JAMESTOWN - Minot North was forced to punt on its first possession of the third quarter. Trailing 26-0 on the road to Jamestown, it appeared it was not going to be the Sentinels night.

But sometimes one play can create a spark. The Blue Jays punt returner couldn't corral the ball and North recovered. A few moments later North receiver Cameron Jesz caught a pass in traffic near the end zone pylon and tip-toed into the end zone. The Sentinels would have the ball again just seconds later. This time, a fumble on the ensuing kickoff was recovered at the eight-yard line. Three plays later Cian Hannon burrowed into the end zone and Minot was on its way to an improbable 34-26 come-from-behind win over the Blue Jays at Charlotte and Gordon Hansen Stadium on Oct. 16. The win clinched a postseason spot for the Sentinels and set up a game next week vs. Dickinson for the region crown.

The loss was a bitter spill to swallow for Jamestown which could have bolstered its playoff chances with the win. Jamestown was the better team in the opening half. Quarterback Brady Nenow rushed for the opening score from one yard out. And then threw a pair of short touchdowns in the second quarter to Kale Verke and leading receiver Edison Walters. Nenow was 18-28 for 201 yards passing. Jamestown was the beneficiary of some North turnovers as well to score points. Aiden Skari would cap off the half with a three-yard run in the final seconds of the second quarter.

North would take the lead on Cooper Chick's three-yard run with 6:53 remaining. Jamestown would attempt a 4th and two from its 29, trailing 27-26. The gamble didn't pay off as the North defense stopped the 'Jays short of the line to gain. From there, the Sentinals grinded out the clock and ended the drive with Chick's second score. Jamestown would get one more possession and move the ball to just over midfield, but that's where the drive and night would end.

The Sentinels improved to 4-1 in AA West Region play and 7-1 overall. Jamestown dropped 1-4 in the conference and 2-6 overall.

Minot North will face Dickinson (3-1 WDA, 7-1 overall) on October 22, while Jamestown prepares to meet St. Mary's (2-2 WDA, 4-4 overall) on October 23.