Travis Kriens, KORN News Radio Sports Director
As the South Dakota high school football season draws to a close, the defending Class 11A state champ Lennox Orioles are eager to repeat their success from a year ago, while the top-seeded Sioux Falls Christian Chargers look to redeem themselves after a narrow defeat in last year’s title game.
Sioux Falls Christian (9-0): The Road to Redemption
Sioux Falls Christian enters the playoffs with a perfect 9-0 regular season record, having outscored opponents by an average of 33 points per game. The Chargers have been dominant on both sides of the ball, ranking first in scoring offense (40 points per game) and second in scoring defense (allowing just 7 points per game). Their closest game of the regular season came against Lennox in a 17-0 victory on September 12, but Sioux Falls Christian will have to shake off the sting of last year’s championship loss to Lennox and their semifinal exit in 2023.
Their playoff journey begins on Thursday, October 30, with a rematch against Rapid City Christian. Sioux Falls Christian has won all three previous meetings between the teams, including a 48-21 victory earlier this season.
Lennox (7-2): Defending Champions with a Stifling Defense
The Lennox Orioles made history in 2024, claiming their first state championship in 42 years. Their defense was the story of the season, especially during the playoffs, where they allowed just six points in three games, including their 14-6 victory over Sioux Falls Christian in last year’s title game. Lennox’s defensive unit, which has consistently applied pressure on opposing quarterbacks and shut down the run, will be the key to any hopes of repeating as champions.
Lennox’s path to a potential repeat begins with a first-round matchup against Tri-Valley. The Orioles cruised to a 41-0 victory over the Mustangs earlier this season.
Dell Rapids (6-3): A Tough, Physical Team Ready for a Run
Dell Rapids enters the playoffs as the No. 2 seed and will take on Milbank in the first round, a team they defeated 36-7 during the regular season.
The Quarriers get the No. 2 seed with a 6-3 record and 43.3 seed points, ahead of No. 3 Lennox, who finished at 7-2 with 42.8 seed points. This despite Lennox also defeating Dell Rapids in the regular season finale this past Thursday, 34-14. Dell Rapids and Lennox would meet in the semifinals if they both win their quarterfinals matchups.
West Central (6-3) vs. Madison (7-2): Long Time Rivals, First Time Meeting
While West Central and Madison did not play each other during the regular season, their quarterfinal clash promises to be one of the most intriguing matchups. West Central has won the last four meetings against Madison, but this season has been a bit of a rollercoaster. West Central is a dangerous team, averaging 28 points per game and allowing 16 points per contest, but lost just two weeks ago to Milbank 22-21.
Madison, on the other hand, comes into the playoffs with a strong offense that ranks third in the class in scoring at 28 points per game with both of their losses coming to SF Christian (42-6) and Lennox (44-19).
Two teams that did not meet in the regular season for the first time in decades will face off in the quarterfinals.
What’s at Stake
The action kicks off Thursday, October 30, with all eyes on the DakotaDome for the Class 11A state championship game on Saturday, November 15 at Noon.