Expected the unexpected in Class 9AA. 

The state’s largest nine-man class has delivered some instant classics in recent years, and this year appears to be no different. 

While Parkston (8-0) is the last undefeated team in Class 9AA, there are six one-loss teams to form a logjam of hungry title contenders and intrigue across the bracket. 

Parkston, which will host No. 16 Viborg-Hurley, is coming off a Class 9AA runner-up finish last season. The Trojans haven’t lost since, capturing the No. 1 seed and own wins over No. 2 Platte-Geddes, No. 9 Hanson, No. 12 Kimball/White Lake and No. 13 Bon Homme. 

Hanson's Jayce Slaba delivers a pass against Parkston earlier this season in Parkston. (Ryan Deal / 605 Sports)

Parkston could match up with Hanson in Round 2, if both teams win their first-round contests. Hanson (6-2) plays at No. 8 Leola/Frederick Area (5-3).

Platte-Geddes (7-1) rattled off seven straight victories after falling to Parkston in the season opener. The Black Panthers will host No. 15 Great Plains Lutheran (4-4) to start their postseason campaign. 

The Black Panthers are joined by Hamlin, Wall, Stanley County, Howard and Elkton-Lake Benton as one-loss teams in the loaded field. 

Most intriguing first-round matchup 

Playoffs regularly pit unfamiliar faces from different pockets of the state against each other.

This year is no different, with Stanley County hosting Freeman-Marion-Freeman Academy in the Class 9AA opener. The No. 7 Buffaloes (7-1) will host the No. 10 Phoenix (6-2) at 7 p.m. CT in Fort Pierre, featuring two teams that haven’t played in recent memory and are both oozing with playmakers. 

Stanley County is enjoying its best season since 2016, when it advanced to the Class 9AA semifinals. The Buffaloes picked up a quality win over Class 9B power De Smet (38-30) on Aug. 25 and their lone setback was against Bon Homme, a 28-22 decision. 

Stanley County's Broch Zeeb looks for a receiver earlier this season against Bon Homme. (Rodney Haas / 605 Sports)

The Buffaloes are powered by quarterback Broch Zeeb, running backs Barrett Schweitzer and Colton Brady and wide receiver Paxton Deal. 

The Phoenix have suffered setbacks against Howard and Corsica-Stickney, while it owns a win over Class 9B No. 1 seed Avon. Phoenix quarterback Riley Tschetter suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Pirates, but Karter Weber has seamlessly taken over the offensive reins. Last week against Florence-Henry, Weber completed nine passes for 122 yards and three touchdowns. Evan Scharberg caught two of those touchdown passes while Rocky Ammann caught a 15-yarder from Weber and returned a punt 40 yards for a touchdown. Dominic Sperling finished with two rushing touchdowns. 

Crowded playoff picture

There’s no shortage of title contenders, intriguing matchups and sleepers in Class 9AA. It all adds up to an enticing playoff bracket full of intrigue. 

The top bracket features three of the four semifinal teams from last season: Parkston, Hamlin and Wall. Wall defeated Parkston for the state championship. They could meet in the semifinals if both teams win their first two games. 

Wall's Burk Blasius carries the ball against Lyman earlier this season in Presho. (Rodney Haas / 605 Sports)

Leola/Frederick Area will host Hanson in the No. 8 vs. No. 9 matchup, with the winner likely getting Parkston. Hanson and Parkston have played some memorable games in recent years, including a 16-6 Parkston win in the regular season. 

The bottom bracket is dripping with intrigue, too. Platte-Geddes, Stanley County, Howard and Elkton-Lake Benton all sport 7-1 records. Elkton-Lake Benton returned a wealth of talent from last season’s semifinal team, where it lost to Parkston. 

Platte-Geddes is not far removed from back-to-back state championships, winning titles in 2020 and ‘21. Howard has made recent trips to the DakotaDome, including a 2021 Class 9A state championship. 

Class 9AA First-Round Pairings

No. 1 Parkston (8-0) vs. No. 16 Viborg-Hurley (3-5), 7 p.m., CT, in Parkston

No. 8 Leola/Frederick Area (5-3) vs No. 9 Hanson (6-2), 7 p.m., CT, in Leola

No. 4 Hamlin (7-1) vs. No. 13 Bon Homme (3-5), 7 p.m., CT, in Hayti 

No. 5 Wall (7-1) vs. No. 12 Kimball/White Lake (4-5), 5:30 p.m., MT, in Wall 

No. 2 Platte-Geddes (7-1) vs. No. 15 Great Plains Lutheran (4-4), 6 p.m., CT, in Platte

No. 7 Stanley County (7-1) vs. No. 10 Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy (6-2), 7 p.m., CT, in Fort Pierre 

No. 3 Howard (7-1) vs. No. 14 Ipswich (4-4), 6 p.m., CT, in Howard

No. 6 Elkton-Lake Benton (7-1) vs. No. 11 Britton-Hecla (5-3), 6 p.m., CT, in Elkton