South Dakota Gridiron Report: Tackling Class 11AA's turnaround trend
Aug. 26—Ebbs and flows define South Dakota high school football, as programs rise and fall in a cycle But in Class 11AA, the pattern has looked different in recent seasons. Though a division of only 11 teams, Class 11AA regularly sees teams that catapult up the standings from the year before, rather than follow a steady trajectory over several seasons. Those power surges draw a spotlight, as ...
South Dakota high school football has seen fluctuating fortunes in Class 11AA, where teams often experience rapid improvements in performance from one year to the next. Four seasons of data reveals numerous examples of this trend, with Huron and Sturgis doubling their wins from 2024 to the previous season, Brookings improving from 1-8 to 8-3, Watertown doubling its wins and winning the 2024 championship, and Aberdeen Central moving from the No. 7 seed to No. 3.
Coaches attribute this trend to the class's unique structure, where every team is forced to improve and the margin between teams is smaller than it seems. Programs often invest in emerging classes early on, even if it means short-term sacrifices. Factors such as changes in coaching staff or game strategies also contribute to the trend.
With only 11 teams in Class 11AA, every team that drops in the standings is likely replaced by another rising team. This season, only three teams - Aberdeen Central, Mitchell, and Douglas - are likely to pursue a turnaround. Aberdeen Central emerged as the frontrunner due to its roster size and past close calls. The season opener features a rematch of the past two state title games between Sioux Falls Christian and Lennox.
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