By Rich Winter

605 Sports

WINNEBAGO, Neb — The race for the top seeds, and home playoff advantage throughout the playoffs begins in earnest today, Thursday, Sep. 26. 

Thursday’s big game features the two teams that have dominated Class 9A action since the league’s inception with Todd County traveling to Winnebago, Nebraska. The only All-Nations game on the schedule Friday matches Omaha Nation, Nebraska at Lower Brule. 

Winnebago suffered some heavy graduation losses, and yet, midway through the 2024 season the Indians are 4-0 and averaging 45 points per game. Winnebago picked up a 40-34 win over Pine Ridge on Sep. 5 and a win over Todd County would all but guarantee the Indians home field throughout the playoffs. 

Some new names at running back this season but junior Adarius Flemister and sophomore Raiden DeCora are both capable of chunks of yards running behind one of the best offensive lines in the league. 

Todd County is averaging 52.5 points per game with relatively routine wins over Little Wound, McLaughlin, Mahpiya Luta and St. Francis Indian. The Falcons led St. Francis Indian 20-18 at the half then erupted for 42 second-half points on their way to a 62-30 win last week.

Ty Valandra leads the Falcons with 584 yards rushing and seven touchdowns. Bane Yellow Eagle has emerged as another weapon on the ground with 220 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Quarterback Chris Ellert has 453 yards passing with ten touchdowns and just two interceptions with senior Teshaun Marshall (181 yards receiving, six touchdowns) emerging as his favorite target. 

Another game to keep an eye on is the Pine Ridge at St. Francis Indian game. A week ago St. Francis Indian’s Ethan Spotted Tail made his first appearance at quarterback and immediately pumped some life into the Warriors offense. Michael Rogers, who had been the starting quarterback through the first three games did not play last week. If both players are healthy the home game against Pine Ridge suddenly becomes very interesting. 

Little Wound is at Mahpiya Luta where Mustangs wide receiver Daelyn LeBeaux is expected to go over 1,000 career receiving yards. The final game this week sees Cheyenne-Eagle Butte/Tiospaye Topa at McLaughlin. 

Last week’s results: 

Winnebago 45, Mahpiya Luta 6

Pine Ridge 50, Cheyenne-Eagle Butte/Tiospaye Topa 14

Todd County 62, St. Francis Indian 30

Little Wound 50, McLaughlin 0

All-Nations Class 9A standings: 

Winnebago, 4-0, 44.750

Pine Ridge, 3-1, 43.500

Todd County, 4-0, 43.250

Cheyenne-Eagle Butte/Tiospaye Topa, 2-2

Little Wound, 2-2

Mahpiya Luta, 0-4

St. Francis Indian, 1-3

McLaughlin, 0-4

Lower Brule is no stranger to big games having won each of the last two All-Nations Class B titles. The Sioux are 4-0 this season and meet up with a 4-0 Omaha Nation, Nebraska team that is having their best season since joining the league. 

Lower Brule has a three-headed monster at running back with Nate Middletent (450 yards, 9 touchdowns), Isaiah Felicia (259 yards, five touchdowns) and Kristian Antelope (133 yards and two touchdowns) doing most of the damage. 

Sophomore quarterback Ethan Thigh has 189 yards passing with five touchdowns and just one interception. 

The Sioux have yet to be scored upon this season and that defense has racked up 47 tackles for loss with 17 sacks. Middletent leads the defense with 22 tackles, 14.5 of them for losses and freshman Antelope leads the team with two interceptions. 

Omaha Nation is a power running team boasting four backs that all have over 130 yards this season. Tayven Wolf has rushed for 365 yards and six touchdowns while Frankie Lasley has 183 yards and four touchdowns. Kane Sheridan leads the Chiefs defense with three interceptions. 

Lower Brule comes in averaging 58 points per game while Omaha Nation puts up 54 points per contest. 

This week’s Games: 

09/27 - Omaha Nation at Lower Brule

09/26 - White River at Crow Creek

09/26 - Crazy Horse at Flandreau Indian

09/26 - Tiospa Zina at Marty Indian

Last week’s results:

Lower Brule 68, Marty 0

Omaha Nation 64, Crazy Horse 52

White RIver 60, Flandreau Indian 6

Tiospa Zina 54, Crow Creek 0

Class 9B Standings:

Lower Brule, 4-0, 45.500

Omaha Nation, 4-0, 44.750

White River, 2-1, 42.333

Crazy Horse, 2-2, 40.750

Marty, 1-2, 39.667

Flandreau Indian, 1-3, 38.750

Tiospa Zina, 1-3, 38.000

Crow Creek, 0-4, 33.750