DEVILS LAKE - Minot North and Devils Lake entered its West Region AA contest having already played a few down-to-the-wire games. So, no surprise that is what was in store at Roller Field on Oct. 9. Three quarters couldn't settle a winner until Minot North's Ephraim Boakye booted the game-winning 38-yard field goal for a 17-14 Sentinel win. The victory moved North into a first-place tie atop the region standings with Devils Lake and Dickinson with two conference games remaining.

Minot jumped out to an early 14-0 lead on scoring runs by Zander Kleen and Dayvion Clemons. But the host Firebirds would rally. Easton Encinas' 7-yard run closed the gap before halftime. His second score, coupled with the successful two-point conversion tied the game. Encinas was a workhorse in the backfield with 120 yards on 30 carries.

A look at the stats would suggest a dominant performance by the Firebirds. DL held North well below its total offense, just 66 rushing yards and 38 in the air. But the story of the the game was the Sentinels' ability to thwart DL's offense. North forced a fumble and intercepted three passes.

Minot North will next face Jamestown, who hold a 2-5 overall record, on October 16. Devils Lake is set to play against Dickinson, who share a 6-1 overall record, also on October 16.