The 2026 South Dakota high school football season burst into action on Friday, August 21st, with an exciting Week 0 that saw teams across Class 11B and all 9-player divisions battle it out. The opening matches delivered numerous thrilling contests, setting an energetic tone for the season ahead. This detailed report compiles all the scores and outcomes from the South Dakota High School Activities Association’s inaugural week, offering a comprehensive look at the early season results.
South Dakota High School Football: Week 0 Highlights
On Friday, August 21, 2026, high school football teams across South Dakota ignited the new season with a full slate of Week 0 games. The action unfolded at various stadiums, including the Stan Schmiedt Sports Complex in Centerville, South Dakota, where the Centerville Tornadoes hosted the Sioux Falls Lutheran Eagles. This pivotal evening marked the commencement of competitive play for Class 11B and all 9-player categories.
In a notable contest, the Centerville Tornadoes secured a decisive victory over the Sioux Falls Lutheran Eagles with a score of 58-14. Key players contributed significantly to the evening’s excitement. Henry Rotter (52) and Zach Childress (5) of Centerville were seen exchanging spirited body bumps before kickoff, demonstrating their team's readiness. Logan Ruter (8) of Centerville showcased his agility by evading Sioux Falls Lutheran's Brayden Wille (10) and also made a crucial kick, while Lane Ruter (9) exerted strong defense against Jakob Stubkjaer (15) of Sioux Falls Lutheran. Centerville’s Gunner Pingrey (30) made impressive runs and also faced tough tackles. On the Sioux Falls Lutheran side, Brayden Wille (10) navigated through tackles, and Rowen Becker (13) displayed versatility with runs and receptions. Simeon Ovenden (33) also contributed with powerful runs for the Eagles. The Centerville sidelines erupted in cheers following a significant touchdown, capturing the enthusiasm of the night.
Beyond Centerville, numerous other matchups across the state saw fierce competition:
Class 11B Results
- Chamberlain triumphed over Rapid City Christian, 38-30.
- Groton Area defeated Miller/Highmore-Harrold with a clean sheet, 21-0.
- Deuel secured a win against Parker/Marion, 22-6.
- Sioux Valley emerged victorious over Aberdeen Roncalli, 30-6.
- Wagner shut out Woonsocket/Wessington Springs/Sanborn Central, 26-0.
- Elk Point-Jefferson bested McCook Central/Montrose, 28-13.
- St. Thomas More dominated Mobridge-Pollock, 41-6.
- Winner earned a 12-0 victory against Hot Springs.
- Clark/Willow Lake overcame Flandreau, 35-8.
Class 9AA Highlights
- Estelline/Hendricks dominated Florence/Henry, 40-8.
- Britton-Hecla delivered a strong performance against Waverly-South Shore, 44-0.
- Garretson won against Baltic, 35-6.
- Sisseton outscored Webster Area, 39-12.
- Parkston convincingly beat Hill City, 54-24.
- Bon Homme secured a 48-0 victory over Stanley County.
- Viborg-Hurley edged out Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan, 22-8.
- Platte-Geddes overwhelmed Tripp-Delmont/Armour/Andes Central/Dakota Christian, 43-8.
- Castlewood (Class 9A) defeated Hamlin, 46-34.
- Kimball/White Lake (Class 9A) beat Gregory, 42-8.
- Lyman (Class 9A) was victorious over New Underwood, 41-6.
- Centerville (Class 9A) secured a significant win against Sioux Falls Lutheran, 58-14.
Class 9A Standings
- Howard outperformed DeSmet, 54-22.
- Freeman took down Alcester-Hudson, 36-17.
- Elkton-Lake Benton achieved a shutout against Canistota, 28-0.
- Faulkton Area defeated Sully Buttes, 30-20.
- Wall (Class 9B) beat Bennett County, 40-32.
- Philip (Class 9A) defeated Jones County (Class 9B), 47-12.
- Corsica-Stickney (Class 9A) dominated Burke (Class 9B), 64-13.
- Gettysburg (Class 9B) narrowly defeated North Central, 22-20.
- Herreid/Selby Area (Class 9B) won against Harding County/Bison, 26-18.
- Avon (Class 9B) secured a resounding victory over Scotland/Menno, 50-0.
Class 9B Showdowns
- St. Mary's achieved a dominant win over Deubrook Area, 58-6.
- Warner triumphed against Northwestern, 48-8.
- Hitchcock-Tulare beat Leola/Frederick Area, 40-12.
- Colman-Egan defeated Oldham-Ramona-Rutland, 34-14.
- Iroquois/Lake Preston secured a shutout against Sunshine Bible Academy, 52-0.
- Wolsey-Wessington edged out Arlington, 14-6.
The kickoff of the high school football season in South Dakota serves as a vivid reminder of the enduring passion and dedication found within community sports. Observing these young athletes, from the strategic plays on the field to the camaraderie shared and the support from their coaches and fans, underscores the vital role high school athletics play in fostering teamwork, discipline, and local pride. Each game, whether a landslide victory or a close contest, contributes to the unique narrative of these budding sports careers and the vibrant spirit of South Dakota's athletic programs.
