Breaking down the High School Football Semifinals
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The second to last week of high school football is already upon us in South Dakota, as 28 teams take to the field on Friday in the state semifinals.
Four teams will battle for two spots in each of the seven classes, ahead of next week's state championship games.
You can watch a full preview of the high school football semifinals in the video player at the top of the page.
KELOLAND will have coverage of the semifinals on Friday night with the KELOLAND SportsZone at 10:15 p.m.
Here's a look at the updated brackets:
CLASS 11AAA
Lincoln is the defending champ in class 11AAA and now they go up against Harrisburg, a team they beat 27-17 just a couple weeks ago.
Brandon Valley was the lone team to go undefeated in 11AAA this season. They play Jefferson, who they beat 28-7 earlier in the year.
CLASS 11AA
Pierre and Yankton will be featured in a state championship rematch from last season. Pierre beat the Bucks to win seven straight championships. Yankton has revenged that with a regular season win over Pierre, 35-7.
Watertown and Brookings are set to play for a spot in the state championship game. Both have been led by their defense this season, setting up a strong matchup.
CLASS 11A
Dell Rapids has won back-to-back state championships in 11A, but now they'll face Lennox in the 2-3 matchup. The Quarriers and Orioles met two weeks ago, with Dell Rapids claiming a 26-12 win.
The other semifinal has the lone unbeaten team in 11A, Sioux Falls Christian, hosting West Central. The Chargers cruised past the Trojans early in the season.
CLASS 11B
The defending state champ is Hot Springs in 11B, but they have been eliminated, making room for a new champion.
There are three annual powers in the semifinals, including Sioux Valley, Elk Point-Jefferson and Winner. St. Thomas More is an 11-seed who has reached the semis.
Sioux Valley edged EPJ just a few weeks ago, with a 17-14 win in Volga.
CLASS 9AA
Parkston is the defending state champ in 9AA and they're looking to repeat, carrying the top-seed and an undefeated record to the semifinals. They'll now play Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy, a team they beat early in the season.
The other semifinal is a highly anticipated rematch between Hamlin and Elkton-Lake Benton. Just a few weeks ago, the Chargers edged the Elks 40-35 in Elkton.
CLASS 9A
There are three undefeated teams in class 9A, battling for the title and that includes Warner who is the defending state champ. However, the Monarchs now have to go on the road to face annual powerhouse and last year's 9AA runner-up, Howard.
Wall is the undefeated top-seed in class 9A and now they're looking to reach the title game as they host Wolsey-Wessington on Friday.
CLASS 9B
The other side of the bracket features 2 vs. 3 matchup as Faulkton Area looks to reach the dome in back-to-back seasons. Dell Rapids St. Mary is hoping they're up for the challenge to get themselves back to the dome, for the first time since winning it all in 2021.
