By Rich Winter 

605 Sports

A year ago the Lower Brule Sioux and Todd County Falcons rolled to All-Nations Football Conference titles at the Dakota Dome in Vermillion. 

That road to the Dakota Dome begins Thursday afternoon with four games slated for action:

• Omaha Nation at Crazy Horse

• Winnebago at Pine Ridge

• Tiospa Zina at Lower Brule

• Little Wound at Todd County

Some heavy graduation losses from the four teams that played in the championship game should level the playing field giving a number of teams an opportunity to have successful seasons.

Despite the graduation losses the conference has talented players coming back. 

“There are a lot of good players coming back this year,” Todd County’s coach Bob Kornely said. “Every team has some good kids back.”

All-conference players returning

• Ty Valandra - Todd County junior, 1,188 rushing yards, 17 TD’s in 2022

• Antrell Harlan, Winnebago senior, 1,170 rushing yards, 20 TD’s in 2022. 

• Marley Carpenter, Lower Brule, senior, 400 receiving yards, 10 TD’s in 2022. 

• Joey Gerken, Little Wound, senior: 42 tackles, 20 solo tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks and one forced fumble.

• Renzo Bullhead, McLaughlin: Six kickoff returns for touchdowns in 2022. 

All-Nations preview from Jonathon Sam and Rich Winter

Two games slated for Saturday. 

• Cheyenne-Eagle Butte at St. Francis Indian

• Standing Rock at Red Cloud

Just a reminder to coaches and players. Please send stats to sports.ticket@sportsticket.tv.

If you have a video highlight to share please send to sports.ticket@sportsticket.tv

Nate Middletent is a brusing running back that should help Lower Brule this season - Rodney Haas - File photo