​Sep. 23—As the September high school football slate comes to a close this weekend, the number of unbeaten squads across the three nine-man classes is down to just 11. Five remain in Class 9A, four in Class 9B and only a pair in Class 9AA.In this edition of the South Dakota Gridiron Report, we highlight that select group and break down how they reached this point. Next week, the 11-man programs get their time in the spotlight.Here’s a brief look at each nine-man team that remains undefeated. (Note: The list is organized first by class, then by number of wins and then alphabetical order.)One reason for success: Another year, another top defense for the Trojans, who are allowing 12 points per game, a mark tied for second in the class. That’s when factoring in 24 points scored by Hill City in Week 1, the bulk of which was tallied in the second half when the Parkston win was well in hand. In three games since, Parkston has only allowed 24 more total points.Best win: At the time of a 30-6 victory at Platte-Geddes, a contest in which No. 1 Parkston pulled away late, the Black Panthers were ranked No. 3 in the South Dakota Prep Media poll. As of this week, Platte-Geddes is back up to No. 2 behind the Trojans as the lone team to push the top-ranked squad deep into the contest.Biggest hurdle still ahead: Bon Homme visits Parkston on Oct. 2. The Cavaliers would have been on this list if not for an unexpected loss last week. Though the recent defeat cast some doubt as to whether Bon Homme, which ranked No. 2 in the South Dakota Prep Media poll for multiple weeks, is a true top-end contender, the Cavs can match up with the Trojans on paper at several positions, plus there are no strangers in the regional rivalry.One reason for success: Almost out of nowhere after going 6-11 over the past two seasons, the Mustangs rank first in points per game at 47.5 and points allowed per game at 8.0. However, Waubay/Summit has played four teams that are all 1-4 so far, and its overall opponent win percentage is currently .286, far and away the lowest in the class (Great Plains Lutheran is second-lowest at .342.). For that reason, the Mustangs are fourth in the Class 9AA seed-point standings, behind one-loss teams Platte-Geddes and Hamlin.Best win: There isn’t much to differentiate between Waubay/Summit’s wins so far. By seed points, opponents rank as follows: Sisseton is 18th in 9AA; Florence/Henry is 20th in 9AA; Redfield is 18th in 9A; and Wilmot is 20th in 9B.Biggest hurdle still ahead: This week, the Mustangs hit the road to play Britton-Hecla, which is No. 6 in Class 9AA by seed points. They also still have an Oct. 9 date at Great Plains Lutheran, which is currently 3-1 and No. 10 in the standings.One reason for success: Kamden Keszler has an excellent case to South Dakota’s all-class two-way player of the year at the midway point. The senior quarterback/linebacker has 498 passing yards, 472 rushing yards, 18 offensive touchdowns, 41 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 2.5