VERMILLION — The top-four teams still remain in the All-Nations Football Conference. 

The All-Nations Football Conference championship games are Friday, Nov. 7 at the DakotaDome in Vermillion. 

The championship matchups feature the No. 1 vs. No. 2 seeds in Class 9B and Class 9A. 

In Class 9B, No. 2 White River (8-1) plays No. 1 McLaughlin (9-0) at 4 p.m., while No. 2 Todd County (8-1) plays No. 1 Winnebago, Nebraska (9-0) at 7 p.m. 

McLaughlin dropped down to Class 9B from Class 9A this season, and the Mustangs have rolled to an undefeated season so far. McLaughlin is outscoring their opponents by 40.1 points per game and have had games with 72, 68 (twice), 64, 58 and 54 points this season. 

McLaughlin’s closest two games were wins over White River (24-22) and Marty (18-14). The Mustangs rolled past the Braves, 68-14, in last week’s semifinals, setting up the rematch against White River. 

Against Marty, John Eagle Jr. totaled eight touchdowns. Eagle Jr. passed for four touchdowns of 68, 35, 20 and five yards apiece, adding scoring runs from 17, 19 and 48 yards away. Eagle Jr. snagged an interception and also returned the opening kickoff back for a special teams touchdown as well. Tyler Bull Head caught two touchdowns recording one interception defensively. Jacoby Carry Moccasin caught a 68-yard touchdown while Lyle Lumbar caught the 35-yard touchdown.

The Tigers blanked Tiospa Zina, 50-0, in last week’s semifinals. White River, which finished second in Class 9B last season, is averaging 43.8 points per game and has pitched eight shutouts this season. In fact, the only points White River has surrendered all season were in the 24-22 setback against McLaughlin. 

Against Tiospa Zina, White River’s Cooper Baxter finished with two touchdown passes, and a rushing touchdown. Kreg Stoddard rushed for three touchdowns, and hauled in a touchdown reception. Bryson One Star added a rushing touchdown and a touchdown catch. One Star added an interception on defense. 

In Class 9A, Todd County and Winnebago will play in the state championship for the second time in the past three seasons. In 2023, Todd County knocked off Winnebago (28-13) for the Class 9A state championship. Last season, Winnebago dropped a 42-40 double-overtime decision against Pine Ridge in the Class 9A state title game. 

Winnebago handed Todd County its only defeat this season, a 38-8 decision on Sept. 25. Winnebago is coming off a 52-14 win over Mahpiya Luta in last week’s semifinals. The Indians are averaging 52.1 points per game, and have pitched three shutouts on defense. 

Against Mahpiya Luta, Winnebago’s Adarius Flemister rushed for four touchdowns, while Raiden DeCora added two touchdowns. Jared Doxey scored a rushing touchdown. 

Todd County outlasted Little Wound, 50-46, in last week’s semifinals. The Falcons are averaging 37.3 points per game, and are on a four-game winning streak after their setback against Winnebago. 

Against Little Wound, Todd County’s Chris Ellert tossed two touchdown passes to Oniya Whirlwind Soldier, and he also ran for a score. Bane Yellow Eagle finished with three rushing touchdowns, while Aden Good Voice added a rushing touchdown. 

Class 9B

No. 2 White River (8-1) vs. No. 1 McLaughlin (9-0), 4 p.m.

Class 9A

No. 2 Todd County (8-1) vs. No. 1 Winnebago (Neb.) (9-0), 7 p.m.