Rapid City Schools to Host Football Playoff Games

St. Thomas More and Rapid City Christian prepare for first-round postseason action on October 22.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Football

Expressive editorial sports illustration depicting high school football players in dynamic mid-action motion on a field. — St. Thomas More and Rapid City Christian are set to host first-round high school football playoff games on October 22. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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St. Thomas More and Rapid City Christian are set to host first-round high school football playoff games on October 22. Both local teams secured home-field advantage based on their strong performance throughout the regular season.

Why it matters

Home playoff games offer teams a crucial advantage in the pursuit of a state championship title. Seed rankings determine these hosting opportunities, reflecting the competitive standings of teams across the state.

St. Thomas More finished the season undefeated at 8-0, while Rapid City Christian posted a 6-2 record. They will face Mount Vernon-Plankinton, a 2-6 team, and 4-4 Sioux Valley, respectively.

The players

St. Thomas More

This local high school football program is entering the playoffs as the No. 2 seed following an undefeated 8-0 regular season.

Rapid City Christian

This educational institution is hosting a first-round postseason game as the No. 7 seed with a 6-2 record.

The details

St. Thomas More seeks a second consecutive state football title as they host the No. 15 seed, Mount Vernon-Plankinton. Meanwhile, the No. 7 seed Rapid City Christian welcomes the No. 10 seed Sioux Valley to their home field.

October 22, 2026, at 18:00:00 local time.

Season Trajectory

This opening round marks the beginning of the path toward the state championship for both local programs. The result of these contests will directly dictate which teams advance deeper into the high-stakes playoff bracket.

Fans should prepare for a 6:00 p.m. kickoff time on October 22 at both host locations. Successful advancement depends on these teams maintaining their regular-season momentum throughout the single-elimination bracket.

The takeaway

Securing a top seed provides the tangible benefit of hosting postseason games on familiar home turf. For teams like St. Thomas More, consistent performance throughout the fall is the primary driver of their championship potential.