After losing just one game last season to Class 11A state champ Dell Rapids, the defending Class 11B champion Hot Springs Bison find themselves towards the bottom of the preseason polls.

The Winner Warriors, despite not appearing in last season's 11B title game, sit atop the media polls with 10 first-place votes. The state runner-up Elk Point/Jefferson Huskies finish second with four first-place votes. The always impressive Sioux Valley Cossacks are No. 3 with the final two first-place votes, while Woonsocket-Wessington Springs-Sanborn Central and Hot Springs round out the top-five prep media poll.

Storylines to watch:

Can Winner get back to glory?:

The Warriors have gone two seasons without bringing home a state title, having had its last two seasons ended by Elk Point/Jefferson in the state championship and semifinals in 2022 and ‘23, respectively. Winner will start the 2024 season facing four straight opponents receiving votes in the media poll, including matchups with Hot Springs and EPJ. Without Shawn Hammerbeck for the first part of the season, the Warriors could stumble early on.

Can the Blackhawks make noise in 2024?:

Despite losing in the first round of last season's 11B playoffs, Woonsocket-Wessington Springs- Sanborn Central returns plenty of experience on both sides of the football. With senior quarterback and Northern State commit Holden Havlik under center, and all-state wide receiver Ryder Michalek, the Blackhawks could make a run in this season’s playoffs.

Jeff VanLeur continues historic career:

 Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan’s Jeff VanLeur has put together an historic career, and he’s back for his 45th season as a head coach. VanLeur has a 300-135 coaching record, the second most coaching wins in South Dakota football history. Kim Nelson, who retired last season at Sioux Falls Roosevelt, has the most coaching wins with 314. 

Players to watch: 

Donovan Rose, Sioux Valley: A 5-foot-9, 170-pound running back, Rose had 15 touchdowns on 94 carries last season for the Cossacks. The all-stater ran for 953 yards his junior season, averaging over 10 yards a carry, and is committed to the University of Sioux Falls.

Ryder Michalek, W-WS-SC: A 6-foot-3, 180-pound wide receiver, Michalek recorded over 800 receiving yards last season. The all-stater reeled in 48 passes, six for touchdowns, including one rushing touchdown in 2023.

Hudson Kempf, Elk Point/Jefferson: The 6-foot-1, 250-pound lineman is the only returning starter on the EPJ line. Kempf played a huge role in the ground game for an offense than for over 2,100 yards in 2023.

Shawn Hammerbeck, Winner: A 6-foot-7, 245-pound lineman, Hammerbeck led the Warrior defense in sacks last season. The future Nebraska Cornhusker and all-state defensive lineman also tied for team leader in tackles in 2023.

Aiden Fischer, Aberdeen Roncalli: A 5-foot-10, 155-pound defensive back, Fischer recorded 60 tackles and four interceptions last season for the Cavaliers. The all-stater also totaled 429 rushing yards, nine catches for 250 yards and six touchdowns, as well as 415 passing yards and three more touchdowns last season.

Woonsocket/Wessington Springs/Sanborn Central's Holden Havlik (7) looks for an open receiver against Rapid City Christian last season in Wessington Springs. (Ryan Deal / 605 Sports)

Holden Havlik, W-WS-SC: A 6-foot-3, 215-pound quarterback, Havlik tallied 1,752 passing yards and 17 passing touchdowns in his junior season. The Northern State commit also rushed for 542 yards and nine touchdowns in 2023 for the Blackhawks.

Colby Kolda, Miller/Highmore-Harrold: A 6-foot-1, 170-pound fullback, Kolda tallied nearly 1,000 total yards of offense in 2023. The all-stater had 691 yards on the ground with four rushing touchdowns, while catching four more touchdowns along with an additional 278 receiving yards.

Connor Harrison, Lead-Deadwood: A 6-foot-3, 260 pound all-state lineman, Harrison was the lead blocker for the Golddiggers, recording 30 pancake blocks. Harrison has started every game for Lead-Deadwood since his freshman season, and has only missed three plays entering his senior year.

Jason Zeeb, Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan: A 6-foot-2, 210-pound lineman, Zeeb has played an important role on both sides of the football. The returning all-stater led the Seahawks with 55 tackles last season, including five sacks and three fumble recoveries.