Palace City Sports Roundup: Kernels Football Heads to Playoffs While Cross Country Competes at States, DWU Weekend Results

Catch up on the latest local sports action with the Palace City Sports Roundup! Get daily scores, highlights and standout performances from the Mitchell Kernels, Dakota Wesleyan Tigers and other Mitchell-area athletics, all in one place.

By Michael Rosenkranz October 26, 2026 5:00 pm

MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Welcome to the Palace City Sports Roundup, your daily source for the latest scores, highlights and standout performances from Mitchell-area athletics. From the Mitchell Kernels and Dakota Wesleyan Tigers to other area teams, we’ve got you covered with the results and stories that matter to local sports fans.

Here’s a look at the latest action from around the Palace City.

Mitchell Kernels Football: Playoff Bound Despite Heartbreaking Loss to Huron

The Mitchell Kernels closed out the regular season Thursday, Oct. 22, with a heartbreaking 35-28 loss to rival Huron, but their season is far from over.

Mitchell led 28-20 with just over eight minutes remaining before Huron rallied with two late touchdowns, including the game-winner with just 50 seconds left. Despite the setback, the Kernels showed plenty of fight, rushing for 219 yards as a team.

Mitchell finishes the regular season with a 4-5 record and enters the Class 11AA playoffs as the No. 8 seed, earning its first postseason appearance since 2021.

The Kernels now face their toughest challenge of the season, traveling to Pierre on Thursday, Oct. 29, to take on the undefeated, No. 1-seeded Pierre T.F. Riggs Governors (9-0) in the Class 11AA quarterfinals.

Mitchell will look to build on its offensive success against Huron while finding a way to slow down a powerful Governors offense. A victory would send the Kernels into the state semifinals and extend their postseason run.

Mitchell Kernels Cross Country

The Kernels competed Saturday in the Class AA state championships.

Mitchell’s girls finished 15th out of 17 teams, led by Londyn Schroeder in 51st place (20:10.5) and Kapri Herges in 52nd (20:16.6).

The Kernel boys placed 19th, with freshman Micah Bennett leading Mitchell in 96th place (18:04.4).

Dakota Wesleyan Volleyball

The Tigers fell to No. 18 Dordt University in straight sets Saturday, 25-22, 25-21 and 25-23.

Keatyn Liebsack recorded 12 kills for DWU, while Kayleigh Hybertson contributed 27 assists. The Tigers dropped to 17-8 overall and 6-7 in conference play.

Dakota Wesleyan Basketball

Both DWU basketball teams hosted Northern State in exhibition action Sunday at the Corn Palace.

Women’s basketball: Northern State defeated No. 2-ranked DWU 67-64. Emma Yost and Avery Broughton each scored 14 points for the Tigers.

Men’s basketball: Northern State defeated DWU 84-71. Braelyn Dale led the Tigers with 19 points, while Tyson Stevenson added 18.

The exhibition games do not count toward regular-season records.

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