AA state football postseason kicks off

BISMARCK – The AA playoffs kick off on Friday, Oct. 31 and hopefully it won’t be a spooky finish to the season for West Region squads.
The four West Region teams -- Minot North, Devils Lake, Bismarck St. Mary’s and Watford City-- are in action against East Region foes. There is one guarantee this season and that is no repeat champion. West Fargo Horace moved up to AAA. Minot North and East Region champion Kindred are the strong contenders for the title. Watford City is in the field for the first time since 2017. Devils Lake is hosting a playoff game for the first time since 2017. St. Mary's is seeking its first playoff win since 2021. Minot North is the top seed from the West Region for a second year in a row. Here’s a look at this week’s quarterfinal match ups

(4W) Watford City (4-5) at (1E) Kindred (9-0), Friday, Oct. 31, 6 p.m.
Last meeting: This will be the first-ever meeting.
Last Playoff Meeting: None

How they got here: Unbeaten Kindred rolled to the East Region crown and a top seed from the East for the playoffs. How dominant have the Vikings been? Throw out the two-point win over AAA-playoff team West Fargo Horace and its defeated the other eight opponents by an average margin of 30 points. Watford City, meanwhile, earned the No. 4 seed  from the West Region by way of earning two region victories -- both on the road. This will be the Wolves’ first playoff appearance since 2020.

About Kindred: The Vikings are making their 11th consecutive postseason appearance and don’t lose very often. In fact, the team has lost just twice in four seasons. So if you do the math, that’s a 43-2 mark. Along the way it earned a Class A title. 
The squad has plenty of high-end talent and a few players who will be moving on to D-1 collegiate ball in the near future. The team has generated 3,388 total yards of offense with the majority coming on the ground (2,000). 
The ground game is powered by senior Sawyer Hesse who has 752 yards on 90 carries and 11 TDs. Brock Johnson has amassed 436 yards on 42 carries. Senior quarterback Gabe Whipple has chipped in 250 yards and junior Myles Thielges has 244 yards. 
The passing game is no second act. Whipple has thrown for 1301 yards, completing 79 passes and throwing 14 TDs to just two interceptions. His two primary receivers are juniors Brooks Bakko and Luke Starcevic. Both are big targets at 6-5 and difficult to bring down. No surprise they are considered high-level recruits. Bakko has 622 yards on 34 catches while Starcevic had 515 yards on 27 catches. Collectively, they have 13 TD catches. 
So, yeah, the Vikings have a boatload of weapons and no wonder they are a strong favorite to return to the Dakota Bowl.
Defensively, the squad is just as hard to play against. The size and athleticism at the line of scrimmage makes it difficult for teams to get much time to pass or many creases for ball carriers. The unit has allowed just one score in six of its games, and oftentimes those points have come late when the reserves are getting playing time and the outcome is not in doubt.

About Watford City: The Wolves’ four wins this season is the most in a season since WC reached the AA semifinals in 2017. Earning a playoff berth was a big step, and hopefully will be the start a string of postseason appearances for the program which has a rich tradition.
Offensively, WC has been fueled almostly exclusively by its run game. The squad has amassed 2,812 yards thru nine games. Junior Rhylie Ledahl-Berger has been the workhorse, gaining 1,255 yards on 183 carries and 16 TDs. Junior Trysten DeVries has been a good No. 2 back, rushing for 774 yards on 71 rushes and eight scores. The Wolves have only tried 53 pass attempts, completing 23 for 261 yards. The QB duties have been shared by senior Wyatt Boekelman,  10-24 for 133 yards; and junior Baylor Salas, 13-29-128 yards. Senior Konnor Winter has 116 of those yards on eight receptions. Bryson Wolfe has the lone TD reception.
Defensively, the squad has allowed 28 points per game and it will have its hands full to keep high-powered Kindred out of the end zone. WC has allowed an average of 292 total yards per game.
Junior DL Harper Moberg leads the team with 65 total tackles. Sophomore Brogan Shannon and senior Will Langford both have 46. WC has 20 take aways, including nine interceptions.

Why Kindred will win: The Vikings have plenty of playoff success over the past few seasons and boast a talented lineup with high-end skill.
Why Watford City will win: The Wolves are coming off perhaps its best performance of the season, albeit in a loss. The squad was tied in the final minutes with a good Devils Lake team. If it can channel that effort this week and get some breaks, it could give Kindred a battle.  
Key match up to watch: Kindred’s offensive skill players against Watford City’s defense.
Fries at the bottom of the bag: Watford City’s last playoff win came in the AA quarterfinals vs. Jamestown in 2017...The last time Kindred played in the AA postseason with 2020.

(3E) Grand Forks Central (7-2) at (2W) Devils Lake (7-2) Friday, Oct. 31, 6 p.m.
Last meeting: 2024, Devils Lake won, 14-7
Last Playoff Meeting: This is the first playoff meeting
How they got here: After a season-opening loss, Devils Lake rattled off five consecutive wins and eventually secured the second seed from the West Region and a home playoff game. Both Firebird losses have come against undefeated teams (Kindred and Minot North). Grand Forks Central also had a strong start, winning its first six contests for the first time since 2004. The Knights two losses came to the East Region’s top two seeds -- Kindred and Central Cass -- and thus finished third in the region.

About Devils Lake: The squad is in the postseason for a second consecutive season, but this time as a West Region qualifier. The Firebirds moved from the AA East Region to the AA West and fit right in, posting seven wins. The most in a season since 2017.
Offensively, the squad is led by a pair of dynamic playmakers in seniors Mason Palmer and Bryar Exner. 
Palmer has passed for 2,215 yards on 148 completions and 21 TDs. His primary target is his twin brother Max Palmer, who has reeled in 37 catches for 579 yards and nine scores. Junior William Heilman and senior Weston Nelson have also been capable receivers with 433 and 357 yards, respectively. Exner, meanwhile, has been the workhorse in the backfield. He’s ran for 1238 yards on 191 attempts and 13 TDs. That balanced offensive attack has been a tough nut for opposing defenses to crack. The Firebirds have averaged 33 points and just over 400 yards of offense per game. 
Defensively, the squad has given up points and yards, but has managed to have a bend-but-don’t break mentality.
Senior LB Luke Wasness leads the squad with 70 total tackles. Senior LB Kade Fee has also turned in a fine season with 66. Junior Easton Encinas had 53. The secondary has been led by Heilman, who haas five interceptions. Nelson has three.
About Grand Forks Central: It’s been quite a turnaround for the Knights. It won just once a season ago, but quickly proved the 2025 team vastly improved. The squad won its first six games and showing off a stout defense.
Opponents are averaging under 200 yards per game. Junior Zethan Feldmann leads the squad with 55 total tackles. Senior Naz Fisher has 53 and junior John Shereck has 46. The secondary has also been solid with 15 interceptions. A trio of players have three or more -- Tyson Vanyo, Jr.; Brooklan Bruce, Sr.; and Trey Clauson, Sr.
The Knights offense has also been impressive. It has generated 3,189 yards with the ball. A majority of which has come on the ground. N. Fisher has gained 914 on 123 rushes and 13 scores. Senior Anton Perales has been a good second option with 397 yards and 82 attempts and four TDs. The passing attack is led by sophomore Brody Leddige who has 737 yards on 48 of 86 passing. Noah Lease has 552 yards on 41 completions. The go-to receiver is Bruce. He has hauled in 38 catches for 664 yards on six scores. Eli Thompson and Zade Martin both have 15 catches and combined for over 300 yards. The only games GFC struggled to move the ball was against Kindred and Central Cass. 
 The program is not far removed from making a deep playoff run. It reached the AA Dakota Bowl in 2023.

Why G.F. Central will win: Defenses often have a big say in playoff outcomes and the Knights have a good one. It will present a stiff challenge.
Why Devils Lake will win: The Firebirds were undefeated at home and is one a mission to get its first postseason victory since 2017.
Key match up to watch: Devils Lake’s run game against G.F. Central’s defensive line.                                                                                                       

Fries at the bottom of the bag: The last time DL hosted a playoff game was in 2017, a victory over Wahpeton...GF Central leads the all-time series against DL, 13 wins to 12 losses…DL’s Max Palmer is two minutes older than his brother Mason

(3W) Bismarck St. Mary’s (4-5) at (2E) Central Cass (6-3), Friday, Oct. 31, 7 p.m.
Last meeting: 2018, Bismarck St. Mary’s won, 41-20 (AA semifinals)
Last Playoff Meeting: Same

How they got here: Central Cass (Casselton) started the season with four wins in its first five games and posted a 3-2 East Region record to secure No. 2 playoff seed. The key region victory for Squirrels came over G.F. Central. St. Mary’s meanwhile, had a 1-5 record on Oct. 4, but have rattled off three-straight wins to earn the West Region’s No. 3 seed.

About Central Cass: The Squirrels are starting to build an impressive playoff tradition. This is the sixth consecutive season the program has been in the postseason. That stretch included a trip to Class A title game in 2022 (loss to Velva, 22-20). 
While many teams build their offense largely on running the ball, CC has established a lethal passing attack. Junior quarterback Brody Kegley has completed 187 passes for 1996 yards and 21 TDs. Six players have over 200 receiving yards. The leader is Easton Holland. The junior has reeled in 43 catches for 508 yards and 7 TDs. Sophomore Blaise Cotton has 379 yards on 37 catches and six scores. That pass attack has put all sorts of pressure on opposing defenses to cover much of the field and is why the squad has been able to score points against good teams, including 26 against unbeaten Kindred. When the Squirrels do run, Colton Cruchet has been the primary rusher. The senior has 788 yards on 172 attempts and 11 TDs. He’s only fumbled once. On defense, Central Cass has allowed an average of 244 yards per game and its held opponents to just 102 rushing yards per game. Junior LB Ayden Thummel has 45 total tackles.
About Bismarck St Mary’s: The program is back in the AA playoffs for a second-straight season, but last won a playoff game in 2021 (AA semifinal vs. Dickinson). The squad arguably had the toughest stretch of games to begin the year of any AA program. Five of its first six opponents are all in the playoffs, including unbeaten Kindred and unbeaten Minot North. SM has won its last three games, so it comes into the postseason with momentum. Just a quick look at the Saints’ stat sheet shows one player that stands out in a big way. That is junior Beckett Price. He has 1,409 rushing yards on 152 carries and 14 TDs. He’s the type of runner who has the potential to break a long run on every carry. Junior full back Zach Richter is also capable of getting positive plays. The run game is where St. Mary’s has done its most damage and enabled them to control time of possession. The play of its O-line deserves a lot of the credit. They have helped to wear down defenses. Junior quarterback Tommy Wilson has completed 45 passes for 629 yards. After a challenging start, he’s getting more comfortable in the role. Brady Ruggles is the primary receiving target. The senior has 234 yards on 17 receptions. One of the keys for SM is not getting into third and long situations. Defensively, the Saints have been solid, despite five losses. It’s allowing around 270 yards per game. DB Ruggles leads the squad in total tackles.
Why Central Cass will win: The Squirrels are used to the postseason spotlight and possess a dynamic offense, but also an underrated defense.
Why St. Mary’s will win: The squad has been battle tested against the best AA teams this season. It has one of the state’s most talented players in running back Beckett Price.
Key match up to watch: St. Mary’s defense against Central Cass’ pass game.
Fries at the bottom of the bag: St. Mary’s is 5-0, all-time, against the Squirrels...The last time CC was in the AA playoffs was 2020...St. Mary’s last state championship came in 2020...Central Cass’ last state championship came in 1980.

(4E) Grand Forks Red Rive r(4-5) at (1W) Minot North (9-0) Friday, Oct. 31, 7 p.m.
Last meeting: Sept. 12, Minot North won, 45-14
Last Playoff Meeting: First-ever meeting

How they got here: Minot North rolled to an undefeated regular season, including 5-0 West Region mark. One of those victories came rather handily over G.F. Red River.  For a second year in a row, the pat to the Dakota Bowl for North will mean two home playoff games. The Roughriders, on the other hand, didn’t know its playoff fate until after the regular season finale against rival G.F. Central. Despite a 2-3 region record, the squad won a tie-break over Fargo South to nab the fourth, and final playoff spot.

About Minot North: The program is still in its infancy but is on a path for big things. The squad posted an 8-3 mark and advanced to the AA semifinals in year one of varsity play. This season the team is unbeaten and a favorite to reach the Dakota Bowl. Defense is where Minot North has really shined. It’s allowed just 69 points in nine games. Just once has North been in a one-score game (vs. Devils Lake, 26-20). The team has kept teams to just 100 yards of rushing per game. And stopping the run has forced a lot of opponents out of their comfort zone and into a pass-orientated offense. And the squad is not too shabby against the pass, either. In fact, the Sentinels have 21 interceptions. Senior Josia Jaquinet has five of them. Senior Gunner Jost and junior Gavin Tobey have three each. Senior Evan Berg leads the squad with 48 total tackles. A host of other players, including Harrison Schaefer, Jr.; Tyler Kippen, Sr.; and Christian Deadmond, Sr.; have been impactful on D.
Offensively, the team has steamrolled the competition with a run game that has racked up 2,448 yards. North averages 272 per game and seven players have 30 or more carries. Seven! The leader is Cooper Chick. The junior has 103 carries for 712 yards. Berg has 281 yards on 65 carries. Sophomore Cian Hannon has 277 yards on 37 carries. Deadmond has 257 yards on 36 attempts. Senior Cole Richeson had 218 yards on 30 rushes and quarterback Brayden Blikre has 54 carries for 211 yards. Yes, a lot of fresh legs carrying the rock for the Sentinels. While the team hasn’t had to rely much on its passing game, it’s not entirely dormant. Blikre has completed 43 passes for 562 yards and seven TDs. Jaquinet has 149 yards and three scores on 11 catches. Senior Will Bentley has 134 yards on 10 receptions.
The Sentinels have done most of their scoring damage in the first half, including 144 points in the second quarter alone. A slow start by the opposition has proven disastrous.

About Grand Forks Red River: The program is making its fifth consecutive playoff appearance. The squad posted a 11-1 record a season ago and advanced to the AA Dakota Bowl for the first time. However, an injury to its running back Thomas Kraft in the championship against WF Horace proved too much to overcome and the squad fell 14-8. This season’s team has new faces filling key roles. 
Offensively, the squad likes to spread the field and throw the ball. Junior Reese Walters started at the QB spot, but was sidelined due to injury. Senior Matt Dosch, who began the season as a wide receiver, moved under center the past four games. Walters has since returned and has taken Dosch’s spot as a receiver. That role reversal has been a good one for the squad which has over 2,500 yards of total offense in nine games, a good majority has come in the air, 1,500 yards. The primary receiving targets have been Max Mannausau. The junior has hauled in over 30 catches and just over 400 yards. Noah Iverson is also a player to watch in the pass game. The senior has over 200 yards receiving.
When the squad runs the ball, Noah Brandvold has been the guy. The senior has over 400 yards. QB Dosch has also used his legs to extend drives. Defensively, the team has been struggled at times stopping the run. It gave up a season-high 340 against Minot North. A much better performance from the D-line and linebacker unit in stopping the run will be needed in the quarterfinals.

Why Minot North wins: This team has a chip on its shoulder after falling in last year’s semifinal to eventual champion WF Horace. The veteran squad is talented and on a mission to get to Fargo.
Why G.F. Red River wins: The squad has played North once, so it knows where adjustments are needed. RR likes to the spread the field and throw the ball. That game plan will somewhat neutralize North’s vaunted line play.
Key matchup to watch: Minot North’s run offense against Red River’s line of scrimmage.
Fries at the bottom of the bag: North’s defense has allowed just 13 first half points...Red River last quarterfinal road win came in 1991 vs. Bismarck High. 

Photo: A Bismarck St. Mary's back is pursued by Watford City defenders