Freeman and Parkston land top spots in 2026 South Dakota prep football poll
Easton Tschetter (5) carries the ball in the 2025 Class 9AA state championship game, a moment that still echoes in Freeman’s locker room.
Freeman and Parkston land top spots in 2026 South Dakota prep football poll
Four defending champions open as preseason favorites as the state gears up for opening weekend
Easton Tschetter faced the weight of a championship legacy as Freeman launched its first solo season after a co‑op title on August 17, 2026.
Freeman’s poll ranking arrived with the rest of the state’s preseason slate on Monday, Aug. 17, and it put the Flyers at No. 1 in Class 9A.
Parkston topped Class 9AA, while Pierre, Sioux Falls Christian and Dell Rapids St. Mary each claimed the No. 1 slot in their classes.
"Freeman earned the preseason No. 1 ranking for Class 9A," the poll states, underscoring the program’s momentum after last year’s co‑op championship.
Sources & Further Reading
Why the poll matters
The poll isn’t just a list; it sets the tone for locker‑room chatter, booster expectations, and media coverage all season long. Coaches will feel pressure to justify the rankings, while opponents will eye upsets as a badge of honor.
The human angle
For seniors like Tschetter, the No. 1 tag adds a personal test. He’ll lead a roster that now competes without the Marion partnership, meaning every snap carries more weight.
Beyond the headline rankings, the poll reflects deeper shifts in South Dakota high‑school football. The breakup of the Freeman‑Marion co‑op signals a move toward more independent programs, which could reshape recruiting pipelines and regional rivalries for years to come. Analysts note that schools with solo programs often see increased community investment, translating into better facilities and stronger youth feeder systems.
Looking ahead, the early‑season schedule pits Freeman against long‑time rivals in back‑to‑back road games, a test that will reveal whether the top‑spot is a true reflection of talent or merely preseason optimism. The outcomes of those matchups will likely influence the mid‑season rankings slated for release later this fall.
What Happens Next
- August 21, 2026 — Opening weekend kicks off across all seven classes, with Freeman’s first solo game slated for Friday night.
- September 15, 2026 — Mid‑season rankings will be released, offering the first glimpse of who’s living up to preseason hype.
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