Jesiah Baum Shines as Offensive MVP in South Dakota Senior Bowl

BROOKINGS — In a thrilling matchup at the South Dakota Football Coaches Association's 2026 High School Senior Bowl, Team Blue triumphed over Team Red with a score of 14-8. The event took place on Saturday, June 6, at the Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, showcasing the talents of eighty senior football players from across South Dakota.

The game got off to an exciting start when Team Blue scored first with a remarkable 96-yard touchdown pass from Alec Austin of Centerville to Jesiah Baum of Warner. Later, Carter Gross from West Central added to the lead with a 1-yard touchdown run. Team Red responded with a 55-yard interception return for a touchdown by Laythan Lucas of Spearfish, briefly taking the lead at 8-6 after a successful conversion.

Baum's standout performance earned him the title of Offensive Most Valuable Player, thanks to his impressive 96 receiving yards. On the other side, Lucas also had a notable game, contributing another interception and four tackles to earn the Defensive MVP honor.

Overall, Team Blue managed 75 rushing yards and 11 passing yards, while Team Red recorded 38 rushing yards and 48 passing yards. Brody Jacobson of Team Blue was recognized as the game's overall MVP, making two critical tackles, including a game-ending stop, along with an interception and two pass breakups.

Defensively, Team Blue showcased strong performances from players like Dylan Williams of Brandon Valley, who recorded five tackles, and Weiland Benbo of Rapid City Central, who had four tackles and an interception. For Team Red, Owen Eidsness from Yankton finished with 51 receiving yards, while Lincoln LeBrun from Dell Rapids St. Mary made four tackles.

This all-star game not only highlights the exceptional talent in South Dakota high school football but also serves as a platform for players to showcase their skills before moving on to the next stage of their athletic careers.