Simplified: The Sioux Falls Jefferson Cavaliers open with a tough schedule, and they’ll need their young and inexperienced offensive line to get comfortable in a hurry. But like last year, the Cavs are likely to come on down the stretch and could certainly compete for their second state title in school history.

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Sioux Falls Jefferson likely won’t be ranked No. 1 at the start of the season, but the Cavaliers could very likely be there at the end.

Second-year head coach Eric Struck sounds every bit the confident coach when it comes to the Cavaliers’ chances of making a post-season run to the DakotaDome in November.

Like last year’s 8-3 team, Jefferson will use two quarterbacks to lead a potent offense in 2026. Junior Boston Bryant and senior Cason Mediger both saw significant time last year, and both put up solid numbers. Bryant finished with 1,559 yards passing and 16 touchdown strikes. Mediger threw for 918 yards and 14 touchdowns.