Division AAA playoffs kick off on Oct. 30 for four WDA teams

BISMARCK – Eight teams remain in the hunt for the Dakota Bowl as the Class AAA postseason kicks off on Friday, Oct. 30. The quarterfinal round features an inter-region doubleheader under the lights at the MDU Resources Community Bowl in Bismarck, while two WDA squads hit the interstate for road tests in the Fargo-West Fargo metro. All eight participants enter the playoffs with two or more losses, so any number of teams could win this year's crown.

(3E) Fargo Shanley Deacons (6-3) at (2W) Legacy Sabers (7-2)

Kickoff: Friday, Oct. 30, 4:00 p.m. at MDU Resources Community Bowl, Bismarck

Coverage: PSP Network (fee required)

How They Got Here:

Fargo Shanley: The Deacons bring one of the state’s premier high-octane attacks into the postseason, generating 3,690 yards of total offense (2,528 passing, 1,162 rushing) and cracking 40 or more points in five contests. Shanley’s engine is standout dual-threat quarterback Jacob Perkerewicz, who has accounted for 43 total touchdowns. Through the air, Perkerewicz is 238-of-332 for 2,478 yards and 25 scores against 11 interceptions. Utilizing a durable frame that welcomes contact, he also paces the Deacons on the ground with 946 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. Top perimeter targets include Michael Hollcraft (59 receptions, 725 yards, 7 TDs), Eli Danduran (49 catches, 576 yards, 7 TDs), and Ryan Ommen (447 yards, 3 TDs). Defensively, Charlie Snider (89 tackles) and Nolan Mack (72 tackles) anchor a unit that has allowed 3,300 total yards (2,134 on the ground). Shanley had a three-game win streak halted by WF Horace in its regular-season finale and is seeking its first playoff victory since 2023.

Legacy: The Sabres earned the West’s No. 2 seed and enter Friday with significant program history on the line: Legacy is hosting its first-ever playoff game and looking to capture the second postseason victory in program history (the first coming last fall on the road at WF Horace). The Sabres are built on a big, physical offensive and defensive front line that controls the trenches. The offense features balance and depth, highlighted by workhorse running back Beckham Presley-McKay, who gives the squad a dynamic 1,000-yard rusher. Quarterback Weston Kraft has been impressive under center, showcasing poise in high-leverage situations, while Josh Link has served as a reliable, go-to receiver on the perimeter. The Sabres have been virtually unbeatable in regulation—both of their regular-season losses came by just three points (28-25 at WF Horace and 17-14 against BHS).

Past Meeting:

This marks the first-ever postseason meeting between Legacy and Shanley. The Deacons lead the overall regular-season series 2-1, but the Sabres took the most recent matchup in 2024.

Why Legacy Should Win:

Trenches & The Ground Game: Legacy’s big, physical offensive line combined with Presley-McKay’s downhill 1,000-yard running ability creates a mismatch against a Shanley defense that has surrendered 2,134 yards on the ground. Controlling the line of scrimmage allows Legacy to dictate tempo and keep Perkerewicz on the sideline.

Capitalizing on Air Opportunities: Shanley puts the ball in the air at a high volume, which has resulted in 11 interceptions. Legacy's defense and secondary possess the depth and speed to jump timing routes and convert takeaways into short fields for Kraft and the offense.

Why Fargo Shanley Should Win:

The Perkerewicz Factor: Few defenses have consistently slowed down Perkerewicz for four full quarters. His ability to make plays off-schedule with his arm and punish tacklers on designed runs forces linebackers into challenging coverage binds.

Shootout Comfort: Shanley is completely comfortable playing in games where points come in bunches, having crossed the 40-point mark five times. If the Deacons strike early and turn the contest into a track meet, their aerial volume gives them a dangerous edge.

(4E) Fargo Davies Eagles (5-4) at (1W) Bismarck High Demons (7-2)

Kickoff: Friday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m. at MDU Resources Community Bowl, Bismarck

Coverage: PSP Network (fee required)

How They Got Here:

Fargo Davies: The defending AAA champion Eagles punched their postseason ticket on the final night of the regular season, securing their fifth consecutive playoff trip. Davies operates behind a bruising, vintage ground attack that piled up 3,003 rushing yards out of 3,308 total yards. The backfield tandem of Talen Tuchscherer (171 carries, 1,250 yards, 14 TDs) and Bennett Simmers (79 carries, 960 yards, 14 TDs) does the heavy lifting, with Tyler Frederick chipping in 448 yards and four scores. Through the air, Davies throws sparingly—QB Tucker Kosen has completed 16 of 37 passes for 305 yards and 4 TDs, with Brady Vetter hauling in 11 catches for 220 yards and two scores. Defensively, Chase Kungal (49 tackles) and Kolby Falk (46 tackles) lead a group that has yielded 3,452 yards (2,162 rushing, 1,290 passing).

Bismarck High: The perennial power Demons captured the WDA crown and the West’s top seed to lock up their fourth consecutive postseason appearance, doing so despite early-season adversity under center. Returning starting quarterback Hayden Bondley suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1, pressing Kaden Molenda into the starting signal-caller role. Molenda stepped in smoothly, keeping the offense operating at nearly 30 points per game. The Demons rely on a balanced two-headed ground attack with Cole Lardy (441 yards) and Braxton Dutchuk (419 yards). Through the air, Molenda spreads the field between top dual-threat weapon Weston Scott (352 receiving yards, 4 INTs) and senior wideout Najeh Boyd (3 INTs), who provides a versatile target in space while solidifying the secondary alongside Scott. Defensively, linebacker Mark Bauman sets the tone with 101 total tackles and 13 tackles for loss, flanked by Cayle Fischer (61 tackles) and Declan Sims (59 tackles). BHS enters Friday looking to punch its ticket to the Dakota Bowl for the first time since capturing the 2018 state title.

Past Meeting:

Davies edged Bismarck High 29-28 earlier this regular season. The run-heavy Eagles mounted a game-winning drive with under three minutes remaining, stunning the Demons on a rare fourth-quarter touchdown pass.

Why Fargo Davies Should Win:

Playoff Poise & Championship Pedigree: Davies has reached the Dakota Bowl in back-to-back seasons and already proved it can execute in high-leverage fourth-quarter situations against BHS.

Time of Possession Control: With Tuchscherer and Simmers combining for 28 touchdowns and nearly nine yards a carry, Davies can churn out first downs, shorten the game, and keep BHS's offense off the field.

Why Bismarck High Should Win:

Defensive Discipline Against Heavy Sets: BHS held a fourth-quarter lead in the first meeting and now has full tape on Davies’ heavy running sets. With Bauman (101 tackles, 13 TFL) and Fischer plugging interior gaps, and Boyd and Scott providing physical run support off the edge, the Demons can stack the box to stall Davies on early downs.

Perimeter Playmakers in Space: Molenda has multiple dependable outlets. When defenses key on Lardy and Dutchuk between the tackles, Scott and Boyd give the Demons quick-strike capability on perimeter screens and intermediate routes against an Eagles defense that has surrendered 3,452 yards.

(4W) Bismarck Century Patriots (3-6) at (1E) West Fargo Horace Hawks (7-2)

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

How They Got Here:

West Fargo Horace: The EDC champion Hawks earned the top seed behind a 7-2 campaign, making their fourth consecutive playoff appearance and second at the AAA level. Horace displays balance across 2,958 total yards (1,483 rushing, 1,475 passing). Matthew Dick directs the unit with poise, throwing for 1,255 yards on 90-of-140 passing with 16 touchdowns against seven interceptions. Tailback Reid Foell powers the ground game with 905 yards and eight scores, while Turner Wonch adds 355 yards and four touchdowns. Aiden Green is the go-to receiver with 57 catches for 821 yards and eight touchdowns. Defensively, Foell doubles as the team's top tackler (98 stops). The Hawks thrive on takeaways, racking up 20 interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries while yielding just 1,441 yards (794 rushing, 647 passing). Horace is 3-1 in games decided by one score.

Bismarck Century: The Patriots enter November as the state's most battle-tested lower seed. Century dropped its first five contests of the fall, but their record belies their competitiveness—three of their six defeats were by a single point. Century rallied to win three of its final four games, capped by a 27-6 victory over top-seeded Bismarck High. Tailback Carter Wylde drives the offense after eclipsing the century mark with 1,067 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Quarterback Kaden Welstad adds 402 rushing yards and five scores while distributing to Zakai Harildstad, Wyatt Nelson, and Josiah Johnson. Linebacker Knoxx Wedelstedt anchors a defense that generated key turnovers in October, while kicker Silas Kaldor gives the Patriots reliable scoring range.

Past Meeting:

This marks the first-ever varsity football matchup between Century and West Fargo Horace.

Why West Fargo Horace Should Win:

Takeaway Margin: With 30 forced turnovers (including six picks from Carter Knott), Horace creates short fields and disrupts timing. If the Hawks force Century into obvious throwing situations, their opportunistic defense can dictate the game.

Balanced Weapons: Dick's ability to distribute accurately to Green on the perimeter keeps defenses from stacking the box against Foell and Wonch, creating consistent down-and-distance management.

Why Bismarck Century Should Win:

Momentum and Front-Line Power: Century is playing its best football of the year, fresh off a 21-point win over the West’s top seed. Wylde gives the Patriots a downhill running threat capable of testing a Horace defensive front that hasn't seen a 1,000-yard rusher of his volume.

Experience in Pressure Games: The Patriots have played six games decided by one score or less. If the contest remains tight in the fourth quarter, Century’s defensive front and Kaldor’s leg give them a proven late-game formula.

(3W) Mandan Braves (5-4) at (2E) West Fargo Packers (6-3)

Kickoff: Friday, Oct. 30, 6:30 p.m. at West Fargo High School Field, West Fargo

Coverage: WDAY Extra (over the air); WDAY + (fee required)

How They Got Here:

West Fargo: The Packers roll into their eighth consecutive postseason appearance riding a three-game winning streak. West Fargo amassed 3,456 yards of total offense (1,840 passing, 1,616 rushing). Signal caller Ryan Camarillo leads the charge, throwing for 1,804 yards and 17 touchdowns with just four interceptions on 108-of-178 passing, while adding 538 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Ashton Wigestrand paces the backfield with 630 yards and five scores. Wyatt Knudsen (40 catches, 728 yards, 9 TDs) and Joaquin Valdez (563 yards, 5 TDs) provide explosive options outside. Camden Moore (69 tackles) and Knudsen (56 tackles) lead a defense that allowed 2,642 total yards. The Packers went 4-1 in games decided by seven points or less and are seeking their first playoff victory since 2021.

Mandan: The Braves secured the West's No. 3 seed despite navigating an extraordinary quarterback carousel. Returning starter Cole Carlson—back from an injury that cut short his 2025 campaign—was sidelined again early this autumn. Eighth-grader Weston Reiner was thrust into varsity action and held his own before he, too, went down with an injury. Tight end Sam Geiger stepped in to take emergency snaps behind center for a game and guided the Braves to victory. Carlson has since returned to command the offense. Throughout the adjustments, Mandan leaned on senior tailback Tate Sailer, who led the WDA with 1,342 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns. Wideout Dan Wentz provides explosive perimeter play with 521 receiving yards and six scores. Defensively, linebacker Jackson Drengson (75 tackles, 2 INTs) and defensive end Alec Martel (59 tackles, 14 TFLs) pace an aggressive, disruptive front seven.

Past Meeting:

The teams did not meet during the 2026 regular season. Their most recent playoff clash was in the 2022 quarterfinals, where Mandan traveled to West Fargo and secured an upset win.

Why West Fargo Should Win:

Camarillo's Decision-Making: With a 17-to-4 touchdown-to-interception mark and 31 total touchdowns, Camarillo rarely puts the ball in harm's way. His scrambling ability will test Mandan’s edge contain.

Fourth-Quarter Execution: The Packers have won four one-score games this fall. Their comfort level in tight, late-game scenarios gives them an edge if the game comes down to two-minute execution.

Why Mandan Should Win:

Tate Sailer Between the Tackles: West Fargo allowed 1,571 rushing yards this season. Mandan averages nearly 300 yards on the ground and can feed Sailer 25-plus times behind a veteran offensive line to grind clock and wear down the Packers' front seven.

Backfield Disruption: Alec Martel’s 14 tackles for loss make him one of the premier backfield disruptors in Class AAA. If Martel and Drengson collapse the pocket and eliminate Wigestrand early, they can prevent Camarillo from establishing rhythm.

Fries at the Bottom of the Bag

Bowl Doubleheader Schedule: Football fans in the capital city will get seven-plus hours of postseason action on Friday, Oct. 30 at the MDU Resources Community Bowl. Legacy kicks off the twin bill at 4:00 p.m. against Fargo Shanley, followed by Bismarck High taking on Fargo Davies at 7:00 p.m.

Historic Night for Legacy: The Sabres make history by hosting their first-ever home playoff football game. A victory over Shanley would mark just the second postseason win in program history, following last season's quarterfinal road triumph at WF Horace.

Demons Eye Dakota Bowl Return: Bismarck High is making its fourth consecutive postseason trip, but the Demons are looking to snap an eight-year Dakota Bowl drought. BHS last reached the state title game in 2018, when they capped an undefeated campaign with a 21-16 championship win over crosstown rival Century.

Heartbreak Margins: Both of Legacy's regular-season defeats came by just three points. Bismarck Century dropped five straight one-possession games to open the fall, with three of their six defeats coming by a single point.

Next-Man-Up Signal Callers: Quarterback resilience defined both Bismarck High and Mandan this fall. BHS lost returning starter Hayden Bondley to a season-ending injury in Week 1, with Kaden Molenda stepping in to guide the Demons to the WDA regular season title. Mandan navigated injuries to returning starter Cole Carlson and eighth-grader Weston Reiner—even pressing tight end Sam Geiger into an emergency start and win—before Carlson returned under center for the postseason.

Four 1,000-Yard Rushers: The quarterfinal round showcases four 1,000-yard running backs across the state: Mandan’s Tate Sailer (1,342 yds, 23 TDs), Fargo Davies’ Talen Tuchscherer (1,250 yds, 14 TDs), Century’s Carter Wylde (1,067 yds, 13 TDs), and Legacy’s Beckham Presley-McKay (1,000+ yds).

The Lone Rematch: Fargo Davies at Bismarck High is the only regular-season rematch on Friday's quarterfinal slate. Davies took the first meeting 29-28 on a late fourth-quarter drive in Bismarck.

The Road Ahead: Quarterfinal winners advance to the semifinals on Friday, Nov. 6 at the higher seed, with the season culminating at Dakota Bowl XXXIV on Friday, Nov. 13 at the Fargodome.

Photo: Bismarck High vs. Mandan (Jon Jablonski/Photo)