PHOENIX MOVE TO NO. 1 IN CLASS 9AA

The Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy football team can now show on paper how good it is in person. The Phoenix moved from No. 3 to No. 1 in this week’s South Dakota Prep Media Poll released by 605sports late Monday afternoon, Sept. 8. Here’s the top five, with the number of first-place votes in parentheses:

1. Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy (15) 3-0
2. Hamlin (9) 3-0
3. Elkton-Lake Benton (1) 2-1
4. Hill City 3-0
5. Viborg-Hurley 2-1

Also receiving votes were Hanson with 7 and Parkston with 6.

The Phoenix made the jump from No. 3 to No. 1 after an upset win over the previous top-ranked team, Elkton-Lake Benton, Friday night, Sept. 5.

FMFA started the season ranked No. 5.