NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — It’s officially time for the most exciting day of football in the state of North Dakota, Dakota Bowl XXXI! We’ll have complete coverage of all four championship matchups, including live recaps, highlights, and exclusive interviews. We also have previews of each game for you to check out right now.
Make sure to follow along for all things North Dakota football!
Game Schedules:
- 9-Man Championship – 9:10 a.m. CT
- A Championship – 20 minutes after 9-Man Championship
- AA Championship – 20 minutes after A Championship
- AAA Championship – 6:40 p.m. CT
9-Man
9-Man Championship: North Prairie vs South Border
AAA
First Half Highlights:
First Half Recap:
It was a low-scoring affair in the first half between the Cougars and the Mustangs. South Border moved the ball well on their first drive with an opening touchdown. Capped off by a Cole Stock 1-yard touchdown run.
In the second quarter, North Prairie put together a touchdown drive of their own with Blake Mattson running it in from 4 yards out. The game is tied at 8-8 at the half.
Post Game Sound:
Full Interview: North Prairie’s Josh Keller
Full Interview: Blake Mattson
Full Interview: Nate Tasted
Second Half Highlights:
Second Half Recap:
The third quarter continued the defensive struggle between both teams, as both defenses forced turnovers in their own territory. However, at the end of the quarter, it was a South Border fumble that proved costly as North Prairie was able to capitalize with a Blake Matteson 2-yard touchdown run to go up 16-8.
From then on out, North Praire bent but didn’t break on defense, keeping the Mustangs out of the end zone, including a stop at the 1-yard line as time expired.
North Prairie wins its first State Title in program history with a 16-8 win.
A
A Championship: Dickinson Trinity vs Kindred
First Half Highlights:
First Half Recap:
Kindred set the tone to start this game, forcing a fumble on the opening kickoff. Dickinson Trinity forced a turnover on downs. However Kindred would strike first in a pick-6 touchdown by Jakob Starcevic.
In the second quarter, the Vikings added to their lead with two touchdowns and would carry a 22-0 lead into halftime.
Post Game Sound:
Full Interview: Kindred’s Eric Burgad
Full Interview: Kindred’s Jake Starcevic
Full Interview: Kindred’s Riley Sunram
Second Half Highlights:
Second Half Recap:
Kindred picked up right where they left off in the second half finding success on the ground through with their offense, rushing for 240 total yards.
Kindred added two more rushing touchdowns to put the game away for good, winning 36-7.
AA
AA Championship: Fargo North vs Grand Forks Central
First Half Highlights:
First Half Recap:
Fargo North jumps out to an early lead thanks to some stellar play on offense from their star players like Ethan Welk and Peder Haugo. Spartans scored on 4 of their first 5 offensive drives to start the game, while their defense forced 2 turnovers and held the Knights scoreless.
Post Game Sound:
Full Interview: Fargo North’s Adam Roland
Full Interview: Fargo North’s Ethan Welk
Full Interview: Fargo North’s Peder Haugo
Second Half Highlights:
Second Half Recap:
Grand Forks Central mounted a potential comeback after scoring a touchdown with the first possession of the second half. They followed that up with an onside kick recovery, but Fargo North was able to hold them off the scoreboard on defense from there.
Adding a field goal, the Spartans ended up taking their first State Title since 2000 with a 31-6 victory.
AAA Championship: Minot vs Fargo Shanley
First Half Recap:
The first half was a fast start for the Shanley Deacons capitalizing on a Minot interception to score the game’s first touchdown.
Down 14-0 in the second quarter, Minot answered with a touchdown drive of their own with a 2-yard touchdown run by Griffin Broderick. Shanley was able to strike right before the half with an Adam Leiniger 3-yard touchdown run making it 21-7 Shanley.
Post Game Sound:
Full Interview: Minot’s Lucas Beeter
Full Interview: Minot’s Logan Conklin
Full Interview: Minot’s Chauncy Hendershot
Full Interview: Minot’s Kellan Burke
Second Half Highlights:
Second Half Recap:
Shanley added to their lead with a second touchdown pass to Sam Ovsak, extending the lead to 21 points. However, the Magicians responded with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Logan Conklin.
Later in the third, Tyson Ruzicka cut the deficit to one possession with a touchdown run. But, Shanley retaliated with a touchdown run from Isaac Perkerewicz before the end of the quarter.
Down by 14, entering the 4th, Lucas Beeter found Conklin for another touchdown, making it a 7-point game.
On the ensuing Deacons drive, Kellan Burke intercepts Landon Meier’s pass and returns it 59 yards for the game-tying score.
With 2 seconds left, one swift swing of the leg from Burke completed a 21-point comeback for the Magicians’ first State Championship since 1980.
