Class 11AAA Championship Preview: Sioux Falls Jefferson, Sioux Falls Lincoln set for Class 11AAA title tilt
Sioux Falls Jefferson's Cason Mediger (3) carries the ball against Sioux Falls Jefferson on Sept. 12 at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls. (Ryan Deal / 605 Sports)
VERMILLION — Sioux Falls Lincoln’s last defeat was a 42-14 setback against Sioux Falls Jefferson on Sept. 12.
Fast forward to Nov. 14, and the Patriots have not lost since and will play the Cavaliers in the Class 11AAA state championship at 7:30 p.m. at the DakotaDome.
No. 1 Sioux Falls Jefferson (11-0) will play No. 2 Sioux Falls Lincoln (9-2) in a matchup of Sioux Falls Metro Athletic Conference powers.
The Cavaliers have outscored their opponents by 35 points per game and have scored 40 or more points in 10 games this season.
Jefferson defeated Rapid City Central (52-10) and Harrisburg (58-12) through the first two rounds of the playoffs. Against the Tigers, Cason Mediger completed 20-of-23 passes for 231 yards and three touchdown passes. Jase Unzen hauled in 11 receptions for 132 yards and a touchdown. Tyson Tycz added 56 yards receiving and two touchdown catches. Quentin Hudelson rushed for 79 yards, while Anthony Patron rushed for two touchdowns and Boston Bryant added a rushing score.
Jefferson is making its second appearance in the Class 11AAA state championship, winning it all in 2022.
Lincoln, meanwhile, is playing in its fourth consecutive Class 11AAA state championship game. The Patriots won titles in 2023 and ‘24, while they finished second in 2025.
The Patriots defeated Sioux Falls Washington (42-7) in the playoff opener. They edged Brandon Valley (37-34) in overtime in a rematch of last season’s Class 11AAA state title game.
Against the Lynx, future SDSU quarterback Brody Schafer passed for 268 yards and three touchdown passes. He added an 86-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Schafer’s touchdown pass in overtime to Everett Starks lifted Lincoln to the DakotaDome.
