The Irene/Wakonda (Irene, SD) varsity football team will host St. Mary (Dell Rapids, SD) in a non-conference matchup on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 5:30 p.m.

Matchup Info

• Game: St. Mary vs Irene/Wakonda

• Date: Friday, August 29, 2025

• Time: 5:30 p.m.

• Live stream: Watch on NFHS
• Live stream: Watch on NFHS

• Location: Irene/Wakonda (Irene, SD)

St. Mary vs. Irene/Wakonda: Early-Season Clash Set for Friday Night

The St. Mary Cardinals and Irene/Wakonda Eagles are set to square off in an early-season showdown on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in Irene, South Dakota. Both teams come into this matchup with different storylines as they continue to shape their seasons.

St. Mary: Riding High After Dominant Opener

The Cardinals (1-0) opened their 2025 campaign in impressive fashion, overpowering Oldham-Ramona/Rutland in a 58-6 victory. The offense exploded right out of the gate, averaging 58 points per game, while the defense locked down and allowed just a single score. That balanced performance not only gave St. Mary momentum, but it also showed why the Cardinals could be a team to watch in the region this season.

Irene/Wakonda: Looking to Bounce Back

For Irene/Wakonda (0-1), the start of the season wasn’t as smooth. The Eagles dropped their opener against Sioux Falls Lutheran, falling 52-20 on the road. Despite the loss, the Eagles showed flashes of offensive ability, putting up 20 points. However, defensive adjustments will be key as they prepare to face another high-powered attack in St. Mary.

Head-to-Head & Common Opponents

This will be the first meeting of the season between St. Mary and Irene/Wakonda, with no direct head-to-head results yet on record. However, both teams have already faced (or will face) common opponents this season:

• Oldham-Ramona/Rutland – St. Mary defeated them 58-6 on August 22. Irene/Wakonda will face them on September 12.

• Sioux Falls Lutheran – Irene/Wakonda fell 52-20 on August 22, while St. Mary will meet them later on October 17.

Those results set up an interesting comparison: St. Mary’s ability to dominate Oldham-Ramona/Rutland gives them an early edge, while Irene/Wakonda will try to close the gap and prove they can contend against similar competition.

By the Numbers

• St. Mary – 1-0 overall, averaging 58 points scored and just 6 points allowed per game.

• Irene/Wakonda – 0-1 overall, averaging 20 points scored and 52 points allowed per game.

• Home/Away Records – St. Mary is 1-0 on the road, while Irene/Wakonda has yet to play at home this season.

What to Watch For

• Can St. Mary’s offense continue its red-hot scoring pace?

• Will Irene/Wakonda’s defense step up and slow down a Cardinals team that put up nearly 60 points in their opener?

• How will the Eagles respond in front of their home crowd after a tough road loss?

Outlook

With two very different starts to the season, this game could be a statement opportunity for both programs. A win for St. Mary would solidify their early dominance and keep them undefeated, while Irene/Wakonda will be eager to defend their home field and even out their record.

Kickoff is set for Friday at 5:30 p.m. in Irene, where fans can expect an exciting matchup between a Cardinals team brimming with confidence and an Eagles squad looking to prove their resilience.

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