Editor’s Note: 605 Sports will unveil team preview capsules on all football classes leading up to the 2023 season openers. The information provided was submitted by coaches in response to an email sent by 605 Sports. 

Elk Point-Jefferson spoiled Winner’s attempt at a Class 11B three-peat last season, defeating the Warriors 21-14 in last season’s title game.

The Huskies graduated a host of key contributors, but will look to build off last season’s title run in 2023. 

Winner, which has played in five straight Class 11B championships, was picked No. 1 in the preseason South Dakota Prep Media Football Poll. The Warriors received 14 first-place votes and EPJ received the other two. 

Sioux Valley, McCook Central/Montrose and Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan round out the top-five teams in the preseason poll. 

Team capsules (listed in alphabetical order): 

Elk Point-Jefferson 

Coach: Jake Terry (38-38 coaching record)  

Last year’s record: 12-0 (Class 11B state champs)  

Key returnees: WR/DB, Garrett Merkley, 6-0, 160, senior; WR, Kayden Moore, 6-0, 140, senior; OL/DL, Evan Fornia, 6-6, 230, senior; OL, Hudson Kempf, 6-2, 245, junior; LB, Jake Gale, 5-10, 150, senior; DB, Carson Timmins, 6-0, 155, senior. 

Top newcomers: QB/DB, Keaton Gale, 5-10, 165, junior; RB/LB, Gunner Ewing, 5-8, 160, senior; TE/DE, Reed Sayler, 6-2, 180, senior; FB/DE, Daenton Ronellenfitch, 6-1, 185, senior; OL/LB, Aidan Zach, 6-1, 225, senior; OL/DL, Grayson Jacobs, 6-3, 215, senior; WR/DB, Tracen Pearson, 6-0, 150, senior; OL/DL, R.J. Chicoine, 5-11, 220, junior; TE/LB, Ashton Fairbanks, 6-2, 220, junior; WR/DB, Grayson Girard, 5-11, 150, junior; WR/DB, Landon Johnsen, 6-1, 175, junior; OL/DL, Jace Shatswell, 6-2, 230, sophomore; OL/DL, Keaton Hinds, 6-1, 230, sophomore; TE/LB, Luke Schmitz, 6-1, 200, sophomore. 

Outlook: The Huskies return 25 letterwinners from last season’s Class 11B state championship team, their first title in school history. EPJ brings back four starters on offense and four starters on defense. The Huskies will have to replace a host of seniors, including six all-staters, that contributed to the title run.

“We have an irreplaceable group of seniors graduating from our program, however, their

impact on our program will be felt for a long time,” EPJ coach Jake Terry said. “Even though we do not return a lot of starters, we do return a lot of players who played a lot of time. We have had a great off season in the weight room, and the guys are ready for a bigger role on the field.

In order for us to get back to where we want to be we will need to develop our depth. We

have a lot of young men who are very capable that we will need to get ready to play. Our line will once again be our strength and we will lean heavily on them, however, we also return a lot of playmakers on the edge and we will need to find ways to get them the ball consistently. We will have to develop a proficient running game if we want to be successful. Defensively, we return a lot of players on both our lines and backfield. We will need to plug some holes at the LB position, but we have some very capable young men. As coaches we will need to design a scheme to fit our guys.”

Terry said the Big East Conference will again present a tough slate of opponents, while he expects McCook Central/Montrose, Winner, Hot Springs and Sioux Valley to be among the top Class 11B teams. 

Flandreau

Coach: Josh Edlund

Last Year’s Record: 3-5

Key Returners: QB/FS Paul Parsley, 6-2, 175, junior; WR/LB Ben Ballard, 5-10, 180, junior; HB/DE Karter Headrick, 6-0, 180, junior; OL Emmett Skroch, 5-10, 200, sophomore; CB Braden Peterson, 6-2, 175, senior; DE Gauge Ballard, 5-9, 170, junior. 

Top newcomers: OL Kamryn Grengs, 6-0, 295, junior; OL Tyton Peters, 6-3, 275, freshman; WR/DB Matthew Gassman, 5-7 150, senior. 

Outlook: The Fliers return 11 starters — five starters on offense and five starters on defense — for a team that finished 3-5 in 2022. Coach Josh Edlund, in his second year, feels like execution and effort will be keys for Flandreau. 

“We will have a lot of young guys getting experience this year but they are up for the challenge,” he said. “They have worked hard and have been participating in other sports and getting better every day. We have a small senior class that we will rely on to lead our team this year.  They work hard and are bought into the program. 

The Fliers don’t have a large roster so Edlund said one of the keys to success this year will be to stay healthy and be in shape. 

“Most of our guys have to play both ways so we need to come into games in good shape,” he said. 

The Fliers open their season on Aug. 18 against a McCook Central/Montrose team that many expect to be among Class 11B’s elite. 

“We play in a very tough conference,” Edlund said. “MCM had a good run last year and Elk Point-Jefferson won the state championship last year. Sioux Valley had a lot of juniors last year and they were a good team so they will be tough again this year.”

Groton Area

Coach: Shawn Wanner (Career record of 240-111)

Last year’s record: 3-5

Key returnees: QB/CB Lane Tietz, 6-0, 185, senior; FB/LB Colby Dunker, 6-1, 205, senior; RB/LB Christian Ehresmann, 5-10, 175, junior; RB/CB Teylor Diegel, 5-10, 170, junior; RB/LB Korbin Kucker. 6-0, 180, junior; OL/DL Logan Ringgenberg, 6-2 230, senior; OL/DL Holden Sippel, 6-0, 220, senior; OL Karter Moody, 6-3 240, sophomore; FS Ryder Johnson 6-2, 170, sophomore; CB Keegan Tracy, 6-0, 175. 

Top newcomers: TE/DE Caden MacInerney, 6-0, 190; OL/DL Payton Mitchell, 5-10, 180, junior; TE/DE Gage Sippel, 6-5, 190, sophomore; OL/DL Kaden Kampa, 6-0, 185, junior. 

Outlook: The Tigers return 17 starters — eight starters on offense and nine starters on defense — from a team that finished 3-5 in 2022. 

A number of explosive players return on offense including quarterback Lane Tietz who had 900 passing yards and eight touchdowns last season. Versatile RB Teylor Diegel had 400 rushing yards and 330 receiving yards in 2022. Korbin Kucker (200 yards rushing, three touchdowns), Christian Ehresmann (90 yards rushing and two touchdowns) and Colby Dunker (120 yards rushing) all return for Groton. 

Dunker led the team in tackles (80) in 2022. The Tigers return two defensive lineman, Logan Ringgenberg and Holden Sippel that combined for 129 tackles a season ago. Diegel had 56 tackles while Tietz had four interceptions a year ago. 

“In order for us to be successful we need to stay healthy,” Wanner said. “We have some experience back with good team speed at the skill positions.” 

Wanner said his biggest concern going into the season is depth at the offensive and defensive lines. 

The Tigers have a tough schedule and Wanner said he expects Winner, Sioux Valley and Rapid City Christian to be among the top Class 11B teams.

Hot Springs

Coach: Ben Kramer

Last year’s record: 8-3

Key returnees: RB/LB Camron Maciejewski, 6-0, 190 senior; OL Kayden Hansen, 6-0, 185, senior; OL/DT Caleb Rickenbach, 6-1, 205 senior; OL/DT Dawson Kleppe, 5-11, 210, senior; OL/DE Aidyn Janis, 6-3, 230, junior; WR/CB Matt Close, 6-0, 160, senior; WR/CB Blake Hanes, 5-8, 160, senior; LB Colin Iverson, 5-8, 170, senior; S Chaney Klippenstein, 5-10, 160, senior. 

Top newcomers: RB/LB Braden Peterson, 5-10, 160, senior; TE/DE Josh Kleinsasser, 6-0, 165, senior; WR/DB Modes Kerr, 6-0, 165, senior; QB/LB Colin Iverson, 5-8, 170, senior. 

Outlook: The Bison return 14 starters from — seven starters on offense and seven starters on defense —  last year’s team that reached the Class 11B semifinals. The Bison had some graduation losses but return a senior dominated team led by all-staters Camron Maciejewski and Caleb Rickenbach. Maciejewski was a 2022 all-stater at linebacker, racking up 117 tackles, two sacks and 14 tackles for loss. Rickenbach was an all-state defensive tackle in 2022 racking up 69 tackles and eight sacks. 

“Colin Inverson has waited patiently to take over at the QB position. He knows our offense and defense and is prepared to take over,” Kramer said. “Braden Peterson is a great athlete and we will build our offense around Braden and what he can bring to the table.” 

A terrific season in 2022, Kramer knows the 2023 season will provide challenges.

“First and foremost we need to stay healthy,” he said. “We have a lot of young talent but they need to gain experience through practice and JV games and not be forced into a role they are not prepared for.” 

Kramer feels like McCook Central/Montrose, Winner and Elk Point-Jefferson are the teams to watch in 11B. 

“McCook Central/Montrose is going to compete for an 11B title and Dell Rapids for an 11A title and those are the top dogs on our schedule,” Kramer said. 

After climbing the ranks in 11B in each of the last two seasons Kramer said his guys are still hungry. 

“These guys work very well together and we have a lot of experience returning which in my opinion is the most important factor for success,” he said. “These guys have seen success  in each of the last two seasons and they are hungry to take the next step.” 

Lead-Deadwood

Coach: Kyle Kooima  

Last year’s record: 4-5 

Key returnees: QB/LB, Sam Kooima, 6-0, 195, senior; RB, Mekhi Hayes, 5-11, 160, senior; OL/DL, Connor Harrison, 6-4, 265, junior; OL, Dylan Meade, 5-10, 220, senior; OL, Ethan Hess, 6-2, 195, senior; DL, Connor Bender, 6-4, 250, senior; LB, Cruz Mollman, 6-1, 170, junior; DB, Peyton Percy, 5-8, 145, sophomore; DB, Beau Wichterman, 6-2, 170, junior. 

Top newcomers: OL/DL, Brady Rantapaa, 6-2, 185, sophomore; QB/DB, Drew Janke, 5-9, 150, junior; RB/LB, Miles Renner, 5-11, 165, senior; OL/DL, Rylan Burnham, 5-11, 215, senior; LB/DE, Tyrel Seaman, 6-2, 170, sophomore; OL/DL, Channing Bloedel, 6-0, 165, senior; OL/DL, Joey Oswoski, 6-2, 185, senior; RB/DB, Finn Cain, 5-10, 145, sophomore; RB/LB, Ryan Silvernail, 5-9, 155, freshman. 

Outlook: The Golddiggers bring back 18 letterwinners — five starters on offense and six starters on defense — from last season’s 4-5 season. Lead-Deadwood’s Sam Kooima passed for 1,029 yards and 14 touchdowns, while rushing for 439 yards and seven more scores last season. Defensively, he had 58 tackles and an interception. 

Coach Kyle Kooima said finding replacements for departed offensive and defensive seniors will be key for the season, while also avoiding the injury bug.

“Staying healthy will be key to our success along with developing young players and getting them to step into key roles,” coach Kooima said. “Developing younger players and having them step up into key roles.”

Kooima also likes the versatility of this year’s team. 

“We have players that we can put in different positions at any given moment and have success,” coach Kooima said. 

He expects every opponent on this year’s schedule to be tough for the Golddiggers. Kooima points to Winner and Elk Point-Jefferson as the top Class 11B teams. 

McCook Central/Montrose

Coach: Austin Schroeder (First-year head coach)

Last year’s record: 9-2

Key returnees: Carter Randall, 5-9, 180, senior; Will Rotert 5-7, 215, senior; Ty Morrison, 5-10, 160, senior; Carter McGuire. 5-11, 170, senior; Carter Jandl. 6-0, 200, senior; Lane Deutsch, 6-1, 185 junior; Mason Sabers, 5-10, 160, junior; Jackson Schmidt 6-0, junior; Owen Alley, 6-2, 180, senior. 

Top newcomers: Caleb Waldner 6-0, 175, junior; Joseph Grady, 5-10, 260, junior; Logan Raap, 5-9, 205, junior.

Outlook: McCook Central/Montrose is coming off of a 9-2 season where the Fighting Cougars reached the Class 11B semifinals. While McCook Central/Montrose is returning a number of experienced players there are some new faces directing the action. 

“We have a completely new coaching staff,” coach Austin Schroeder said. “We have a lot of varsity players returning that will be in different positions than they were a year ago.” 

The upperclassmen on the roster will provide the leadership and be counted on to take this team deep into the playoffs. 

“We have a great group of juniors and seniors to step up and lead this team,” Schroeder said.

The Fighting Cougars open the 2023 campaign, at home on Aug. 18, when they face Flandreau. 

Mobridge-Pollock

Coach: Donovon Flaherty

Last year’s record: 4-5 

Key returnees: Jackson Eisemann, 5-10, 165, junior; Taylon Carmody 5-9, 150, senior; Deuce Fisher, 6-0, 220, senior; Joseph Dutenhoeffer, 5-9, 160, senior; Shane Handerson, 6-5, 190, junior; Carter Hinsz, 6-0, 240, junior; Riley Kerner, 6-2, 265, sophomore. 

Top newcomers: Elijah Eagle, 6-2, 315, junior; Tyler Schmeichel, 5-11, 185; Kellen Pfitzer, 6-1, 195, freshman; Mack Saxon 5-10, 185, freshman; Easton Eisemann, 5-11, 150, freshman.  

Outlook: Coach Donovon Flaherty takes over as the Tigers are coming off a 4-5 campaign in 2022. The Tigers have eight players returning that played significant roles on last year’s team. Five newcomers will be added to the rotation as Mobridge-Pollock will work on building its depth and staying healthy this season. 

“We are establishing a new foundation within our program,” coach Donovon Flaherty said. “When our kids buy in we will have a good mix of experience, youth and speed to be a competitive team. 

Mobridge-Pollock opens their season on the road on Aug. 18 vs. Webster Area. 

Mount Vernon/Plankinton

Coach: Brent Olson

Last year’s record: 8-2

Key returnees: WR/DB Zach Baker, 5-11, 165 senior; FB/LB Brady Fox 5-8, 205, junior; WR/DB Isaiah Olson 5-8, 160, junior; OL/DL Evan Bultsma 6-5, 250, senior; OL/DL Trevor Sweet, 6-0, 170. 

Top newcomers: OL/DL Jon Jones 5-10, 175 junior; RB/LB Cain Tobin, 5-8, 160; RB/LB Kyle Sandland, 5-8, 160, sophomore; WR/DB Riley Mayer 5-9, 150, sophomore; OL/DL Camden Stahl, 5-9, 175, sophomore; OL/DL Jack Larsch, 6-0, 170, junior. 

Outlook: The Titans return 11 starters — six starters on offense and five starters on defense — from a team that finished 8-2 in 2022. Coach Brent Olson said his team has to fill two wingback spots, a quarterback and three offensive lineman from last year’s team. Defensively, Olson notes the loss of two linebackers, a defensive tackle and a defensive end as well as two cornerbacks along with a punter and kicker. 

“We need to have some young guys to step up to fill starting roles,” Olson said. “As always, limiting both turnovers and penalties will be key to our success.”

Through the early part of fall camp Olson says his guys have shown the ability to work hard and take well to coaching. 

“We will be very inexperienced and those that are returning will be playing new positions,” Olson said. 

Olson said that Winner, Woonsocket/Wessington Springs/Sanborn Central along with Tri-Valley are among the tougher teams on the 2023 schedule. Olson said he expects Winner, Elk Point-Jefferson and McCook Central/Montrose to be among the best teams in the 11B ranks. 

Rapid City Christian

Coach: Matt McIntosh

Last year’s record: 4-5

Key returnees: QB Simon Kieffer, 6-0, 160, junior; WR/DB Wesley Schlabach, 6-1, 160, junior; OL/RB/LB Drake Lindberg, 6-0, 190, senior; OL/LB Braylon Marshall, 5-11, 165, junior; OL/DL Harm Straatmeyer, senior. 

Top newcomers: WR/DB Benson Kieffer, junior; WR/DB Lars Kieffer, sophomore. 

Outlook: The Comets return 17 letterwinners from a 2022 team that finished 4-5. Offensively junior quarterback Simon Kieffer returns following a standout sophomore season (1,617 yards passing, 21 TDs, 10 INT, school records for passing yards in a game, passing yards in a season, TDs in a season - All conference - Team Offensive MVP). One of Kieffer’s favorite targets, Wesley Schlabach, returns following an all-conference sophomore season (24 receptions, 304 yards receiving, 5 TDs). 

On defense the Comets have two outstanding linebackers returning in senior Drake Lindberg and junior Braylon Marshall. Lindberg returns after recording 109 tackles and six sacks as a junior. Marshall finished the 2022 campaign with 111 tackles and four sacks and was the team’s defensive MVP. 

On the offensive side of the ball, we need to be more balanced and establish a running game to complement the passing attack,” Matt McIntosh said.  “On defense, we need to continue to develop and stop teams from scoring.”

McIntosh feels like the Comets are still young but he says he has a great group of junior and senior players. “The team is tightly connected, they play multiple sports together, and we are looking forward to the season,” he said. 

The Comets will be looking to build off their 2022 season but McIntosh cautions the 2023 Comets have many areas to improve upon to be competitive. 

“There are no guaranteed wins in this division,” McIntosh said. “We will have to play our best against each opponent.”

On their 2023 schedule McIntosh feels like Hot Springs, Lead-Deadwood, Mount Vernon/Plankinton and Woonsocket/Wessington Springs/Sanborn Central will be among their tougher opponents. 

Sioux Valley 

Coach: Dan Hughes (62-38 coaching record) 

Last year’s record: 5-4  

Key returnees: QB/WR/DB, Jace Christensen, 5-10, 170, senior; WR/QB/DE, Boden Schiller, 6-1, 190, senior; WR/RB/DB, Donovan Rose, 5-8, 160, junior; WR/DB, Skyler Trygstad, 6-0, 165, senior; TE/DL, Hudsyn Ruesink, 6-3, 210, senior; OL, Austen Siegel, 5-11, 200, senior; OL/DL, Preston Top, 5-10, 195, sophomore; OL, Chris Hornick, 6-1, 200, senior; LB, Brock Christopherson, 5-10, 170, junior; DB, Caleb Murphy, 5-10, 165, senior; LB, Jakob Guthmiller, 6-1, 170, junior; Mitchell Guthmiller, 6-2, 170, sophomore; DL, Braydon Larson, 6-1, 270, senior. 

Top newcomers: RB, Brock Christopherson, 5-10, 170 junior; RB, Caleb Murphy, 5-10, 170, senior; RB, Jacob Guthmiller, 6-1, 170, junior; RB, Mitchell Guthmiller, 6-2, 170, sophomore; OL, Brock Bloker, 6-2, 220, senior; OL, Braydon Larson, 6-1, 270, senior; OL, Levi Loban, 5-11, 200, junior; OL, Clark Mullaney, 5-11, 180, junior; OL, Owen Vande Weerd, 6-3, 220, sophomore; OL, Drake Schmuck, 6-0, 230, sophomore; OL, Luke Lembcke, 6-0, 230, junior; OL, Wyatt Nelson, 6-0, 230, freshman.

Outlook: Sioux Valley returns 30 letterwinners — eight starters on offense and 10 starters on defense — from last season’s 5-4 campaign. The Cossacks’ returners are headlined by Jace Christensen, Boden Schiller and Donovan Rose. Christensen threw for 449 yards and five touchdowns, while Schiller rushed for 249 yards and three touchdowns. Donovan Rose hauled in 476 receiving yards and 10 touchdown passes. On defense, Schiller posted 54 tackles from this defensive end position and was an all-state special teams player. Christopherson (49 tackles) and Rose (29 tackles) also contributed from their linebacker and defensive back positions, respectively. 

But coach Dan Hughes expects contributions from a host of different players. 

“This season will be a success if we reach our potential and play with a lot of people in every Friday night game,” Hughes said. “Our goal is to play 25 different people on offense, defense and special teams. We want everyone on our team to contribute during the week in freshman, JV varsity levels – everyone is important and brings something to the table.”

Hughes anticipates Big East Conference rivals Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan, Elk Point-Jefferson and McCook Central/Montrose will be Sioux Valley’s toughest opponents this season. Hughes pointed to a handful of teams across the state as top teams in Class 11B. 

“Class 11B has 29 schools making it the largest classification in South Dakota,” Hughes said. “It is a huge challenge for any school to be in the top five of this class. All of these 29 schools have plenty of athletes to draw from and they all want to win in the fall. This year, like most others, very little will separate the best 5-10 teams.” 

Tri-Valley

Coach: Dan Snethan

Last year’s record: 4-5

Key returnees: BK/DB Eli McFarland, senior; BK/LB Brody Dybvig, sophomore; BK/LB Logan Ellison, senior; BK/LB Landyn Reiser sophomore; BK/DB Carter Sorenson, senior; BK/LB Hayden Hastings, senior; BK/LB Tyler Groenwald, senior; BK/LB Colby Carruthers, senior; OL/DL Reese Smith, senior; OL/LB Brendan Newman, senior; OL/DL Luke Nehlich; OL/DL Isaac Nehlich, senior; OL/LB Javier Mendoza, senior; OL/DL Hunter Plueger, senior; E/DL Trey Johnson, senior; E/DB Everett Althoff, senior; E/LB Cyrus Kirstein. 

Top newcomers: BK/DB Noah Eggert, junior; BK/DB Owen Effling, sophomore; BK/DB Ty Owen, sophomore; BK/LB Colby McAreavey, junior; BK/DB Bracken Sharpe; E/DB Anthony Osborne, sophomore; BK/LB Tyler Groenewald, senior; BK/LB Colby Carruthers, senior; OL/DL Connor Carruthers, sophomore; OL/DL Espn Althoff, junior; OL/LB Myles DeWitt, sophomore; OL/DL Lawson Lodmel, sophomore; OL/DL Reece DeVries, junior; OL/DL Riley Easton, junior; OL/DL Daniel Bursing, junior; OL/DL Dylan Christensen, sophomore; E/DB Troy Nebelsick, senior; E/DB Nolan Schmidt senior/ 

Outlook: The Mustangs return 16 starters — seven starters on offense and nine starters on defense — from a 2022 team that finished 4-5 and missed the 11B playoffs. With 23 returning letter-winners the Mustangs have some experience.

“The keys for us are to maximize existing experienced players, develop young talent and keeping a ‘1-0 every week’ focus,” coach Dan Snethan said. 

Among the challenges Snethan expects to run into are having patience with the developing players and for him to stay out of the way of our excellent coaching staff.

“The work ethic of this team is outstanding,” Snethan said. “We had a very productive off-season in the weight room and on the track. Several players have played/will play multiple positions and do it very well.”

Snethan feels like Winner, Parker, Custer, Sisseton, Mt Vernon/Plankinton, West Central, Elk Point-Jefferson and Wagner will all be tough opponents this season. 

His list of top teams in 11B this season (in alphabetical order) are: Aberdeen Roncalli Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan, Deuel, Elk Point-Jefferson, McCook Central/Montrose, Mt. Vernon/Plankinton, Redfield, Sioux Valley and St. Thomas More.

Winner

Coach: Trent Olson (32-1 coaching record) 

Last year’s record: 11-1 (Class 11B runner-ups)  

Key returnees: FB/LB, Aiden Barfuss, 6-0, 210, senior; OL/DL, Noah Best, 6-2, 265, senior; OL, Spencer Calhoon, 6-7, 300, senior; TE/DE, Shawn Hammerbeck, 6-7, 250, junior; DB, Jude Sargent, 5-11, 175, senior; DB, Karson Keiser, 5-8, 155, junior.

Outlook: The Warriors return 33 letterwinners — four starters on offense and four starters on defense — from last season’s 11-1 campaign. Winner played in its fifth-straight Class 11B state championship last season, losing to Elk Point-Jefferson, 21-14. The Warriors bring back a host of key contributors, including all-state fullback Aiden Barfuss. The 6-foot, 210-pounder logged 1,050 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns, while posting 38.5 tackles on defense. Winner will again boast a big offensive and defensive line, with this year’s units powered by Noah Best (6-2, 265), Spencer Calhoon (6-7, 300) and Shawn Hammerbeck (6-7, 250). 

Winner coach Trent Olson said keys to the season will be “Take care of the ball, play good defense, minimal penalties, solid special teams.”

Olson said West Central, Beresford, Tri-Valley, Mount Vernon/Plankinton and Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan will be Winner’s toughest regular season opponents. He said Elk Point-Jefferson, Sioux Valley, Hot Springs, St. Thomas More, Woonsocket/Wessington Springs/Sanborn Central, Mount Vernon/Plankinton, Tri-Valley and Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan are the top Class 11B teams.