The state’s largest class has been ripe with parity in recent years. 

After Sioux Falls Washington won three straight Class 11AAA state titles (2015-17), five different programs have won titles in the past six seasons. Brandon Valley won titles in 2018 and ‘20, while O’Gorman, Harrisburg, Jefferson and Lincoln have also won championships. 

In 2024, the parity could continue as several Sioux Falls-metro teams will again contend for state championship. In the preseason poll, Harrisburg was tabbed as the No. 1 team and picked up nine first-place votes.

Sioux Falls Lincoln, last season’s Class 11AAA state champion, garnered six first-place votes and was No. 2 in the poll. Brandon Valley, O’Gorman (other first-place vote) and Washington rounded out the top-five teams. 

Storylines to watch

Can Lincoln repeat?: There’s been no repeat champion since Washington won three straight championships from 2015-17. Sioux Falls Lincoln is gunning for the first repeat since the Warriors accomplished the feat seven years ago. But it won’t be easy. The Patriots graduated quarterback Tate Schafer (University of Sioux Falls), running back Dreavin Hodge (University of South Dakota) and wide receiver Jack Smith (South Dakota State University), among others, from last season’s dominant title run. 

Who else will contend?: The powerhouse Sioux Falls programs are always hit by graduation, but regularly have future stars waiting in the wings. This year is no exception, with several teams featuring up-and-coming players and returning all-staters. As a result, the Sioux Falls-metro teams will all challenge for the 2024 crown, and will regularly duke it out each week. 

Players to watch

Hudson Parliament, Brandon Valley: A 6-foot-4, 300-pound junior lineman, Parliament is a major college football prospect. The all-stater has already received scholarship offers from FBS programs Texas Tech, Nebraska, Minnesota, Kansas State, Kansas, Iowa State and Iowa. He’s a four-star prospect and will anchor the Lynx’s line play. 

Landon Dulaney, Brandon Valley: A 6-foot-2, 190-pound blazing wide receiver, Dulaney turned down bigger offers to stay in-state and play for the Jacks. He received a scholarship offer from FBS Boise State, while Missouri Valley Football Conference schools also offered him. Big Ten programs were also showing interest. Last season, the all-state wide receiver hauled in 34 catches for 633 yards and seven touchdowns. He added two rushing touchdowns, a kickoff return for a score and a punt return for a touchdown. 

Elias Gillen, Stevens: A 6-foot-6, 300-pound lineman, Gillen is headed to play college football Texas Tech. Gillen picked the Red Raiders over other Division I suitors Akron and Eastern Michigan.