By: Leah Rado, Matt Bunke and Luke Hagen, The Daily Republic

 

High school football technically started last week in South Dakota, but since only a handful of area teams played Week 0 games, we decided this week — Week 1 — would be a good time to share our thoughts and make a few predictions as to who will be where when it comes time to send someone to the Dome.

Rado: The easiest prediction for me to make is that a Mitchell-area team will win the 9AA state title for the third straight year.

The hardest prediction is picking one.

Off the top of my head I’d pick Lyman. It lost two, maybe three guys off a team that was a game away from the title game last year, and returns 23 letter winners — most of them seniors — all looking for revenge for that semifinal loss.

But then there’s Howard, which made the move to 9-man football after a very successful season in the 11B ranks. If last week’s 42-6 win over Parker was any indication, it doesn’t appear that the Tigers will have any problems making the transition from 11-man to 9-man.

That being said, you definitely can’t count out Emery/Ethan, Gregory or Canistota/Bridgewater, and I think Hurley/Marion will be tough to contend with a few weeks down the road.

In 9A, Hanson looked good right out of the gates with a 36-8 win over the Cobras in Week 0, but Avon is a perennial favorite. Corsica/Stickney should have a good year as a first-year co-op, and Tripp-Delmont/Armour I think could surprise some people.

Sanborn Central gets my nod in 9B since Hanson moved up to 9A. Lukas VanLaecken has been great the past two years, and with him continuing to run the ball well his senior season, the Rebels should have a standout year.

Another tough class to pick is 11B. Platte-Geddes/Dakota Christian made a solid postseason run last year and looked good against McCook Central/Montrose last week, but Bon Homme should be solid again this year and Winner moved from 11A to 11B and looks to be tough as usual.

As of right now, my vote is with Winner.

Bunke: I would be shocked if a Mitchell-area team doesn’t win the 9AA title for the third year in a row. Emery/Ethan won the title two years ago and is stacked up front this season, and despite defending champion Hurley/Marion’s lopsided loss to Hanson last week, don’t be surprised if the Cobras turn things around quickly.

Howard should be a huge threat after moving down from 11-man football this year, Gregory should be largely rebuilt two years after its last run to the Dome and Canistota/Bridgewater will be much improved as well.

But if I have to pick just one team from 9AA, it’s Lyman. The Raiders lost only a handful of seniors from a team that came within a game of the Dome last season, and most importantly, return one of the state’s best halfbacks in Dawson Jandreau. He doesn’t seem to get as much attention as some of the East River backs, but he’s the real deal.

With Hanson moving up and out of 9B, Sanborn Central inherits the title of best area 9B team, in my opinion. The Rebels have some key linemen to replace, but don’t be surprised if workhorse running back Lukas VanLaecken runs for well over 2,000 yards this season.

In 9A, I think Tripp-Delmont/Armour and Corsica/Stickney both have the potential to be big-time surprises, and Mount Vernon could be a serious contender. However, it was Hanson that established itself as an early favorite with a Week 0 rout of Hurley/Marion.

In 11B, Winner has been a popular state title pick in the preseason, and they’re my pick as well after moving down from 11A last season, where they were runners up. However, I also expect Bon Homme to put together a strong postseason run.

Hagen: Last week I realized exactly how close area football fanatics look at our weekly picks.

While golfing Saturday afternoon at Wild Oak, I got some hazing for picking Hurley/Marion over Hanson. Well, the Beavers dominated, and I heard about it.

If picking week-to-week winners means that much to some, I’m a little cautious — for my own sake at least — to pick the top area teams that have the best chance to make it to the DakotaDome in November.

Well, since I don’t get out to the golf course too often, here goes.

9B: Since Hanson moved up a class, the area team with the best chance to make the state title game is Sanborn Central. With a workhorse like Lukas VanLaecken at the running back spot, I see the Rebels making a strong run in the playoffs.

9A: With Hanson and Avon as defending state champions, one would think I’d look to one of the obvious choices in this class. Instead, I see Mount Vernon with the best record here.

9AA: As probably the toughest class in our area with the most talent, it’s going to be quite a feat to make it to the dome in Class 9AA.

Howard and Emery/Ethan each opened the season last week with dominant wins, but Lyman, Gregory and even Hurley/Marion will be tough.

I look for the Raiders — who were one game away from the state championship last year — to make it this season.

11B: As another very tough class, it’s definitely tough to see a clear favorite here.

Winner, Bon Homme, Wagner and PGDC should all have stellar seasons.

My best educated guess goes to the Cavaliers, as the team has a top-notch defense and an athletic offense.