According to sfsimplified.com, Jefferson High School rallied to defeat Lincoln High School 42‑26 in the Class 11AAA state championship Saturday night, delivering Sioux Falls fans a dramatic comeback and securing the school’s second title.
The game began quietly, with both teams deadlocked 0‑0 after the first quarter. Lincoln seized a 10‑0 halftime lead and extended it to 20‑7 early in the fourth quarter, but Jefferson erased a 13‑point deficit by scoring 35 unanswered points in the final period.
Jefferson quarterback Cason Mediger completed 16 of 32 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns. Freshman wide receiver Isaiah Blackburn, who earned the Joe Robbie MVP award, caught five passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns, including the go‑ahead score on a 6‑yard reception after a 4th‑and‑6 play from the Lincoln 33‑yard line. Running back Anthony Patron added the decisive touchdown that gave Jefferson a 28‑20 lead with just over three minutes remaining.
Lincoln quarterback Brody Schafer threw for 309 yards and one touchdown but was intercepted four times, three of those occurring in the second half. Senior wide receiver Jacob Burchett contributed two field goals—a 32‑yard kick in the second quarter and a 29‑yard effort in the third—to help the Patriots lead 13‑0 before Jefferson’s comeback.
The victory makes Jefferson 2‑0 in state championship games, having previously won in 2022, and marks head coach Eric Struck’s first title at the helm. Lincoln’s program remains strong, now 6‑2 all‑time in championship appearances after winning its first six contests.
Coach Struck said, “Nothing worth having comes easy. We had to earn it. I’m proud of our kids and the way they battled.” Blackburn added, “We knew the game wasn’t over. Whole half to go. We have all the players. Everyone can do it.”
Jefferson will celebrate its championship at a community rally scheduled for next Monday at the Jefferson High School gym, while Lincoln will begin preparations for next season’s schedule.
Sources: sfsimplified.com
