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Class 9AA Semifinal Preview - Parkston, Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy and Hamlin, Elkton-Lake Benton set for rematches in semis
Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy's Jackson Donlan, left, can't haul in a catch against Parkston's Kaden Holzbauer, right, on Aug. 23 in Freeman.
(Ryan Deal / 605 Sports)
Nov 5, 2024
 

By Ryan Deal 

605 Sports

Four Class 9AA foes will get reacquainted with each other on Friday.

No. 1 Parkston (10-0) will host No. 5 Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy (8-2) in a rematch from the season opener, a 42-14 Trojan victory. The Trojans, who are on a 22-game winning streak, won last season’s Class 9AA state championship. 

Parkston defeated Stanley County (58-6) and Leola-Frederick Area (40-6) in its first playoff games this season. The Trojans are scoring 44.4 points per game and are allowing just 10.9 points per game on defense. 

The Phoenix, meanwhile, have rattled off seven straight wins after a 1-2 start to the season. FMFA also lost to Elkton-Lake Benton, 40-12, on Sept. 6 before its seven-game winning streak. The Phoenix defeated De Smet (58-14) and Hill City (36-26) in the first two rounds of the playoffs. FMFA scores 43.6 points per game and allows 22 points per game on defense.

Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy is gunning for its first trip to the DakotaDome as a co-op. 

In the other semifinal matchup, No. 2 Hamlin (10-0) hosts No. 3 Elkton-Lake Benton (9-1) in another rematch from the regular season. The Chargers edged the Elks, 40-35, at Elkton in a wildly entertaining contest. 

Hamlin picked up wins over Waubay-Summit (55-0) and Viborg-Hurley (56-20) in its first two playoff games. Hamlin scores 54.3 points per game and allows just 7.7 points per game on defense. The Chargers have pitched five shutouts this season. 

Elkton-Lake Benton knocked off Great Plains Lutheran (54-0) and Hanson (46-21) in its first two playoff games. The Elks have recorded five shutouts this season. Elkton-Lake Benton is seeking its first trip to the DakotaDome as a co-op. 


No. 1 Parkston (10-0) vs. No. 5 Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy (8-2), 7 p.m., Parkston School

No. 2 Hamlin (10-0) vs. No. 3 Elkton-Lake Benton (9-1), 7 p.m., Hamlin School