South Dakota’s Top 5 Public HSFB Programs (2021–2025)

Public Schools Top 25 | National Series — Part 41/50South Dakota was one of the more straightforward states to rank in this series because, unlike several others recently that we’ve covered, the overall playoff structure remained stable from 2021 through 2025.The state operates under the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) and uses a seven-class football system, split between 11-man and 9-man football.South Dakota classification structure11-man football11AAA — 8 teams (largest schools)11AA — 11 teams11A — 14 teams11B — all remaining 11-man schools above the 9-man cutoff9-man football9AA — top third9A — middle third9B — lower thirdThe first three 11-man classes are fixed by school size, while 11B includes the rest of the schools. The 9-man levels are then split into thirds based on enrollment.One change during this five-year stretch was the classification formula update in 2021, when SDHSAA adjusted its enrollment model to include a free and reduced lunch multiplier as part of the classification process.That did not change the seven-class setup, but it did impact how some schools were placed from cycle to cycle.That consistency in structure makes this state much easier to evaluate strictly on:championshipsrunner-up finishesclass weightsustained successAnd as always in this series, larger-class hardware carries more weight.🥇 1. T. F. Riggs High SchoolAccomplishments (2021–2025)11AA State Champion — 202111AA State Champion — 202211AA State Champion — 202311AA Runner-Up — 202411AA State Champion — 2025This was the easiest No. 1 call in the state.Four championships in five years and five straight state title game appearances in the second-highest class is as good as it gets.Pierre has been the defining public-school program in South Dakota over this stretch.Verdict:The clear No. 1 dynasty in the state.🥈 2. Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls)Lincoln (Sioux Falls)Accomplishments (2021–2025)11AAA State Champion — 202311AAA State Champion — 202411AAA Runner-Up — 2025Back-to-back championships plus another finals appearance in the largest class in the state gives Lincoln a rock-solid No. 2 spot.Top-class hardware always carries major weight in this series, and no other South Dakota public school matched this recent peak at the highest level.Verdict:The premier large-school program in the state.🥉 3. Dell Rapids High SchoolAccomplishments (2021–2025)11A State Champion — 202211A State Champion — 2023Back-to-back titles in 11A gives Dell Rapids one of the strongest peaks in South Dakota during this span.While the résumé volume is not quite at Pierre or Lincoln’s level, two straight championships in a solid upper 11-man class is more than enough for No. 3.Verdict:One of the cleanest back-to-back championship runs in the state.4️⃣ Winner High SchoolAccomplishments (2021–2025)11B State Champion — 202111B Runner-Up — 202211B State Champion — 2024Winner’s case is built on consistency.Two titles and another runner-up finish across the full five-year window is a very strong résumé, even if it came one tier below the top 11-man classes.They were in the mix nearly every year.Verdict:The model of long-term 11B consistency.5️⃣ Harrisburg High SchoolAccomplishments (2021–2025)11AAA State Champion — 202111AAA Runner-Up — 2022This was the toughest call in the state.The main debate came down to Harrisburg versus Elk Point-Jefferson.Ultimately, Harrisburg gets the final spot because a state championship and runner-up finish in 11AAA carries slightly more weight than sustained 11B success.That follows the same methodology we’ve used throughout this series — larger-class hardware matters.A title in the top 8-team classification simply carries more weight than a lower-class title.Verdict:Top-class hardware gives Harrisburg the edge.Just Outside the Top 5Elk Point-Jefferson High School — 11B champion, multiple runner-up finishesHoward High School (South Dakota) — strong 9-man résuméWall High School — multiple 9-man championshipsEPJ is probably the biggest debate point here, which is good for engagement.Final Ranking — South Dakota (2021–2025)1. Pierre T.F. Riggs2. Lincoln (Sioux Falls)3. Dell Rapids4. Winner5. HarrisburgSouth Dakota ended up being one of the best examples of why classification weight and structural context matter.The seven-class system stayed intact, the free lunch multiplier slightly adjusted alignment formulas, but the top remained clear:Riggs was the dynasty, Lincoln owned the top class recently, and Harrisburg’s 11AAA hardware was enough to secure the final spot.This is Part 41/50 in our nationwide series breaking down the Top 5 Public HSFB Programs of the Past 5 Years (2021–2025).