Division AA playoffs kick off on Oct. 30 for four West Region teams

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That familiar show tune could easily serve as the official theme song for the 2026 NDHSAA Division AA state quarterfinals. In a rare postseason twist, all four quarterfinal matchups on Friday, Oct. 30 are regular-season rematches. Thanks to the statewide interconnected schedule between the East and West regions, there will be no feeling-out process when the ball is kicked off—every program on the slate already has 48 minutes (or more) of firsthand experience against its opponent.

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the four Class AA quarterfinal clashes, featuring matchup histories, key storylines, and reasons why each squad can punch its ticket to the semifinals.

(4W) Jamestown Blue Jays (3-6) at (1E) Kindred Vikings (9-0)

Kickoff: Friday, Oct. 30, 6:00 p.m. at Kindred High School Field, Kindred

How They Got Here:

Kindred (1E): Dominant is the word that comes to mind when describing the Vikings, who enter the postseason at 9-0 as the East’s top seed. Since 2021, Kindred has compiled an astounding 65-4 record, establishing itself as arguably the most complete football team in North Dakota regardless of class—evidenced by a decisive non-conference victory over EDC Class AAA champion West Fargo Horace earlier this fall. While the roster features rare Power Four talent—headlined by four-star two-way lineman Luke Starcevic (Clemson commit) dominating both sides of the trenches and wideout/defensive weapon Brooks Bakko (University of Minnesota commit) pacing the aerial game with 29 catches for 565 yards and eight scores—don't sleep on the rest of this lineup. Kindred is loaded with key contributors across the field. Quarterback Jackson Schlieman commands the offense with poise, throwing for 1,218 yards on 68-of-118 passing with 16 touchdowns against only four interceptions. Dynamic tailback Brock Johnson provides breakaway speed on the ground (racking up 269 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the first meeting with Jamestown), while versatile two-way standout Myles Thielges and placekicker Graham Hesse consistently deliver in high-leverage spots. Five different receivers have cracked 100 receiving yards, giving Schlieman multiple trusted options. Defensively, Kindred has allowed an average of just 6.8 points per game, yielding zero first-quarter points all season and just 10 total points in first halves. Kindred is making its 12th consecutive postseason appearance, seeking its first Division AA crown after capturing the Class A title in 2023 and Class B in 2021. The Vikings passed their toughest test in the regular-season finale, rallying from a second-half deficit with a third-quarter score to top Central Cass 14-10.

Jamestown (4W): The Blue Jays clinched the West’s final postseason berth with a 3-6 overall mark (2-3 WDA), securing the spot via a gritty 7-2 road victory over Bismarck St. Mary's in their regular-season finale. Jamestown's offense features balance behind senior signal caller Brady Nenow and a physical two-headed ground attack led by Braden Hemminger (139 carries, 595 yards, 6 TDs) and goal-line hammer Aiden Skari (92 carries, 522 yards, 10 TDs). Nenow spreads the ball to a capable group of pass-catchers, including big-play wideout Edison Walters, Kale Verke, and Brady Anderson. Defensively, the Blue Jays are anchored in the middle by HC Mack (55 points/tackles) and pass rusher Rylan Dockter (52 points, 9 TFL, 4 sacks), alongside Anderson (46 tackles).

Past Meeting:

Kindred defeated Jamestown 40-19 on Sept. 18 in Jamestown. While the Vikings built a commanding 27-0 halftime cushion behind Brock Johnson's 269 rushing yards and Jackson Schlieman's three touchdown passes, the Blue Jays found their rhythm in the second half. Oddly enough, the 19 points Jamestown scored in the final two quarters represent the most points Kindred has surrendered in a single game all season.

Why Kindred Should Win:

Lineup Depth Beyond the Stars: While defenses spend all week game-planning to contain Starcevic and Bakko, Kindred punishes opponents with complete lineup depth. Johnson can rip off chunk plays on the ground, Schlieman protects the football, and Thielges provides physical two-way production that keeps the Vikings clicking regardless of who gets bracketed.

First-Half Stranglehold: Kindred has allowed just 10 first-half points across nine games and hasn't conceded a single point in the opening quarter all autumn. If the Vikings jump ahead early and force Jamestown to abandon its two-headed rushing attack with Hemminger and Skari, Kindred can pin its ears back and control the tempo.

Why Jamestown Should Win:

Second-Half Familiarity & Execution: Jamestown didn't fold after falling behind in the first meeting; they adjusted and moved the football against Kindred's defense better than anyone else in North Dakota this autumn. If Nenow, Hemminger, and Skari can sustain early drives and stay ahead of the chains, the Blue Jays can test the Vikings' composure in a four-quarter game. Last year, unbeaten Kindred dropped a semifinal game at home, so a win on Kindred's field can be done.

Red-Zone Toughness: Coming off a defensive masterpiece in which they allowed just two points to St. Mary's, the Blue Jays' defensive front—led by Rylan Dockter and HC Mack—knows it must generate penetration, slow down Kindred's push between the tackles, and win the turnover margin to give Jamestown an upset opportunity.

(3E) Grand Forks Central Knights (6-3) at (2W) Dickinson High Midgets (7-2)

Kickoff: Friday, Oct. 30, 7:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m. MDT) at Biesiot Activities Center (BAC), Dickinson

Coverage: Live stream on PSP Network (fee required)

How They Got Here:

Grand Forks Central (3E): The Knights locked up the East’s No. 3 seed with a 6-3 record, making their second consecutive playoff appearance. Central reached the Dakota Bowl in 2023 (falling in the title game), which marks the program's last postseason victory. All three of Central's regular-season defeats came at the hands of playoff qualifiers—Kindred, Central Cass, and their quarterfinal opponent, Dickinson. However, they proved their mettle with a pair of wins over playoff-bound squads, defeating Jamestown and knocking off cross-town rival Grand Forks Red River in the finale to snap a two-game skid. Offensively, the Knights generated 2,687 yards of total offense, leaning on a ground game that produced 1,717 yards alongside 970 in the air. Brody Leddige directs the attack under center, throwing for 897 yards and seven touchdowns against six interceptions on 62-of-106 passing. Tailback Carson Kotrba anchors the ground attack with 833 rushing yards and seven scores on 141 carries, while Asher Fischer adds goal-line pop with 311 yards and eight touchdowns on 52 touches. Jaden Cochran leads the receiving corps with 182 yards, heading a balanced group where four players have crossed 100 receiving yards. Defensively, John Shereck sets the tone with a team-leading 54 tackles. Points have been at a premium against top-tier competition, with Central held to single digits against Kindred and Central Cass, and managing just 12 against Dickinson.

Dickinson High (2W): The Midgets earned the West’s No. 2 seed behind a balanced, opportunistic squad that averaged 338.1 yards per game while amassing 2,705 total yards on the season. Dual-threat quarterback Nathan Stevenson manages the offense with exceptional ball security, throwing for 1,250 yards, 16 touchdowns, and zero interceptions while adding dynamic playmaking on designed rollouts. Running back Wyatt Turner spearheads the ground attack with 767 yards and nine touchdowns, providing tough inside yardage behind a veteran offensive line. Stevenson’s primary perimeter target is Paxton Lyson, who paces the team with 430 receiving yards. Defensively, the Midgets allowed just 1,847 total yards on the season, driven by Ayden Ho (50 tackles, five sacks), Easton Blauer (49 tackles), and Tai Tautolo anchoring a unit adept at stifling opposing backfields on early downs.

Past Meeting:

Dickinson captured a 27-12 regular-season victory over Grand Forks Central in their inter-region meeting on Sept. 18. The Midgets jumped out to an early two-score lead, establishing control of the trenches and dictating game flow, preventing the Knights from establishing their downhill ground rhythm.

Why Dickinson High Should Win:

Line Dominance & Red Zone Defense: Dickinson held Central to 12 points in September, crowding the box against Kotrba and forcing Leddige into passing downs. With Ayden Ho and Easton Blauer controlling the interior gaps, the Midgets have the personnel to make Central drive long fields without giving up explosive plays.

Nathan Stevenson’s Mistake-Free Execution: Stevenson’s 16-to-0 touchdown-to-interception ratio is the hallmark of Dickinson's offense. Central relies heavily on winning the turnover battle to generate short-field points; if Stevenson continues his error-free decision-making and distributes cleanly to Turner and Lyson, the Midgets will dictate the tempo.

Why Grand Forks Central Should Win:

Rematch Adjustments & Carson Kotrba: Central fell behind early in the first meeting and was forced away from its offensive identity. If the Knights can establish Kotrba (833 yards) and Fischer on early downs to sustain drives, they can control the clock, keep Stevenson on the sideline, and turn this into a physical, low-possession game.

Capitalizing on Momentum: Fresh off an emotional rivalry win over Grand Forks Red River that snapped a late-season slide, the Knights enter Dickinson playing with house money. If Shereck and the front seven can collapse the pocket and generate Dickinson’s first turnovers of the autumn, Central has the blueprint to pull off the road upset.

(3W) Devils Lake Firebirds (6-3) at (2E) Central Cass Squirrels (6-3)

Kickoff: Friday, Oct. 30, 7:00 p.m. at Central Cass High School Field, Casselton

Coverage: WDAY XTra (Over the air) WDAY + (fee)

How They Got Here:

Central Cass (2E): The Squirrels locked up the East’s No. 2 seed with a 6-3 mark, clinching their seventh consecutive trip to the postseason. A perennial playoff force, Central Cass has won at least one playoff game in each of its last five postseason trips and reached the Class B state finals as runner-up in 2022. All three of their regular-season losses came against fellow playoff qualifiers—Kindred, Dickinson, and Devils Lake—and all three were decided by four points or fewer. Offensively, the Squirrels generated 3,060 yards of total offense, leaning heavily on a prolific passing attack (2,181 passing, 879 rushing). Quarterback Brody Kegley directs the unit with precision, completing 157 of 212 passes for 2,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. The ground game is paced by Benji Boway, who rushed for 668 yards and eight scores on 121 carries. On the perimeter, Kegley features two 500-yard targets in Parker Wixo (35 catches, 525 yards, 5 TDs) and Blaise Cotton (31 catches, 514 yards, 8 TDs), with three additional receivers topping the 200-yard plateau. Defensively, Cotton leads the charge with 64 tackles and three interceptions, while Ayden Thummel has racked up 57 stops.

Devils Lake (3W): The Firebirds enter the postseason at 6-3 after securing the West's No. 3 seed, highlighted by a strong late-season surge that included a thrilling 27-24 regular-season finale road victory over Watford City. Devils Lake operates behind a physical, downhill ground identity powered by workhorse tailback Egan Laite (889+ rushing yards, 8 TDs). Senior quarterback Talan Gregory manages the game efficiently under center (665+ passing yards, 6 TDs), while junior wideout Domingo Engberg provides explosive big-play ability in space. Defensively, linebackers Taylor Longie (46+ tackles, 2 sacks) and William Enget set a physical tone at the line of scrimmage for a Firebird unit that thrives on creating momentum-swinging havoc plays.

Past Meeting:

This is an early-season rematch: Devils Lake edged Central Cass 21-19 back on Sept. 4 at Roller Field in Devils Lake. In that Week 2 contest, Domingo Engberg delivered a touchdown catch and a decisive 70-yard pick-six, while Egan Laite added a second-half touchdown run before the Firebirds' defense held off a late Squirrels rally in the final minutes.

Why Central Cass Should Win:

Brody Kegley’s Aerial Efficiency: Completing 74% of his passes with a 23-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio, Kegley rarely makes catastrophic mistakes. With Wixo, Cotton, and three other 200-yard receivers spreading the field, the Squirrels have the route combinations to test Devils Lake’s defensive secondary in the open field on their home turf.

Hunger in Close-Game Revenge: Central Cass was a combined nine points away from being undefeated in those three losses (falling by 2 to Devils Lake, by 2 to Dickinson, and by 4 to Kindred). Having already felt the sting of a two-point loss in Devils Lake, the Squirrels have the home-field advantage and the firepower to execute in late-game situations.

Why Devils Lake Should Win:

Physical Control at the Line of Scrimmage: Central Cass generates over 70% of its offense through the air and managed just 879 yards on the ground this season. If Laite and the Firebirds' offensive front can churn out 4-to-5 yards per carry on early downs, Devils Lake can drain the clock, sustain long scoring drives, and keep Kegley standing on the sideline.

Ball Havoc & Big Plays: The Firebirds proved in Week 2 that they don't need 400 yards of offense to beat Central Cass—they capitalized on Engberg's pick-six and situational defense in the red zone. If Longie and the front seven collapse the pocket and force hurried throws, the Firebirds have the blueprint to repeat their early-season victory.

(4E) Grand Forks Red River Roughriders (3-6) at (1W) Minot North Sentinels (8-1)

Kickoff: Friday, Oct. 30, 6:00 p.m. at Sentinel Stadium, Minot

Coverage: Live stream on PSP Network (fee required)

How They Got Here:

Grand Forks Red River (4E): The Roughriders secured the East’s No. 4 seed to earn their sixth consecutive postseason appearance, a sustained stretch of late-October football highlighted by a Dakota Bowl runner-up finish in 2024. Five of Red River's six regular-season losses came against playoff qualifiers, including an opening-night clash with EDC Class AAA champion West Fargo Horace. Offensively, the Roughriders generated 2,730 total yards with near-even distribution (1,388 passing, 1,342 rushing). Quarterback Reese Walters provides a dynamic dual-threat presence under center, passing for 1,289 yards and 13 touchdowns against seven interceptions (87-of-170) while leading the red-zone ground game with 361 rushing yards and 11 scores. Kaden Porter serves as the primary ballcarrier, turning 121 carries into 652 yards and four touchdowns. Through the air, Walters spreads the wealth among Brody Neil (25 receptions, 412 yards), Max Mannausau (23 receptions, 392 yards, 7 TDs), and Mo Kamara (15 catches, 305 yards, 3 TDs). Defensively, the Roughriders surrendered 3,041 yards of total offense (1,527 rushing, 1,514 passing). That defensive unit is spearheaded by tackle-point leaders Jonah Pence (159.4 points), Cam Irion (150.8 points), and Brennan Johnson (128.9 points), while Mo Kamara provides a dynamic ball-hawking presence on the back end with three interceptions. A fast start will be vital for Red River after playing from behind in several contests down the stretch.

Minot North (1W): The Sentinels captured their third consecutive Division AA West Region championship and the West's top seed with an 8-1 mark, riding a four-game winning streak into Friday following a 21-7 victory over Dickinson in the regular-season finale. Minot North produced 2,394 yards of total offense (1,539 rushing, 855 passing), scoring 26.6 points per game behind an efficient two-quarterback rotation and a punishing committee ground game. Signal-callers Henry Woodbeck (33-of-65, 447 yards, 4 TDs) and Zander Kleen (28-of-53, 394 yards, 5 TDs) have combined for 841 yards and nine touchdown strikes against three interceptions. Workhorse Cooper Chick leads the backfield with 687 yards and eight scores on 141 carries (4.9 ypc), complemented by dynamic back Dayvion Clemons (341 yards, 6 TDs on 70 carries) and Cian Hannon. On the outside, standout junior Cameron Jesz leads the receiving corps with 18 catches for 325 yards and four touchdowns, while pacing the WDA secondary with six interceptions. Linebacker Harrison Schaefer commands the defense with 56 total tackles (49 solo, 63 defensive points) and two fumble recoveries, flanked by Gavin Tobey (four interceptions), Luke Richeson, and Jameson Langager. Kicker Ephraim Boakye has provided a steady leg in pressure spots, converting 23 extra points and four field goals, including a game-winning 38-yarder against Devils Lake and the decisive overtime PAT in the regular-season meeting with Red River.

Past Meeting:

Minot North edged Grand Forks Red River 35-34 in an overtime thriller on Sept. 11 at Cushman Field in Grand Forks. Red River mounted a furious fourth-quarter rally, largey by the efforts of QB Reese Walters, to force the extra session and grabbed a brief 34-28 lead in overtime. However, missed PATs proved costly for the Roughriders, as Minot North answered with a score and Ephraim Boakye converted the game-winning extra point.

Why Minot North Should Win:

Secondary Playmakers & Turnover Margin: With Cameron Jesz (six interceptions) and Gavin Tobey (four interceptions) patrolling the secondary, the Sentinels possess the ballhawks to capitalize on hurried throws if their front four can collapse the pocket around Walters.

Trench Depth and Ground Control: Cooper Chick and Dayvion Clemons give Minot North a complementary thunder-and-lightning backfield that can wear down defensive fronts, milk the clock, and protect home turf.

Proven Kicking Game: In a matchup between two programs that went down to a single extra point in September, Ephraim Boakye's consistency on field goals and PATs gives the Sentinels an edge in late-game execution.

Why Grand Forks Red River Should Win:

Second-Level Tackling & Secondary Turnovers: With Jonah Pence (159.4 points), Cam Irion (150.8 points), and Brennan Johnson (128.9 points) cleaning up ballcarriers between the tackles, Red River has the personnel to bottle up Chick on early downs. If Mo Kamara (three interceptions) can jump intermediate passing lanes, the Roughriders can flip field position quickly.

Reese Walters' Playmaking: Accounting for 24 total touchdowns (13 passing, 11 rushing), Walters creates headaches for defensive coordinators with designed quarterback runs and second-reaction throws downfield to Mannausau and Neil.

Fast-Start Redemption: Red River demonstrated it can score in bunches on the Sentinels after putting up 34 points in the first meeting. If the Roughriders avoid early giveaways and convert their placekicks, they have the firepower to take down the West’s top seed.

Fries at the Bottom of the Bag

A Rare Rematch Sweep: All four Division AA quarterfinal contests on Friday are regular-season rematches. Kindred defeated Jamestown (40-19 on Sept. 18); Dickinson beat Grand Forks Central (27-12 on Sept. 18); Devils Lake edged Central Cass (21-19 on Sept. 4); and Minot North outlasted Grand Forks Red River (35-34 in OT on Sept. 11).

Sentinels' West Region Three-Peat: Minot North solidified its status as the standard in Class AA out west by capturing its third consecutive Division AA West Region/WDA championship, finishing 4-1 in conference play and earning the right to host Friday's quarterfinal at Sentinel Stadium.

Power Four Recruits in Kindred: The Kindred vs. Jamestown clash showcases two of the state's highest-profile recruits: Kindred two-way lineman Luke Starcevic is pledged to Clemson, while wideout/defensive weapon Brooks Bakko is committed to Minnesota.

Kindred's Complete Roster Depth: While Starcevic and Bakko draw recruiting headlines, Kindred's engine runs on complete roster depth. Quarterback Jackson Schlieman has thrown 16 touchdowns to just four picks, running back Brock Johnson is coming off a 269-yard rushing clinic against the Blue Jays, and two-way standout Myles Thielges gives the Vikings an unrelenting physical edge.

Stevenson's Clean Sheet: Dickinson quarterback Nathan Stevenson enters postseason play with 1,250 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and zero interceptions through eight regular-season games.

Central Cass Heartbreak: Central Cass finished 6-3, with all three defeats coming against playoff qualifiers (Kindred, Dickinson, Devils Lake) by four points or fewer—a combined total margin of just nine points.

Kindred's First-Half Lockout: East top-seed Kindred has allowed just 6.8 points per game, pitching a shutout in all nine first quarters and conceding only 10 total points before halftime all year. Jamestown's 19 second-half points in September remain the most anyone has scored on Kindred this season.

Kicking Under the Microscope: Missed extra points proved the margin of defeat in Red River's 35-34 overtime loss to Minot North in September. With cold weather setting in and Minot North's Ephraim Boakye dialed in, the kicking units will be scrutinized on every score.

Secondary Ballhawks: Friday's matchup in Minot features two of Class AA's top ballhawks in Minot North's Cameron Jesz (six interceptions) and Red River's Mo Kamara (three interceptions).

Next Stop: Quarterfinal winners advance to the Division AA state semifinals on Saturday, Nov. 7 at the higher seed, with the winners heading to the Dakota Bowl on Friday, Nov. 13 at the Fargodome.

Devils Lake vs. Dickinson (Photo/Eric Olheiser)