The recent South Dakota Prep Media Poll has unveiled the current standings for high school football, volleyball, and soccer teams as of Monday, August 24, 2026. This comprehensive update reflects the ongoing athletic season, highlighting top performers and shifts in rankings across various classes. While the highest tiers of football remained consistent due to delayed season starts, other divisions saw leading teams solidify their positions with impressive victories.
In high school football, the Class 11AAA, 11AA, and 11A categories experienced no changes from their preseason polls, as their competitive seasons were slated to commence later in the week. However, in the other classifications, teams like Elk Point-Jefferson (Class 11B), Parkston (Class 9AA), Freeman (Class 9A), and Dell Rapids St. Mary (Class 9B) successfully defended their number one spots following triumphant season openers. A significant upset occurred when fifth-ranked Class 9A Castlewood defeated second-ranked Class 9AA Hamlin with a score of 46-34, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of early-season matchups. This game was particularly notable for Castlewood's Trevor Everson's 73-yard touchdown run on the very first play from scrimmage, setting an electrifying tone for the match held in Hayti.
The volleyball scene is dominated by established powerhouses. Harrisburg, the four-time defending state Class AA champion, once again secured the top spot in its division. Similarly, Chester Area, with three consecutive state Class B titles, maintained its leading position. Dell Rapids, after reaching the state championship the previous year, now holds the number one ranking in Class A, signaling strong ambitions for the current season. These teams’ consistent performance underscores their dedication and skill in the sport.
On the soccer fields, the latest polls from the South Dakota High School Soccer Coaches Association confirmed the sustained dominance of the top-ranked teams. Sioux Falls Lincoln's boys' team and Harrisburg's girls' team continued to lead in the Class AA divisions. In Class A, James Valley Christian's boys and Sioux Falls Christian's girls remained at the forefront. Notably, the Class AA boys' rankings saw a three-way tie for second place among Watertown, Aberdeen Central, and Sioux Falls Jefferson, reflecting heightened competition. Yankton also ascended to the second spot in the Class AA girls' category, indicating a dynamic landscape in high school soccer.
The latest South Dakota high school sports rankings for August 24, 2026, showcase a mix of consistent dominance and exciting early-season upsets across football, volleyball, and soccer. While many preseason favorites held their ground, unexpected victories and tight competitions promise an engaging athletic season ahead for fans and participants alike.
