The Lincoln (Sioux Falls, SD) varsity football team is set to host Stevens (Rapid City, SD) in a conference matchup on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

Matchup Info

• Game: Stevens vs Lincoln

• Date: Friday, August 29, 2025

• Time: 5:00 p.m.

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

• Location: Sioux Falls, SD

Game Preview: Stevens vs. Lincoln | August 29, 2025

The 2025 South Dakota high school football season kicks off with an early conference clash as Lincoln (Sioux Falls, SD) hosts Stevens (Rapid City, SD) on Friday, August 29, at 5 p.m. Both teams enter the year with a clean slate, looking to set the tone in their season opener.

Rankings & Records

• Lincoln Patriots

  • National Rank: 997

  • State Rank (SD): 1

  • Class Rank: 1

  • Overall: 0-0

• Stevens Raiders

  • National Rank: 7,289

  • State Rank (SD): 29

  • Class Rank: 8

  • Overall: 0-0

While neither team has played a game yet this season, the rankings show Lincoln entering 2025 as one of the state’s top programs, while Stevens looks to climb the ladder against tough competition.

Key Matchups & Schedule Outlook

Both teams share a slate of common opponents later in the season, including perennial contenders Brandon Valley, Washington, Harrisburg, Jefferson, Roosevelt, O’Gorman, and Rapid City Central. These matchups will test each program’s consistency and could be critical in shaping playoff standings.

• Stevens’ Key Games:

  • Sept. 5 @ Brandon Valley

  • Sept. 19 vs. Washington

  • Oct. 10 @ Roosevelt

  • Oct. 17 @ O’Gorman

• Lincoln’s Key Games:

  • Sept. 6 @ O’Gorman

  • Sept. 12 vs. Roosevelt

  • Sept. 19 vs. Jefferson

  • Oct. 3 @ Brandon Valley

With both teams facing the same top-tier opponents later in the season, this opener could serve as an early measuring stick.

What to Watch

• Lincoln’s High Expectations: As South Dakota’s top-ranked program heading into the season, the Patriots will aim to prove their ranking is justified. A strong showing at home would set the tone for their state title hopes.

• Stevens’ Underdog Mentality: Ranked 29th in the state, the Raiders come in with less pressure and more to prove. An upset on the road against the No. 1 team would be a statement win to start their campaign.

• Early Momentum: Since both teams are 0-0, execution and discipline will be critical. Mistakes in season openers often make the difference, especially when facing high-level competition.

Final Outlook

Lincoln enters as the clear favorite based on preseason rankings, but Stevens has an opportunity to make noise and shake up the South Dakota high school football landscape. With both teams eager to start strong, fans can expect an intense matchup under the Friday night lights in Sioux Falls.

Kickoff: Friday, August 29, 2025 – 5 p.m. | Lincoln High School (Sioux Falls, SD)

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