When South Dakota expanded to seven football classes in 2013, the Pierre Governors became a Class 11AA dynasty. They’ve won eight championships since 2013, including an all-time state-record seven straight titles from 2017-2023. 

Pierre can make it eight in a row this season with another Class 11AA state championship. The Governors were the unanimous No. 1 in the Class 11AA preseason poll. Yankton and Tea Area, which have taken shots at Pierre in the past three title games, were second and third, respectively. 

Watertown and Aberdeen Central rounded out the top-five teams. 

Storylines to watch

Pierre primed for another run?: The Governors again graduated a host of talented seniors, but there’s always a steady list of contributors waiting in the wings. It’s no exception this year, with the next crew of Governors ready to make their mark. But will they have enough to make it eight in a row?

Who else will contend?: Yankton and Tea Area have been Pierre’s biggest challengers in recent years. The Bucks and Titans, who both return key players, will likely again be Pierre’s toughest foes in Class 11AA. Watertown and Aberdeen Central could also emerge from the pack. 

Players to watch

Spencer Wientjes, Watertown: A 6-foot-1, 215-pound running back/linebacker, Wientjes was an all-stater last season. He rushed for six touchdowns, caught three touchdown receptions and passed for another score. On defense, he logged 36 tackles (21 solo), three sacks and one interception. 

Jacob Jongejeugd, Tea Area: A 6-foot-4, 265-pound senior lineman, Jongejeugd was an all-stater last season and helped pave the way for 3,270 rushing yards/45 rushing touchdowns. 

Jeremiah Schulte, Watertown: A 5-foot-11, 165-pound wide receiver/defensive back, Schulte earned all-state defensive back honors last season. He recorded 57 tackles (28 solo) and forced one fumble.

Matthew Sheldon, Yankton: A 6-foot-1, 230-pound running back/linebacker, Sheldon was an all-state linebacker last season. He posted 106 tackles (12 tackles for loss) and 3.5 sacks. 

Micah Hach, Watertown: A 6-foot-5, 300-pound lineman, Hach was an all-state defensive lineman last season. He posted 47 tackles (26 solo) and one sack. Hach, who is also an outstanding wrestler, will play football and wrestle in college at South Dakota State. 

George Stalley, Pierre: Stalley is a dynamic playmaker for the Governors. A 5-foot-9, 175-pound wide receiver, Stalley hauled in 28 catches for 493 yards and five touchdowns last season. 

Cooper Terwilliger, Pierre: Terwilliger, a 6-foot-5, 225-pound sophomore tight end, is Pierre’s next big football star. This summer, Terwilliger picked up scholarship offers from Auburn, Georgia, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State and Nebraska, while other major programs are in pursuit. Last season, he hauled in 18 catches for 266 yards and four touchdowns. Terwilliger is the No. 4-ranked tight end in the Class of 2027, according to 24/7Sports.com.