The 2026 high school football season in South Dakota began Friday, Aug. 21, with Class 11B and the 9-player divisions taking the field for Week 0. Games across the state produced a mix of lopsided victories and tight finishes, giving coaches early directional signals and fans a first look at teams they will follow through the fall.
Notable openers and standout scores
Top results included an entertaining matchup in Class 11B where Chamberlain edged Rapid City Christian, 38-30. Several teams put up large numbers, with Centerville overwhelming Sioux Falls Lutheran, 58-14, and Corsica-Stickney posting a prolific day against Burke, 64-13.
Other decisive wins in Week 0 included Parkston defeating Hill City, 54-24, and Kimball/White Lake topping Gregory, 42-8. Several smaller-class and 9-player contests also featured wide margins, while a number of games remained competitive into the final minutes.
Selected Week 0 results
Below are representative scores from the SDHSAA Week 0 slate across classes and formats. This list highlights results reported across the state.
- Class 11B: Chamberlain 38, Rapid City Christian 30
- Class 11B: St. Thomas More 41, Mobridge-Pollock 6
- 9AA: Estelline/Hendricks 40, Florence/Henry 8
- 9AA: Britton-Hecla 44, Waverly-South Shore 0
- 9A: Centerville 58, Sioux Falls Lutheran 14
- 9A: Castlewood 46, Hamlin 34
- 9B: Corsica-Stickney 64, Burke 13
- 9B: St. Mary's 58, Deubrook Area 6
| Class | Winning team | Score | Opposing team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11B | Chamberlain | 38-30 | Rapid City Christian |
| 9A | Centerville | 58-14 | Sioux Falls Lutheran |
| 9AA | Estelline/Hendricks | 40-8 | Florence/Henry |
| 9B | Corsica-Stickney | 64-13 | Burke |
Early impressions and what to watch
Week 0 results can be deceptive; lopsided scores sometimes mask transitional weeks for programs, while close games may reveal strengths that show up on film and in box scores. For example, teams that scored heavily in the opener will be watched for depth and consistency, while squads that survived tight games may have uncovered late-game resilience and special teams play that matter in close division races.
Coaches will use film from these opening contests to identify areas for growth—particularly underclassmen stepping into larger roles and adjustments on both sides of the ball. For smaller schools and 9-player programs, Week 0 serves as a key benchmark: depth and conditioning often determine how teams fare when opponents bring sustained pressure throughout a season.
How to follow ongoing coverage
Fans seeking the full roster of Week 0 results and ongoing score updates can consult the SDHSAA scoreboard and local media outlets that track high school sports across the state. Local athletic offices and school social media channels also post box scores and photos after games.
As the schedule progresses, conference standings and playoff permutations will begin to take shape. Community support—attendance at Friday-night games, booster activities and local coverage—remains a central part of the high school football experience in South Dakota.
Looking ahead
Week 1 will expand the slate to more classifications, bringing additional matchups and renewed storylines: returning state contenders sharpening their rosters, newcomers testing their lineups and perennial rivals renewing local passions. Coaches and athletic directors will refine rosters this week and prepare for the more crowded Friday nights ahead.
Results reported here are from the SDHSAA Week 0 release. For a complete game-by-game list and updated standings, check the SDHSAA website and local sports coverage.
