The Parkston Trojans football team is set to compete in its fifth consecutive Class 9AA semifinal on March 15, 2024, as they aim for a historic fourth straight appearance in the state title game. The Trojans, recognized for their remarkable achievement of reaching the championship in three consecutive years, will face off against the Elkton-Lake Benton Elks in a match that promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
Parkston has made history in the 27-year existence of Class 9AA by becoming the only program to contend for three straight state titles in the largest nine-man division. The upcoming semifinal marks a significant milestone, as such sustained success has been rare in South Dakota’s nearly five-decade playoff history. Despite the weight of expectations, the Trojans are approaching this challenge without feeling the pressure.
“We don’t feel like the underdogs, but we’re playing like the underdogs,” said junior Mason Jervik, who was instrumental in the Trojans’ recent victory, scoring all five touchdowns in a commanding 36-7 quarterfinal win against Bon Homme. He acknowledged that nerves may surface as the game approaches, but he remains confident in the team’s abilities.
Head coach Matt Grave emphasized that any pressure felt by the players is self-imposed. “They want to be the team that can take that next step. It’s about focusing on what we can control and not so much what other teams are doing,” he stated.
Historically, only four high school programs in South Dakota have managed to reach the championship game for four consecutive years since the playoffs began in 1981. Notable teams include Tripp, which achieved a three-peat from 1983 to 1985, and Freeman, which won four titles in a row from 1996 to 1999. The Trojans’ current success is built on a strong foundation laid by previous senior classes, with Jervik noting how they prepared younger players for this moment.
Standing in the way of Parkston’s pursuit of another title is the No. 2 seed Elkton-Lake Benton, whose only loss this season also came at the hands of Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy. The Elks boast an impressive offensive record, averaging 48.7 points per game, which will challenge Parkston’s third-ranked defense, allowing just 12.6 points per game.
The Elks’ offense is spearheaded by dual-threat senior quarterback Colt Beck, who has amassed 2,200 yards from scrimmage and scored 38 touchdowns this season. Grave acknowledged Beck’s talent, stating, “That quarterback, he’s nice. He’s very talented and a dual threat.” Alongside Beck is senior running back Eliot Erickson, who has recorded over 1,500 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns on just 121 carries, averaging an impressive 12.7 yards per carry.
Interestingly, the matchup between the Trojans and Elks has historical significance, as it initiated Parkston’s current streak of title game appearances. In 2022, an underdog Parkston team, seeded sixth, defeated the second-seeded Elks with a score of 36-8 in the semifinals. Despite this past success, the Trojans respect their opponents: “Elkton’s very, very talented; it’s not like we’re playing some random team,” Grave commented, acknowledging the Elks’ consistent presence in the semifinals over recent years.
As the Trojans prepare for this pivotal clash, they remain focused on their goal, aiming to continue their remarkable journey in South Dakota high school football. With the game just around the corner, anticipation builds, and the outcome could further cement Parkston’s legacy in the sport.
