PHOENIX NO. 5 IN FIRST CLASS 9AA POLL

The Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy Phoenix will open their final season as a cooperative as the fifth-ranked team in Class 9AA football.

The South Dakota Prep Media Poll, released Monday, Aug. 18, shows the Phoenix listed in the top five behind top-ranked Elkton-Lake Benton, No. 2 Hamlin, No. 3 Parkston and No. 4 Viborg-Hurley.

The Phoenix, who lost to Parkston in last year’s Class 9AA semifinals, will find out quickly how good they are. FMFA opens the season at Parkston — last year’s state 9AA runner-up — this Friday night and will host Elkton-Lake Benton in its home opener two weeks later, on Sept. 5.

FMFA plays Bon Homme at Tyndall Aug. 29.

Watch for a preview of Phoenix football — as well as Scotland/Menno Trappers football and local cross-country teams — in the Aug. 27 Courier.

Volleyball will be previewed the first week of September.