In Bismarck, North Dakota, the Century Patriots are preparing for a historic first‑round playoff matchup. For the first time in program history, the Patriots will travel to West Fargo to face the Horace Hawks, a team that has only fielded a varsity football program for five seasons.
New Opponent, Same Determination
Head Coach Ron Wingenbach said the Patriots have been studying the Hawks all season. “They’re very athletic,” he noted. “That’s the first thing that jumps out – they have athletes all the way across the field. They’re number one in the East for a reason.” The Hawks spent their first three seasons competing at the Class AA level before moving up, and they have quickly become a competitive force in the region.
Patriots’ Season Overview
The Patriots entered the playoffs as the No. 4 seed from the West. Despite six losses, each came by a combined 23 points, indicating that the team has remained competitive in every contest. Senior lineman Ian Schweigert expressed confidence in the squad’s progress. “We’ve been a one‑play team all season and I think we got all the pieces and we’re starting to put them all together now. We’ve got a lot of confidence going into the playoffs.”
Run Game at the Core
A key to the Patriots’ confidence is their ground attack. The offensive line has consistently opened lanes for the running backs, allowing the team to control the clock and dictate tempo. Running back Carter Wylde emphasized the importance of staying on the field. “It’s a big emphasis for us, and we’ve just got to keep our guys on the field. Our defense has been doing well all year. Those games that we lost, it’s been real hard on them when we’re going three‑and‑out every play.”
Building on Recent Success
Recent form has been encouraging. The Patriots have won three of their last four games, echoing the 2022 senior class that made a surprise run to the Dakota Bowl after winning only three regular‑season games. “In 2022 we had kind of the same scenario and that senior class really rose to the occasion and so has this class, so you keep grinding away, and good things will happen,” Wingenbach reflected.
Game Details
The opening playoff game is scheduled for Friday night at 6:30 p.m. in West Fargo. Fans from both schools are expected to travel, bringing the community spirit that defines high‑school football in eastern North Dakota. The Patriots will look to impose their physical, run‑heavy style, while the Hawks will aim to leverage their athletic depth and recent rapid development.
What It Means for the Community
High‑school football remains a cornerstone of community life in the Bismarck‑Mandan area. The Patriots’ playoff appearance continues a tradition of strong local athletics, offering families a chance to rally behind their youth and celebrate the values of teamwork, perseverance, and faith. As the team heads west, the community will be watching closely, praying for a safe and successful game.
For ongoing coverage of the Patriots’ playoff run and other local sports, stay tuned to KFYR and the HyperLocal Loop.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
