Jul. 2—The arrival of July means a new athletic year has begun for high school sports, and the march to a new football season in South Dakota is well underway.
Thursday, July 2, signified the 50-day countdown to the 2026 high school football season in South Dakota, which will kick off on Friday, Aug. 21.
Here are 50 storylines, facts and questions to consider ahead of the new high school football campaign around the state.
1. After an undefeated season and a state championship for Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy in 2025, the Freeman football team is on its own for 2026. Marion formed a co-op with Parker, and the Freeman Academy school has closed, meaning the Flyers will have their own team for the first time in more than a decade. They are playing in Class 9A in 2026.
2. Two of the most storied football programs in the state are joining forces, as Colome co-ops with Gregory for football this season. They have nine state championships between them, including six since 2014. The Gorillas will play in Class 9AA and open the season on Aug. 21 at Kimball/White Lake.
Thursday, July 2, signified the 50-day countdown to the 2026 high school football season in South Dakota, which will kick off on Friday, Aug. 21.
Here are 50 storylines, facts and questions to consider ahead of the new high school football campaign around the state.
1. After an undefeated season and a state championship for Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy in 2025, the Freeman football team is on its own for 2026. Marion formed a co-op with Parker, and the Freeman Academy school has closed, meaning the Flyers will have their own team for the first time in more than a decade. They are playing in Class 9A in 2026.
2. Two of the most storied football programs in the state are joining forces, as Colome co-ops with Gregory for football this season. They have nine state championships between them, including six since 2014. The Gorillas will play in Class 9AA and open the season on Aug. 21 at Kimball/White Lake.
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