South Dakota, known for its spectacular landscapes and pioneering spirit, is witnessing an impressive resurgence in high school football participation. After hitting a historic low during the 2019-20 season, when the number of players fell below 5,000 for the first time since 2009, the 2024-25 academic year marks a comeback with more than 5,500 students competing on the gridiron. This dramatic turnaround underscores both South Dakota’s deep-rooted passion for football and the broader national trends in sports participation.
In the world of high school football, South Dakota’s small-town teams might not boast the vast resources of urban schools, but what they lack in size, they make up for in spirit and community support. With 2,048 athletes playing nine-man football and 3,512 engaged in the traditional 11-man format, it’s clear that football has woven itself into the cultural fabric of the state. Communities gather on crisp autumn evenings to watch local heroes like Zac Olson, seen breaking into the open field for Winner High School, as they take on opponents such as Clark-Willow Lake.
The recent rise in participation has been mirrored across the United States, with an increase of approximately 23,000 athletes in the 11-man game since the 2018-19 season. Experts attribute this nationwide upswing to improved safety measures, particularly with the introduction of comprehensive concussion protocols and updated laws to protect young athletes.
South Dakota high school football
Safety has become a priority, not just for the athletes, but also for the parents, who now feel more reassured about allowing their children to participate in contact sports. This shift towards safer playing conditions, along with effective coaching strategies, have made high school football more appealing than ever. As noted by the National Federation of High Schools, these changes are instilling new confidence in the sport’s future, helping to bolster player numbers.
South Dakota News Watch, a dedicated independent nonprofit organization, sheds light on these positive trends as part of its mission to deliver impactful stories. Within its coverage, the importance of high school sports in fostering community and personal growth is a recurrent theme.
The epic showdown between Winner and Clark-Willow Lake is a testament to the thrilling nature of high school football. Held on October 30, 2025, as part of the state Class 11B playoffs, Clark-Willow Lake emerged victorious with a final score of 30-12. Such events are more than just sporting contests; they are occasions that unite towns and villages, offering a stage for young talents to shine.
Even with the challenges of past years, South Dakota’s football revival paints a promising picture for the future. It highlights the resilience of students and coachers, who have adapted to changes and emerged stronger, and it signals a bright trajectory for high school sports in the state.
For more stories on South Dakota’s communities and cultural milestones, South Dakota News Watch offers a variety of reports and invites readers to participate by reading and donating at sdnewswatch.org. To stay updated with the latest news, sign up for their email newsletter here.