South Dakota's Todd County High School faced football survival challenges, including lopsided defeats and low turnout rates. The All Nations Football Conference (ANFC), a 9-Man league with a 50%-or-higher Native population, provided a more appealing option, resulting in a Class 9A ANFC championship for Todd County. Inspired by South Dakota's success, a group of Native-majority schools in Montana seeks to establish a similar all-Native football league in the state by 2025.

Why It Matters

The ANFC's success in improving participation rates and providing a more competitive platform underscores the importance of creating inclusive, supportive athletic opportunities for Native-majority schools. The potential establishment of a comparable league in Montana could have a significant positive impact on Native high school football programs in the region.

The Big Picture

The evolution of the ANFC in South Dakota, and the prospect of a similar league in Montana, highlights the desire to address the specific challenges faced by Native-majority high school football teams and provide them with a more conducive and competitive environment.

By the Numbers
  • Todd County had approximately 40-45 students go out for football from a boys' student body of about 240.
  • Participation rates in the ANFC schools increased by 60% across the league after the first two years of its existence.
State of Play
  • South Dakota's success with the ANFC has inspired a push for a similar all-Native football league in Montana by 2025.
  • The fate of the Montana-based league will likely become clearer after a group of interested schools meets with the Montana High School Association during its annual meeting on Jan. 15, 2023, in Bozeman.
What's Next

The potential establishment of an all-Native football league in Montana could lead to increased participation rates, more competitive games, and enhanced support for Native high school football programs in the state, mirroring the positive outcomes seen in South Dakota.

Bottom Line

The success of the All Nations Football Conference in South Dakota underscores the significant impact of creating tailored and inclusive athletic opportunities for Native-majority schools. The prospect of a similar league in Montana presents an opportunity to address the specific challenges faced by Native high school football programs and could lead to positive outcomes in terms of participation, competition, and support.