Over the next three days the DakotaDome in Vermillion will be filled with seven high school football state championships as 9-man kicks off the long weekend with all three of its games today.
Class 9B – 10:00 – #1 Avon vs. #2 Faulkton Area
The top two seeds in Class 9B will get the weekend started as the Avon Pirates will face the Faulkton Area Trojans. Avon has cruised through each of the first three rounds, but Faulkton Area has the best three wins of any team heading into the Dome. The Trojans have shutout all three of its opponents in the playoffs and while not expecting a shutout, the defense will be tough for Avon to score.
Class 9A – 2:30 – #1 Warner vs. #7 Deubrook Area
The top seed Warner Monarchs are looking for an undefeated season taking on the lowest seed team in the state championships, the Deubrook Area Dolphins in the 9A championship. Warner lost to Gregory in the state championship last year while Deubrook Area returns for the first time since winning it all in 2012. Deubrook, the seventh seed, had to beat second seed Alcester-Hudson and third ranked Philip to reach the title game.
Class 9AA – 7:00 – #1 Parkston vs. #3 Howard
The final game of day one will be #1 Parkston taking on #3 Howard in the 9AA state championship. Parkston is looking to cap off a perfect season while Howard has just one loss on the season. The two defenses have been fantastic in the playoffs as Parkston has allowed just three points while Howard has only given up six points. The Tigers shutout Platte-Geddes on the road last Friday to reach the championship.
All 9-man will play today while Class 11B, A and AA will play Friday and Class 11AAA plays Saturday.
