By Rich Winter

605 Sports

VERMILLION — Standing in the way of an historic three-peat for Lower Brule is a White River team in its first year in the All-Nations Football Conference 

The Sioux (9-0) are looking to become the first team in the five-year history of the All-Nations Conference league to win three consecutive titles when they meet the Tigers (8-2) in Friday’s All-Nations Class 9B championship. The Sioux are currently riding a 29-game winning streak with their last loss coming to Tiospa Zina on Oct. 19, 2021. Lower Brule defeated White River 34-0 on Sept. 12 during the 2024 regular season in a game that was scoreless at the half. 

Lower Brule comes into Friday’s contest averaging 68 points per game. While the Sioux offense is explosive the 2024 defense has been downright dominant. The Sioux have given up just 18 points on the season. 

Lower Brule’s running game has been stout all season, led by all-conference performers Nate Middletent and Isaiah Felicia. Sophomore quarterback Eden Thigh’s play has improved throughout the season and he’ll be looking to find Nicolas Flute and Kristian Antelope who were both all-conference performers. Lineman Sidney Walters was an all-conference performer and end Deirae St. Cloud was an honorable mention all-conference performer from the end position. 

Lower Brule defeated Crazy Horse 66-0 on Nov. 1 to advance to the Class B championship.

Earlier this year it looked like White River might not even have a football season because of low numbers. After declaring their intentions to play in the All-Nations Football Conference, numbers improved and the Tigers find themselves on the doorstep of a football championship. 

The White River defense stops a Marty runner during the first round of the All-Nations playoffs - (Rodney Haas / 605 Sports)

The Tigers are led by all-conference performers Teagan and Riley Bouman who split carries at running back and are stalwarts for the White River defense. Lineman Liam White Hat and defensive back Cooper Krogman were the other all-conference performers. 

White River coach Spencer Blom noted that sophomores, quarterback Mekhi Krogman and tight end/linebacker Kayden Knife, both honorable mention all-conference performers, have improved dramatically as the season’s progressed. 

White River enters Friday’s championship game averaging 44 points per game while giving up just eight points per game. The Tigers are 6-1 over their last seven games and have outscored their last two opponents 106-0, including a 36-0 win over Omaha Nation to advance to the Class 9B championship game.