VERMILLION, S.D. – The 2023 South Dakota High School Football Championships opened up Thursday with the 9-man classes.
In Class 9AA, the Parkston Trojans defeated Howard 12-7 in a grand it out, defensive battle. Parkston was the runner-up in the 2022 state championships.
In Class 9A, Warner defeated Deubrook Area 76-54 for the championship. Not only is this the first state championship for the Monarchs football program, but the two program put together the most offensive, combined scoring performance in state football history in South Dakota with 130 points.
The previous record was set by Kimball and Gettysburg, who combined for 104 points in 2001.
And in the Class 9B championship, Avon survived a late game surge over Faulkton Area 32-30. For the Pirates, this is their first state football title since 2013.
Avon hung on after Faulkton threatened to score with just over a minute to play. A Faulkton touchdown was called back due to a penalty and Avon stopped them on a fourth down and long.
