GRAND FORKS - Special teams matter, and Minot North proved that in a 35-34 OT thriller over G.F. Red River in a Division AA non-conference clash on Sept. 11 at Cushman Field.

The Sentinels placekicker Ephraim Boakye was five-for-five on extra point kicks, including the one in overtime to provide the one-point difference. Red River, meanwhile, was inconsistent with its point after tries.

That PAT kick by Boakye followed an incredible left-handed catch by Cameron Jesz in the corner of the end zone on a third-down-and 11 play in the extra session.

Minot North jumped out to an ealry lead on Gavin Tobey's 31-yard TD pass from Zander Kleen. The two would connect again in the third quarter from 21 yards. The Sentinels led 14-2 at the half before Red River's offense got clicking int he second half. Quarterback Reese Walters would rush for three scores in the half and connect a TD pass to Mo Kamara late to force OT. Walter would once again use his legs to put the Roughriders ahead in OT. However, Minot North had a big play of its own in Jesz's pass from Kleen. The Sentinals improved to 3-0 while the Roughriders fell to 1-2.

Minot North will face Fargo North (0-2 overall) on September 18, while Grand Forks Red River prepares to meet Williston (0-0 WDA, 0-2 overall) on the same day.