BISMARK, N.D. – The North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA) has released the first-round matchups for this year’s football playoffs. Games will be played every Friday and Saturday from the fourth week of October through November 13, culminating in Dakota Bowl XXXIV at the Fargo Dome.
Round‑One Showdowns
Ellendale‑Edgeley‑Kulm (9‑0) vs. Grafton (6‑3)
The Thunder, enjoying a perfect regular season for the first time since the program’s inception in 1975, will face the Spoilers, who return after a four‑year playoff drought. Ellendale‑Edgeley‑Kulm has not allowed more than one touchdown in a game since August, while Grafton’s last two losses came in the final three games of the season.
Harvey‑Wells County (7‑2) vs. Lisbon (5‑4)
The Hornets rebounded from an 0‑2 start to win seven straight and claim the region title. Lisbon secured its playoff spot with a three‑game winning streak, having last appeared in the state title game in 2020.
Bishop Ryan‑Our Redeemer’s (7‑1) vs. Central McLean (7‑2)
The Lions return after missing the 2025 postseason and have a recent Dakota Bowl appearance in 2019. Central McLean, a Class A newcomer, has lost only two close games this season.
Langdon Area‑Munich (8‑1) vs. Oakes (5‑3)
Defending state champions Langdon Area‑Munich entered the playoffs with a single loss to Harvey‑Wells County, ranking third statewide. Oakes, making its ninth appearance in ten seasons, seeks revenge after a 40‑14 regular‑season defeat.
Velva‑Drake‑Anamoose‑Garrison (8‑1) vs. Dickinson Trinity (6‑2)
The Aggies, a 12‑year playoff staple, suffered their only loss to Bishop Ryan‑Our Redeemer’s. Dickinson Trinity, a consistent playoff participant, will look to improve on its 2023 title‑game run.
Northern Cass (8‑1) vs. Rugby (7‑2)
The Jaguars aim to break a first‑round losing streak dating back to 2015, while Rugby hopes to advance for the first time since 2014.
Southern McLean (8‑1) vs. Des Lacs‑Burlington (5‑4)
Southern McLean has made the playoffs three straight years after an eight‑year drought, while Des Lacs‑Burlington seeks its first first‑round win in six appearances.
Bowman County (7‑2) vs. Ray‑Powers Lake (7‑2)
Bowman County returns after a two‑year absence, while Ray‑Powers Lake looks to continue its nine‑appearance streak over the past decade.
Co‑Op Powerhouses
New Rockford‑Sheyenne‑Maddock (9‑0) vs. Hatton‑Northwood (6‑3)
The Rockets, two‑time defending nine‑man state champions, enter with a 34‑game winning streak, the sixth‑longest in program history. Hatton‑Northwood hopes to break a first‑round drought dating back to 1987.
LaMoure‑Litchville‑Marion (9‑0) vs. Four Winds (5‑4)
The Loboes have posted three consecutive undefeated regular seasons and have appeared in three of the last five state title games. Four Winds has yet to win a first‑round game since the sport’s inception in 1975.
Linton‑HMB (9‑0) vs. MLS (6‑3)
Linton‑HMB completed a perfect third straight season, adding to its 15‑time perfect‑season record since 1975. MLS (Mohall‑Lansford‑Sherwood) fell short in its final three games.
What’s at Stake
All 16 teams are competing for a coveted spot in Dakota Bowl XXXIV, the state’s premier high‑school football showcase held at the Fargo Dome. The tournament not only crowns a state champion but also highlights the dedication of student‑athletes, coaches, and families who embody the values of hard work, teamwork, and community spirit.
Fans across North Dakota are encouraged to attend the games, support their local schools, and celebrate the tradition of high‑school football that brings towns together each fall.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
