KINDRED, N.D. — In a dramatic North Dakota Division 2A semifinal, the Devils Lake Firebirds edged out the Kindred Vikings 28-27 in overtime, securing a spot in the Dakota Bowl for the first time since 2010.
The atmosphere at Jerlow Field was tense as Kindred prepared for a crucial extra-point attempt in overtime. A successful kick would mean more football, while a miss would send the Firebirds to the championship. As the ball sailed through the air, the crowd held its breath until a Devils Lake player began to celebrate, confirming the kick was no good. Chaos erupted as the Firebirds and their supporters reveled in the victory.
“To come out here and upset one of the best teams I”ve ever seen in high school football is amazing,” said Firebirds cornerback Coby Dronen Levitt. “Everybody stepped up when it was time to. Everything was just clicking.”
In overtime, Devils Lake started with the ball at the 10-yard line tied at 21-21. Running back Bryar Exner gained three yards on the first play and then caught a 7-yard touchdown pass, tiptoeing into the end zone at the front-right corner. The extra point was good, giving the Firebirds a 28-21 lead.
Kindred responded with urgency. After two unsuccessful runs from running back Sawyer Hesse, the Vikings executed a trick play with receiver Brooks Bakko gaining eight yards on a reverse. Quarterback Myles Thielges then navigated through traffic to score on a 2-yard run, bringing the score to 28-27.
This victory marks a significant achievement for Devils Lake as they prepare to face West Region No. 1 Minot North in the Division 2A championship, scheduled for November 14 at the Fargodome.
“It”s a dream come true,” Exner stated after the game, having tallied 113 rushing yards and three touchdowns. “We all dreamed about it as kids, and now it”s finally come true.”
The Firebirds took an early lead in the first quarter when linebacker Kade Fee intercepted a pass at the Vikings” 6-yard line, allowing Exner to score from two yards out. They extended their lead to 14-0 in the second quarter when quarterback Mason Palmer pushed into the end zone from one yard out.
However, Kindred fought back, with Bakko catching a 33-yard touchdown pass on a flea-flicker just before halftime, narrowing the gap to 14-7.
Thielges tied the game in the third quarter with a 6-yard run, and Devils Lake regained the lead when Palmer connected with Exner again for a 14-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter. Kindred tied the game once more with a direct snap to Thielges, who scored from three yards out, ultimately forcing overtime.
Head coach Eric Burgad expressed pride in his team despite the loss, highlighting their resilience in overcoming injuries throughout the season. The team faced significant challenges, especially after losing star player Lukas Starcevic to a knee injury the previous week. Kindred will graduate five seniors, including Whipple and Hesse, who Burgad described as irreplaceable leaders.
