South Dakota Class AA Boys Soccer Championship Preview

Here’s your Class AA boys’ title-game primer—top-ranked Sioux Falls Lincoln vs. streaking Sioux Falls Jefferson—set for Saturday, Oct. 18, 5:00 p.m. CT (4:00 p.m. MT) at Sioux Park Stadium in Rapid City. SDHSAA lists the championship window and schedule; SDPB has a Lincoln–Jefferson championship stream listing as well. SDHSAA+2SDHSAA+2

How they got here

Lincoln blazed through the bracket: 10–0 over Mitchell in the first round, 2–0 over O’Gorman in the quarters, then an 8–0 semifinal rout of Brandon Valley, with forward Miles Rolfing striking twice early. Dakota News Now called the Patriots the No. 1 seed and spotlighted Rolfing’s impact. MaxPreps.com+2https://www.dakotanewsnow.com+2

Jefferson’s path was tighter but clutch: 8–1 over Rapid City Central, 2–1 over Sturgis Brown, and a 3–2 semifinal over Sioux Falls Christian behind a standout night from keeper Cayden Johnson. MaxPreps shows the score lines; Dakota News Now detailed the semifinal saves. MaxPreps.com

Season snapshot & form guide

  • Lincoln (15–1): Winners of nine straight entering the final and sitting No. 1 in the in-state rankings. The Patriots’ recent run includes clean sheets of Aberdeen Central (2–0), Harrisburg (3–0) and O’Gorman (2–0). MaxPreps.com+1

  • Jefferson (12–2–2): Five straight wins into Saturday and No. 2 in the state rankings. October featured one-goal grinders (1–0 vs. Brandon Valley; 2–1 vs. Sturgis; 3–2 vs. SFC) that hardened the Cavs for knockout play. MaxPreps.com+1

Head-to-head & trendlines

Jefferson owns the only 2025 head-to-head result: a 2–1 road win at Lincoln on Sept. 9. That’s your proof of concept that the Cavs can disrupt Lincoln’s rhythm in a big spot. MaxPreps.com

Zooming out, Lincoln is chasing a dynasty milestone after state titles in 2023 and 2024; SDPB and the Argus Leader chronicled the back-to-back run, including last year’s 4–1 OT win over O’Gorman. SDPB+1

Chess match to watch

  • First 20 minutes: Lincoln’s press has buried teams early all fall (10 wins by 3+ goals); if Jefferson absorbs that wave, their late-game poise from a month of one-goal wins becomes a factor. MaxPreps.com

  • Wide service vs. shot-stoppers: Lincoln’s chance creation from width tested O’Gorman and Brandon Valley; Jefferson counters with Johnson’s shot-stopping form from the semi. MaxPreps.com+1

  • Set pieces: In a matchup this tight, dead balls are leverage. Lincoln’s size showed up in the quarters; the Cavs must be clean on first contacts. https://www.dakotanewsnow.com

  • X-factors: Rolfing’s box movement for Lincoln; Oakley McMillan’s ability to find a moment (the late winner at Harrisburg on Oct. 1). https://www.dakotanewsnow.com+1

What decides it

  1. The opener. Lincoln have been suffocating when they score first; Jefferson’s route is to keep it level past halftime and lean on game management. MaxPreps.com

  2. Transition control. Lincoln’s best spells come when turnovers turn into quick numbers forward; Jefferson’s midfield spacing must deny the first vertical pass. (Supported by Lincoln’s multi-goal surges in late Sept./Oct.) MaxPreps.com

  3. Goalkeeping moment. Johnson just authored one; Lincoln has ridden clean sheets all week—one jaw-dropping save could swing a trophy. https://www.dakotanewsnow.com+1

Bottom line 

Jefferson’s September win says this is no coronation. But Lincoln’s two-year title pedigree, nine-match heater, and habit of fast starts make them a favorite in a tense final that feels more 2–1 or 3-1 than 8–3. Edge: Lincoln, with a late set-piece or counter as the separator. MaxPreps.com+1

When/where/how to watch: Class AA boys final—Saturday, Oct. 18, 6:00 p.m. CT (5:00 p.m. MT), Sioux Park Stadium (Rapid City). SDPB has championship coverage; check the SDHSAA pairings page for the official window and local details. SDHSAA+2SDHSAA+2

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