FARGO - Minot High goalkeeper Honour Amsbury booted the ball toward the midfield sideline with just 100 seconds remaining in a 1-1 tie. It appeared to be a safe play. However, WF Sheyenne's Charlie Bednar got to the ball quickly and found Mamadou Barry heading up field. The senior forward gained a step on Minot defenders and then rifled a low strike into the far corner of the Magi goal.

And just like that, WF Sheyenne could taste its first trip to the ND state championship.

The Magicians feverishly moved the ball into Mustangs' territory in the final moments and had a free kick attempt just outside the scoring box with under 19 seconds remaining. However, the chance never materialized due to a yellow card infraction. And the final seconds ticked away. WF Sheyenne's (13-3-3) 2-1 victory on Oct. 15 sets up a date with rival (3E) West Fargo in the title tilt on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 16. For Minot High, it was a disappointing end toward a quest for a championship. The loss was the Magi's (15-1-2) first of the season. The squad will face WDA foe (4W) Mandan-St. Mary's for third place.

It was a semifinal defined by physical play, but also marred by several yellow cards. Time and space with the ball was limited as both teams exhibited in-your-face defense. And that resulted in frustrated players and coaches.

Sheyenne struck first on Charlie Bednar's goal in the sixth minute. Minot carried much of the play for the rest of the half. That momentum carried into the second half when Dylan Oswalt tied the match. His long-range boot came in the 45th minute. However, the high-scoring offensive attack of the Magicians was stifled by Sheyenne. And the few corner kicks or free kick chances in the half did not create many grade-A looks or second chance attempts in the scoring box.