(KFGO/KNFL) Four North Dakota high school football championships were crowned on Friday at the Fargodome during the 30th annual Dakota Bowl.
Class 11B: Velva-Drake-Anamoose-Garrison 22, Central Cass 20
It came down to the final minute in this one. In a game which featured four lead changes, the Aggies’ Brayden Selzler stuffed Central Cass quarterback Brayden Mitchell on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard-line to preserve the lead. V-D-A-G quarterback Ben Schepp passed for 228 yards and a touchdown, and rushed for 80 yards and two additional scores. The Aggies earned its first title since 2010. Owen Wiesrma rushed for 149 yards for the Squirrels, who finished the season 9-3.
Class 9B: New Salem-Almont 28, Cavalier 26 (OT)
In the first Dakota Bowl overtime game since 2009, New Salem-Almont won its first championship. Brock Norton scored on a 6-yard run and the Holsteins converted the conversion to make it 28-20. Cavalier responded on a 3-yd pass from Sterling Enerson to Zack Anderson, but were denied on the conversion attempt. NS-A overcame an early 14-0 deficit. Ty Wolding carried 25 times for 107 yards and a pair of touchdowns for the Holsteins. It was Cavalier’s fourth consecutive loss in the Dakota Bowl.
Class 11A: Jamestown 46, Fargo North 28
Jamestown defended its 11A championship thanks in part to senior quarterback Peyton Hochhalter. Hochhalter accounted for all seven Jamestown touchdowns. He tossed three scores, caught a TD pass, and ran for three more. Hochhalter had 374 total yards for the day. Fargo North was led by 134 yards rushing from Peder Haugo, and 139 yards receiving from Jeremiah Sem.
Class 11AA: Shanley 48, Bismarck Century 7
The Deacons dominated from the start as they raced out to a 21-0 first quarter lead. Century was plagued by five turnovers. Shanley quarterback Michael Rostberg was 20-28 passing for 259 yards and four touchdowns, while rushing for two more scores. Sam Ovsak added a 65-yard interception return for a score. The Deacons won their first title in the state’s top class since 1983. Century earned a spot in the title game despite being the #8 seed in the 11AA playoffs.
