Football

After being the preseason favorites to repeat as the FCS National Champions this season, South Dakota State has found themselves just one win away from achieving the goal. The Jacks are riding a 28-game win streak as they enter the title game.

As another year nears an end, it's fun to look back at some of the great sports and activities moments that surrounded our high schools in South Dakota during 2023.Here's SDPB's Top-10 moments from the year, along with honorable mentions and other great moments as well.

As Kalen DeBoer prepares his Washington Huskies for a trip to the College Football Playoffs, the focus for him is clearly on one thing – a national championship. But for those who have watched DeBoer’s career as a spectator back in South Dakota, it’s incredible to see where it started, and now where it’s at.

Lincoln’s quest for a perfect season was completed on Saturday night in Vermillion as the Patriots defeated O’Gorman 31-7 for the 11AAA state championship. For Lincoln, this is their fourth state football title, and their first since 2014.

Meet Genevieve Osborn who became the first female to officiate a state championship football game.

For the seventh straight year, the Pierre Governors have won a state football championship. They defeated Yankton 35-7 on Friday night in Vermillion in front of a packed crowd at the Dakota Dome.

Dell Rapids defeated West Central 42-6 on Friday afternoon in Vermillion to repeat as state champions in 11A. This was the seventh state title for the Dell Rapids football program, all coming in the window of 2008 to 2023.

For the first time in state history, Hot Springs has won a state football championship. The Bison defeated Elk Point-Jefferson, the defending state champs in 11B, 13-7 on Friday in Vermillion to claim the title.

When O’Gorman and Lincoln meet in Vermillion on Saturday, they’ll be playing for the 11AAA title. But for Knights junior Tim Weisensee, and his family, the whole idea of playing for a state championship hits a little closer to home than most.

From runner-up a year ago, to now being crowned the state champs – Parkston can celebrate a season of redemption. The Trojans defeated Howard on Thursday night in Vermillion 12-7 in a grind it out, defensive battle, for the 9AA title.