Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy put up 50 points in the first half by scoring on every possession and the secondary players saw plenty of reps in the second half as the Phoenix opened their 2023 season with a 56-19 rout of Burke Friday night, Aug. 18 in Freeman. Only two big plays by Cougars — a kickoff return for a touchdown and a long touchdown pass — prevented the game from being over at halftime. More to come when final statistics are turned in.

Sioux Valley, the third-ranked team in Class 11B in the first 2023 South Dakota Football Coaches Association Poll, took down Scotland/Menno on the opening night of the new season Thursday, Aug. 17. The Cossacks beat the Trappers 42-0 by scoring seven points in the first quarter, 14 in the second, 13 in the third and eight in the fourth. Sioux Valley put up 398 rushing yards to Scotland/Menno's 73 and tallied 24 first downs to the Trappers' 4.

Sioux Valley, the third-ranked team in Class 11B in the first 2023 South Dakota Football Coaches Association Poll, took down Scotland/Menno on the opening night of the new season Thursday, Aug. 17. The Cossacks beat the Trappers 42-0 by scoring seven points in the first quarter, 14 in the second, 13 in the third and eight in the fourth. Sioux Valley put up 398 rushing yards to Scotland/Menno's 73 and tallied 24 first downs to the Trappers' 4.

JEREMY WALTNER - PUBLISHER When Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy took the field a year ago for its inaugural season as a football cooperative, nobody knew exactly what to expect. It’s a different story this year.

JEREMY WALTNER - PUBLISHER Almost any coach will tell you that success is measured in various ways. By wins and losses, for sure, but also by an ability to overcome adversity, or by being a cohesive unit, or by doing a community proud.

JEREMY WALTNER - PUBLISHER Scott Dent tells a story.

Freeman Academy scored a win in its opening match of the 2023 soccer season, taking down Groton Area 6-0 Saturday afternoon, Aug. 12 at Freeman Academy. The Bobcats got four goals from eighth grader Lesther Rocha and one each from seniors Liam Ortman and Yonathan Lopez in the shutout victory.

As a way to drum up excitement for the upcoming season, head coach Scott Dent and the Freeman Academy soccer program is hosting a pep rally and new jersey reveal this Friday, Aug. 11. Events will begin inside the Sterling Hall gym at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a light meal and activities outdoors. Dent, who is in his third year as head soccer coach at Freeman Academy, said the program is also introducing a Bobcat Booster Club and Little Bobcat Club aimed at youth who play in various area clubs “so we can keep the sport growing.”

The public is invited to come to the Freeman High School practice football field west of the main complex Thursday evening, Aug. 10 to watch a Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy scrimmage. Phoenix head coach Dustin Tschetter said it will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. F/M/FA opens its second season as football cooperative at home against Burke Friday, Aug. 18.

Menno's postseason mojo ran out Monday night in Mitchell as South Central League foe Lesterville toppled the Mad Frogs 14-1 in the second round of the State Amateur Baseball Tournament at Cadwell Park. Menno had advanced through the postseason by winning twice in District 6 play and then taking down Northville in the first round of the state tournament last week, but the Broncs were too tough on Monday.