Class 9AA Championship Preview: Parkston matches up with Platte-Geddes in rematch for state title

VERMILLION — The battle for Highway 44 gets a sequel in the Class 9AA state championship.

No. 1 seed Parkston (11-0) takes on No. 3 seed Platte-Geddes (10-1) in a highly anticipated rematch for the state championship at 7:30 p.m. inside the DakotaDome.

Two teams separated by just 44 miles, Parkston handed Platte-Geddes its only loss of the season back on Aug. 28, a 30-6 win in Platte.

Since then, the Black Panthers have continued to find a way to pile up nine straight wins. PG defeated Hanson (34-20), Garretson (23-15) and Hamlin (45-24) in the postseason.

Platte-Geddes averages 37.4 points per game while surrendering 14.8 points per game defensively.

In the semifinal win over Hamlin on the road, PG's Landon Keiser took over with 19 carries for 296 yards and four touchdowns, including a 90-yard kick return touchdown. He also had nine tackles and an interception on defense.

PG is eyeing its first state championship since 2021 when it won back-to-back titles.

On the other side, Parkston is making its return to the DakotaDome after a one-year hiatus, looking for their first state championship since 2023 when they defeated Howard (12-7).

The Trojans bolster the top-scoring offense and defense season, beating teams by an average of 39.9 points per game this season, the best margin of victory in the state.

Parkston has defeated notable opponents such as Platte-Geddes (30-6), Kimball/White Lake (36-6) and most recently Britton-Hecla (36-13) in the semifinals.

Against the Braves, Sean Deckert had seven carries for 128 yards and two touchdowns with three receptions for 63 yards and a score as well. Mason Jervik carried the ball 11 times for 80 yards and a touchdown, adding five receptions for 148 yards and two touchdowns as well.

Brycen Bruening completed four passes for 92 yards, tallying 26 yards and a score on the ground.