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Simplified: This week is a big one for Sioux Falls-area football. It’s a state title rematch at Howard Wood Field between No. 2 Brandon Valley and No. 5 Lincoln. And it’s No. 1 Jefferson at No. 3 O’Gorman.

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There could be some fireworks this Friday at Howard Wood Field. It’s No. 2 Brandon Valley vs. No. 5 Sioux Falls Lincoln, and this one has all the makings of a classic … again.

Brandon Valley and Lincoln have met in the Class 11AAA title game the last two seasons. Lincoln won it in 2024, the Lynx got it last year.

Dome rivals

In 2024, the Patriots got a late touchdown for a decisive 10-point lead after Brandon Valley opted not to try a field goal to tie it with eight minutes to play. The gutsy fourth-down decision by the Lynx failed at the Lincoln four-yard line, and the Patriots went on to win their fifth title in school history.

Last year, it was another nail-biter at the DakotaDome. Leading by seven late in the game, the Lynx defense came up big and stopped Lincoln on a 4th-and-2, securing Brandon Valley’s first state title since 2019.

Actually, just rivals. Period.

And it hasn’t been just the title game in Vermillion that’s provided classics between Lincoln and Brandon Valley of late. Both regular season games in 2024 and 2025 were noteworthy. 

Last year, Lincoln trailed by five in the final seconds on the Lynx four-yard line, but quarterback Brody Schafer fumbled the snap. Brandon Valley recovered to secure the win. Two years ago, although not as hang wringing as to what these two teams have produced lately, Brandon Valley handed Lincoln its first loss in two years. 

Lincoln quarterback Brody Schafer has been a threat running the ball this year for the Patriots. Photo: Tom A. Savage

Add it up, and Brandon Valley vs. Lincoln has produced some eyebrow raising moments over the last couple of years.

There’s no reason to think Friday’s 7:30 kickoff at Howard Wood will be any different.

What to watch this time around

The Patriots are 4-2, a bit surprising after being ranked No. 1 in the 11AAA preseason media poll. But losses to O’Gorman and Sioux Falls Jefferson sent Lincoln tumbling in the rankings.

But don’t let a 4-2 record and a No. 5 ranking fool you. The Patriots are for real, and could certainly be a player when the postseason begins later this month.

Lincoln has made some adjustments on offense this year, and it’s obvious to see. Over the past several years, Lincoln has been pass-happy with brothers Tate and Brody Schafer quarterbacking the Patriots. But this year, they’re without speedsters Mikey Roche and Louis Akossi as wide receivers. 

The Patriots are still passing it a ton, but it’s clear the ground game has become Lincoln’s go-to on offense, especially after their 42-14 loss to Jefferson on Sept. 12.a

“It was intentional, and we’ve changed some things,” Lincoln head coach Jared Fredenburg said. “We gotta coach the personnel we have.”

And that personnel begins at quarterback with Brody Schafer. Obviously, he can sling it around, but his threat as a runner has been obvious of late. In their last two home games, the senior has rushed for 273 yards and four touchdowns.

“He’s just a tremendous player,” Brandon Valley head coach Matt Christensen said of Schafer. “He makes them super dangerous. We’re not overlooking them. They’re a fantastic, dangerous team.”

Lincoln is on a four-game winning streak with all intentions of getting back to the DakotaDome for the fourth straight year.

“Our goal is to play indoors in the last game of the year,” Fredenburg said. “We really don’t talk about winning, we talk about getting better all the time. It’s the process that you go through, to constantly chase greatness. You have to chase getting better because it’s not going to chase you.”

One more test for the Cavaliers: No. 1 SF Jefferson vs. No. 3 O’Gorman

This one will likely be Jefferson’s last real test in the regular season as the Cavs face one-win Washington in the season finale next week.

Should Jefferson get past O’Gorman, 5-2, the Cavaliers will complete is first undefeated season since 2022 when they won the school’s first state championship in any sport.

Jefferson quarterback Cason Mediger threw three touchdowns on a 16-for-20 effort in last week’s 41-0 win over Roosevelt. O’Gorman counters with Chace Hermanson at quarterback where he’s thrown for 1,845 yards and 22 touchdowns this season.

The game is scheduled to kick at 7 p.m. at McEneaney Field on O’Gorman’s campus.

Titans punchin' above their weight: Class 11AA No. 2 Tea Area vs. SF Roosevelt

Tea Area makes its second appearance in school history at Howard Wood Field in Friday’s opener at 5 p.m.

The Titans, 6-1, are led by junior Mitch Grant who has rushed for 534 yards and 12 touchdowns. Passing, he’s 45-for-77 for 835 yards and eight touchdown passes.

In Tea Area’s only previous visit to HWF, the Titans lost 27-7 to Washington last season.

Special thanks to Hook & Ladder!

Hook & Ladder's menu features a wide range of flavorful, house-made dishes, thoughtfully prepared to satisfy every craving. Find them near Family Park and Fire Station 10 at 323 S Whitewood Cir., or call ahead at (605) 271-0643. Check out their full menu here.