborg-Hurley, Hanson Ready for Rematch
In one of the most intriguing first-round matchups, No. 7 Viborg-Hurley (6-2) will take on No. 10 Hanson (4-4). Viborg-Hurley has been consistent all season, but Hanson is a team that has fought through several tough losses, including close defeats to Hamlin, Parkston, and Howard. Hanson made headlines last season as the only road team to win in the first round, knocking out Tripp-Delmont/Armour/Andes Central/Dakota Christian. The Beavers lost to Viborg-Hurley just two weeks ago 28-6.
Kimball/White Lake Faces Britton-Hecla Last year, Kimball/White Lake (5-3) played a close game against Leola/Frederick Area in the No. 8 vs. No. 9 matchup, eventually losing 22-14. They now face No. 8 Britton-Hecla (6-2), in another close match that will likely come down to the wire.
What’s at Stake
Winners from Thursday’s games advance to the quarterfinals next Thursday, October 30. The 2025 Class 9AA state championship will be held at the DakotaDome in Vermillion on Thursday, November 13 at 7 pm.