Marion, South Dakota

In what was their final game as a co-op, Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy ended it on top as champions in 9AA. The Phoenix defeated Elkton-Lake Benton 46-22 on Thursday evening in Vermillion at the Dakota Dome to win the title.

The Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy Phoenix co-op began four years ago with questions surrounding the future. But as a Phoenix typically does, it rose from the ashes. SDPB caught up with the team heading to the Class 9AA Championship.