The Moorhead Spuds boys hockey team played their home opener Saturday against Grand Rapids at the Moorhead Sports Center. Before they played, the team, family, and friends honored their late team manager,
. Monshaugen unexpectedly passed away in his sleep on March 19, 2024, from an undiagnosed heart issue, later found to be spontaneous aortic dissection. He was 16 years old.
The team took the ice for warm-up wearing orange jerseys with Monshaugen’s last name on the back. The jerseys also have a patch on the arm with the Monshaugen’s initials, and stickers with his initials will be worn on the helmets of the players as well.
After warm-up, team managers Graden Quade and Jake Franklin presented jerseys to Monshaugen’s family. Those taking part in the ceremony were Cory Monshaugen, Ethan’s dad, his brothers Nolan (15), Cam (12), mom Jenna (Marcus) Askvig, and sisters Quinn (8), Eden (4), and Isla (2).
The team managers gave the players roses that they gave to the family. They shook hands and hugged. Nolan made the ceremonial puck drop with his brother Cam with him.
In the players box hung a jersey with Monshaugen’s last name and the number 23. It will hang there for Spuds home games this season.
The Spuds defeated Grand Rapids 4-3 in overtime with a goal by Brooks Cullen.
The Moorhead Spuds boys hockey team takes the ice on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at the Moorhead Sports Center wearing warmup jerseys as a tribute to 16-year old team student manager Ethan Monshaugen, who suddenly passed away in March from a heart condition.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
The Moorhead Spuds boys hockey team takes the ice on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at the Moorhead Sports Center wearing warmup jerseys as a tribute to 16-year old team student manager Ethan Monshaugen, who suddenly passed away in March from a heart condition.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
A table set up with photos and bracelets in honor of Ethan Monshaugen on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at the Moorhead Sports Center. Monshaugen, the team manager, died in March from a heart condition.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
The Moorhead Spuds boys hockey team warmps up before their home opener on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, wearing warm-up jerseys as a tribute to 16-year old team student manager Ethan Monshaugen, who suddenly passed away in March from a heart condition.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
Moorhead goaltender Charlie Stenehjem warms up before the Spuds home opener against Grand Rapids on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at the Moorhead Sports Center. The team wore warm-up jerseys in honor of Ethan Monshaugen, the team manager who died in March from a heart condition.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
The Moorhead Spuds boys hockey team takes part in a ceremony before their game on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at the Moorhead Sports Center honoring 16-year old team student manager Ethan Monshaugen, who suddenly passed away in March from a heart condition.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
Cory Monshaugen takes part in a ceremony before the Moorhead Spuds home opener on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, to honor his son Ethan Monshaugen, the team student manage. Ethan suddenly passed away in March from a heart condition.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
Nolan Monshaugen, 15, shakes the hands of Moorhead Spuds boys hockey players before their home opener on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at the Moorhead Sports Center in honor of his brother Ethan, who passed away in March. Ethan was the team manager.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
Before the Moorhead Spuds boys hockey game on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at the Moorhead Sports Center the team and the family of Ethan Monshaugen held a ceremony in his honor. The 16-year old team student manager passed away in March from a heart condition.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
Nolan Monshaugen, 15, drops the puck in a ceremony honoring his brother Ethan Monshaugen, died in March. Ethan was the Moorhead boys hockey team manager.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
Cam Monshaugen, left, 12, and his brother Nolan Monshaugen, 15, dropped a ceremonial puck on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at the Moorhead Sports Center to honor their brother Ethan Monshaugen who died in March. Ethan was the Moorhead Spuds boys hockey team manager.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
Moorhead Spuds boys hockey team managers Graden Quade and Jake Franklin in the team box before the home opener on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at the Moorhead Sports Center. Behind them hangs a jersey in honor of their friend and fellow team manager Ethan Monshaugen, who died in March from a heart condition. The jersey will hang in the team box all season for home games.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
Moorhead Spuds sophomore Brooks Cullen controls the puck against Grand Rapids on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at the Moorhead Sports Center.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
Cory Monshaugen, right, with his parents Kris and Doug Monshaugen, watch the Moorhead Spuds boys hockey team play Grand Ropids on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 at the Moorhead Sports Center. Prior to the game Monshaugen and family members took part in a ceremony honoring his son Ethan who passed away in March. Ethan was the Spuds team manager.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
The Moorhead Spuds boys hockey team hung a jersey up in the team box during the opening game of the season to honor student manager Ethan Monshaugen, who suddenly passed away in March from a heart condition. The team will hang the jersey up all season for home games.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
The Moorhead Spuds boys hockey team will wear a sticker on their helmets with in the initinals EM to honor team manager Ethan Monshaugen who passed away from a heart condition in March.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
Chris Flynn is an audio/visual journalist at The Forum. He graduated with a bachelor’s in online journalism from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Flynn has worked at Forum Communications since 2008. Reach him at cflynn@forumcomm.com or 701-451-5773.
WEST FARGO — The city of West Fargo has become a somewhat unlikely hot bed for some of North Dakota’s top hockey prospects.
Five former West Fargo players, including one women’s prospect, have all committed to NCAA Division I programs since June. The city has also yielded several junior hockey and Division III women’s players.
“It’s great for our community,” said West Fargo Hockey Association hockey director Mike Parnell. “We have quite a few players that are accomplishing a lot, and it’s really rewarding to watch them get to live their dream.”
Among the D-I group, U.S. National U18 defenseman Lincoln Kuehne and Shattuck-St. Mary’s U16 forward TJ Hale both committed to Colorado College of the NCHC.
I am extremely proud and honored to announce my commitment to pursue Division 1 college hockey and further my academics at Colorado College. I would like to give a special thanks to everyone who has helped me reach this point. #GoTigers 🐯 pic.twitter.com/E8PtHDToVE
in October. Mattern led Team North Dakota of the Upper Midwest High School Elite League with seven goals and eight assists, and tallied a league-high 2.5 points-per-game average.
Mattern led West Fargo High as a sophomore last season with 50 points. He is currently rostered on the Watertown (S.D.) Shamrocks of the NAHL.
Hunter Rudolph carries the puck in a game for the Northstar Christian Academy 16-and-under AAA team.
Submitted
Northstar Christian Academy forward Hunter Rudolph announced his decision to join St. Cloud State on Nov. 6. Rudolph leads the Knights 16U team at 42 points with 21 goals.
Avery Hovland, a forward for the North American Hockey Academy in Boston, committed to the University of Minnesota women’s program in June. The forward has six points with two goals through 15 games for the Hawks.
Avery Hovland (West Fargo – NAHA Red) has committed to Minnesota. Hovland was the MVP of our U15 Danglefest in 2023.
She played this past season with NAHA Red on the east coast where she had 58 points in 64 games at the U16 level. pic.twitter.com/hx3bTFTtLt
“It’s nice to see the success out of all the communities in North Dakota,” said North Dakota Amateur Hockey Association president Matt Stockert. “You’re literally looking at a bunch of kids who just made a commitment to the game of hockey itself and want to put in the time and do the extra work it takes to hone their craft.”
Among the group, only one player was a member of a North Dakota-based team last season.
Various players across the state have opted to join Tier 1 teams across the Upper Midwest and beyond in search of being exposed to higher-level scouts. Those around the state say it’s a product of the player-focused youth programs.
“Regardless of where that player moves on to, that initial exposure comes from the structure that’s within the state,” Parnell said.
The NDAHA has created its own Tier 1 team with Team North Dakota that is made up of the top talent from around the state. There are 13 Team North Dakota teams, extending from 13U boys to 19U girls, that play from August to late October and restart in the spring.
West Fargo’s Bryce Mattern skates for Team North Dakota.
Photo by Kayla Coleman
Both North Dakota and Minnesota run community-based youth hockey programs during the winter months, whereas other states across the country have Tier 1 teams that play a typical hockey schedule.
Stockert said Team North Dakota along with Minnesota Tier 1 teams play the pre-and-post season Tier 1 schedule to coincide with youth and high school hockey. He noted the team offers players a unique opportunity to play against some of the top-talent around the country.
North Dakota has six other players who have committed to Division I programs, all of which have played on Team North Dakota.
Grand Forks’ Bauer Berry committed to St. Thomas and Michael Coleman will join the University of Massachusetts. Bismarck’s Maxon Vig announced his commitment to Bemidji State.
Fargo North-South defenseman Kenleigh Fischer, who was selected to the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team, committed to St. Thomas in September. Bismarck Century forward Avery Matt will join the Holy Cross women’s team.
Fargo North-South’s Kenleigh Fischer shoots the puck against Mandan during the North Dakota state girls high school hockey tournament semifinals at Scheels Arena on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
In addition to the college-level talent, there are over 30 players from North Dakota in three U.S.-based junior hockey leagues, and more within the various Canadian leagues.
A key factor in North Dakota’s ability to generate talent is how many resources are available across the state.
“Kids have a lot more opportunities to work on their skills,” said NDAHA player development director Grant Paranica. “We’re finding that more kids are participating in our programs and player development programs.”
Parnell said at Veteran’s Memorial Arena there’s a shooting room with synthetic ice for players to utilize before and after practices. The room also includes an area that has artificial turf. He noted that a multi-purpose room inside the arena is being renovated as a weight room.
The WFHA is partnered with private hockey development facility Hoist Hockey and private sport-focused training gym Athletic Republic. Many players around the Fargo-Moorhead area also make use of the Cullen Force Academy in the Scheels Arena.
With more and more players across the state lacing up their skates, North Dakota hockey will continue grow and harbor more talented players.
“North Dakota hockey is heading in the right direction,” Paranica said.
Bismarck Century’s Avery Matt beats Fargo North/South goalie Alyssa Jacobsen on a breakaway in the second period of the state championship Saturday at Scheels Arena.
Eric Hylden/Grand Forks Herald
After graduating from North Dakota State University, Haugland joined the Forum in January of 2023. Readers can reach him at 701-241-5508 or by emailing ahaugland@forumcomm.com
FARGO — North Dakota State scored the game’s first 28 points and rolled to a 59-21 victory against Missouri State on Saturday in Missouri Valley Football Conference play before 14,679 fans at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome.
The Bison honor 25 seniors prior to the game, including defensive tackle Eli Mostaert.
“It’s a surreal moment for me and the whole senior class,” Mostaert said.
The top-ranked Bison (10-1, 7-0 MVFC) have won 10 consecutive games and clinched at least a share of the conference championship with one game remaining in the regular season. NDSU plays next Saturday at the University of South Dakota.
The Bison can win the MVFC title outright with a win against the Coyotes.
Bison senior quarterback Cam Miller threw four touchdown passes in the first half to help NDSU build a 35-14 halftime lead. Miller completed 17 of 24 passes for 155 yards for the game.
Below are scenes from Saturday’s Bison home victory:
North Dakota State’s Eli and Will Mostaert tape up before play against Missouri State at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State’s Marty Brown carries against Missouri State’s Kanye Young at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State’s Darius Givance tangles with Missouri State’s Jacardia Wright at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State’s Marty Brown carries against Missouri State’s Tahj Chambers at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State’s Jaxon Duttenhefer snares Missouri State quarterback Jacob Clark at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State’s Logan Larson bears down on Missouri State’s quarterback Jacob Clark at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State’s Marcus Sheppard pounces on a Missouri State fumble at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State dance team members get down at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State quarterback Nathan Hayes launches a touchdown pass against Missouri State at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State’s Barika Kpeenu celebrates his second touchdown against Missouri State at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel greets youth football players from Winnipeg, Manitoba, before play against Missouri State at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State receivers and quarterbacks huddle up before kickoff against Missouri State at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State’s Barika Kpeenu breaks away for his second touchdown against Missouri State at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State kicker Griffin Crosa (39) high fives his holder Kaedin Steindorf after a field goal against Missouri State at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State’s Chris Harris brings in a catch against Missouri State’s Avery Powell at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
North Dakota State kicker Griffin Crosa lines up for his record setting kick against Missouri State at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State’s John Gores hauls in a touchdown reception against Missouri State at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State quarterback Nathan Hayes carries against Missouri State at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State quarterback Cam Miller spins for yardage against Missouri State at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State’s Truman Werremeyer carries against Missouri State’s Khalil Anderson at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State’s Anthony Chideme-Alfaro and Jaylin Crumby defend a pass against Missouri State’s DVontae Key at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State kicker Griffin Crosa is mobbed by his teammtes after breaking the Bison scoring record on a kick against Missouri State at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State’s Joe Stoffel celebrates a touchdown reception against Missouri State at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State’s Tyler Terhark grabs a pass reception against Missouri State at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State’s Joe Stoffel celebrates his second touchdown reception against Missouri State at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State’s Eli Mostaert (53) celebrates his quarterback sack against Missouri State at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
Missouri State quarterback Jacob Clark loses the football after being hit by North Dakota State’s Toby Anene as teammate Luke Weerts (47) applies pressure at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State’s Barika Kpeenu heads upfield on a 52-yard touchdown run against Missouri State at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
North Dakota State’s Enock Sibomana hits Missouri State’s Jayden Becks to force a fumble at the Fargodome on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
David Samson/The Forum
Peterson covers college athletics for The Forum, including Concordia College and Minnesota State Moorhead. He also covers the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks independent baseball team and helps out with North Dakota State football coverage. Peterson has been working at the newspaper since 1996.
FARGO — For the second time in three seasons, Velva-Drake-Anamoose-Garrison is heading home a state champion.
The Aggies held off defending champion Kindred 14-12 at the Fargodome Friday to claim the North Dakota Division 1A football state title.
Ben Schepp’s 92-yard touchdown pass to Matt Jochim late in the third quarter — a Dakota Bowl record for both longest pass completion and longest scoring pass reception — held up as the game-winner.
“No, that’s awesome,” said Schepp, unaware of the record-breaking play. “That’s just the cherry on top, I guess.”
The previous records were held by Richland, set during the 9-man title game in 2005 when quarterback Dustin Erbes found receiver Jon Griffith for a 90-yard touchdown reception in a 42-7 win for the Colts.
On Friday, with 39 seconds remaining in the third, Schepp found Jochim down the left sideline on a short pass completion. From there, Jochim couldn’t be caught.
“It’s just insane,” Schepp said of the state title. “Look up (to the stands) and it’s just blue and gold. The community support is insane. It was a great team win. Everybody. Everybody on the field. Everybody deserved this.”
Velva-Drake-Anamoose-Garrison’s Ben Schepp is greeted with a hug from teammate Bradyn Bossert after winning the Senior Athlete of the Year award following the Aggies’ Division A State Championship win over Kindred on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
It’s the second state title for the Velva-D-A-G co-op program and 12th for Velva overall. The Aggies finish the year with a mark of 11-1, with their lone loss coming to the previously-unbeaten Vikings in the season opener in August.
“The guys had to rise up and they did,” Velva head coach Matt Weilder said. “We’ve prepared for this opportunity and these different situations. We felt good that our kids were going to compete for four quarters and make a play.”
The teams were tied 6-6 at halftime. Kindred opened the scoring with 2:40 remaining in the opening quarter when quarterback Jake Starcevic found the end zone on an 8-yard run.
The Aggies responded with 7:32 left in the second when Schepp found receiver Reggie Bruner for a 25-yard touchdown reception. The play came two snaps after a Vikings turnover, when Starcevic was intercepted by Velva’s Bradyn Bossert.
Velva-Drake-Anamoose-Garrison’s Reggie Bruner lands in the end zone for a touchdown against Kindred’s Brooks Bakko and Kylan Swenson during the Division A State Championship on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
After the 92-yard strike from Schepp to Jochim, Kindred managed to pull within two points late in the fourth quarter after Kylan Swenson’s 3-yard touchdown run with 1:44 remaining.
However, Swenson’s conversion run was ruled just short of the end zone to keep the Aggies on top.
Kindred ultimately forced a Velva punt with 1:18 remaining to get the ball back with no timeouts, but Starcevic was intercepted by Jochim on the third play of the possession at the Velva 25-yard line to seal it for the Aggies.
Velva-Drake-Anamoose-Garrison’s Matt Jochim and Logan Vincent react to a game-sealing interception against Kindred during the Division A State Championship on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Kindred finished its season at 12-1, ending a run of 24 straight wins dating back to its last defeat on Oct. 29, 2022.
“Give all the credit in the world to Velva,” Kindred head coach Eric Burgad said. “They had us dialed in. Sometimes, a team’s just got ya and it felt like they had us (today).
“I’m really proud of how our kids played. It’s no discredit to our kids. I’m very proud to be the coach of this group and it was a heck of a fun season. That’s the message for us, chin up and congrats to Velva.”
Kindred’s Kylan Swenson is tripped by Velva-Drake-Anamoose-Garrison’s Ben Schepp during the Division A State Championship on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Schepp finished with two interceptions on defense while going 8 of 12 passing for 154 yards and two touchdowns. Thomas Bodine led the Velva ground game with 50 yards on 14 carries.
Starcevic finished 10 of 19 passing for 137 yards and three interceptions, while Swenson finished with 113 yards and a touchdown in 19 carries.
Velva finished with 237 yards of offense to Kindred’s 327.
Schepp was named Division 1A Senior Athlete of the Year while Burgad received Coach of the Year honors.
“All the communities … Velva, Garrison, Drake, Anamoose, everybody has come together,” Schepp said. “It’s amazing and I just thank God for it every day.”
Velva-Drake-Anamoose-Garrison’s Ben Schepp celebrates their Division A State Championship win over Kindred on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
VEL 0 6 8 0—14 KIN 6 0 0 6—12
KIN — J. Starcevic 8 run (kick failed)
VEL — Bruner 25 pass from Schepp (try failed)
VEL — Jochim 92 pass from Schepp (Iglehart pass from Schepp)
KIN — K. Swenson 3 run (try failed)
Kindred team captains accept their runner-up plaque following their Division A State Championship loss to Velva-Drake-Anamoose-Garrison on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Kindred’s Jake Starcevic runs in a touchdown against Velva-Drake-Anamoose-Garrison during the Division A State Championship on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Velva-Drake-Anamoose-Garrison’s Ben Schepp punts on fourth down against Kindred during the Division A State Championship on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Velva-Drake-Anamoose-Garrison’s Bradyn Bossert, his team and Kindred players react to a Kindred touchdown during the Division A State Championship on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Kindred’s Luke Starcevic holds back Velva-Drake-Anamoose-Garrison’s Ben Schepp during the Division A State Championship on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Kindred’s Hunter Bindas dives for a catch against Velva-Drake-Anamoose-Garrison during the Division A State Championship on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Kindred’s Jake Starcevic makes a pass to a teammate during the Division A State Championship against Velva-Drake-Anamoose-Garrison on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Kindred’s Brooks Bakko jumps to catch a pass against Velva-Drake-Anamoose-Garrison’s Ben Schepp and Treyson Iglehart during the Division A State Championship on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Kindred’s Hunter Bindas celebrates a catch against Velva-Drake-Anamoose-Garrison during the Division A State Championship on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Velva-Drake-Anamoose-Garrison’s Ben Schepp intercepts a pass meant for Kindred’s Brooks Bakko during the Division A State Championship on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Velva-Drake-Anamoose-Garrison’s Treyson Iglehart is tackled by Kindred’s Kylan Swenson and Jake Starcevic during the Division A State Championship on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Kindred’s Kylan Swenson brings down Velva-Drake-Anamoose-Garrison’s Hank Bodine during the Division A State Championship on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Ryan Spitza joined The Forum in December 2021 as a sports reporter. He grew up in Marquette, Mich., a city of 20,000 on the southern shore of Lake Superior. He majored in multimedia journalism and minored in public relations at Northern Michigan University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in May 2019. While attending college, Spitza gained real-world experience covering high school and college athletics for both The Mining Journal and The North Wind.
Spitza can be reached at 701-451-5613 or rspitza@forumcomm.com. Follow him on Twitter @ryspitza.
FARGO — Three West Fargo and Fargo football teams earned spots in Dakota Bowl XXXII on Friday, Nov. 15, with state semifinals victories on Friday.
West Fargo Sheyenne’s Kaden Olson threw for 247 yards and touchdowns to Sullivan Ihry and Cash Gilseth as the Mustangs pulled away for a 35-16 win over Bismarck in the Division AAA semifinals.
Sheyenne’s Kye Schlicting and Tate Herrmann ran for TDs and Brennen Gable picked up a defensive score as East No. 1 seed Sheyenne advanced to the Dakota Bowl for the first time in three seasons.
The Mustangs will play East rival Fargo Davies, which went on the road and defeated defending state champion Minot 24-7 in the other Division AAA semifinal.
The Eagles’ Malachi Werremeyer ran for two touchdowns, Xavier Muse ran 31 yards for a score and Colby Nelson bombed a 42-yard field goal into the wind as time expired in the first half to give Davies a 17-7 lead at halftime.
Across town, West Fargo Horace took advantage of five Minot North turnovers for a 42-20 victory in a Division AA semifinal game.
Horace’s Ty Geray ran for two touchdowns, Taylor Stefonowicz ran for one TD, wide receiver Aiden Green threw a 50-yard scoring pass to Theo Seeley on a reverse, and Kaden Manske and Israel Bauer both returned fumbles for touchdowns.
Sheyenne and Davies play for the Division AAA state championship at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Fargodome while Horace takes on Grand Forks Red River for the Division AA title at 3 p.m. Friday at the dome.
Below are scenes from Friday’s state semifinals:
Fargo Davies’ Malachi Werremeyer (7) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the Division AAA football semifinals against Minot on Friday at Duane Carlson Stadium in Minot.
Sean Arbaut/Arbaut Photography LLC
West Fargo Sheyenne’s Kaden Olson throws a pass against Bismarck’s Jaden Sayler during the ND Division AAA state football semifinals on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at West Fargo Sheyenne High School.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
West Fargo back Ty Geray evades a Minot North tackler during a Division AA semifinal game on Friday at Sentinel Stadium in Minot.
Sean Arbaut/Arbaut Photography LLC
Fargo Davies defensive players gang up to tackle a Minot ball carrier during the Division AAA football semifinals on Friday at Duane Carlson Stadium in Minot.
Sean Arbaut/Arbaut Photography, LLC
West Fargo Sheyenne’s Cash Gilseth catches a pass in the end zone for a touchdown against Bismarck’s Weston Scott during the ND Division AAA state football semifinals on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at West Fargo Sheyenne High School.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
West Fargo Horace back Reid Foell makes a cut during the Hawks’ Division AA semifinal against Minot North on Friday at Sentinel Stadium in Minot.
Sean Arbaut/Arbaut Photography LLC
Fargo Davies defensive lineman Jason Hunter celebrates turnover during the Division AAA semifinals against Minot on Friday at Duane Carlson Stadium in Minot.
Sean Arbaut/Arbaut Photography LLC
West Fargo Sheyenne’s Caleb Haas moves with the ball against Bismarck’s Drew Taylor and Conner Harvison during the ND Division AAA state football semifinals on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at West Fargo Sheyenne High School.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
West Fargo Horace defensive back Israel Bauer scores on a 30-yard fumble return during the Hawks’ Division AA semifinal against Minot North on Friday at Sentinel Stadium in Minot.
Sean Arbaut/Arbaut Photography LLC
West Fargo defensive back Israel Bauer (12) celebrates his 30-yard fumble return for a touchdown during a Division AA semifinal game against Minot North on Friday at Sentinel Stadium in Minot.
Sean Arbaut/Arbaut Photography LLC
Fargo Davies back Malachi Werremeyer breaks free on a 33-yard touchdown run during the Eagles’ Division AAA semifinal game against Minot on Friday at Duane Carlson Stadium in Minot.
Sean Arbaut/Arbaut Photography LLC
Bismarck’s Logan Dockter is taken down by West Fargo Sheyenne’s Landon Zink and Braxton Lauckner during the ND Division AAA state football semifinals on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at West Fargo Sheyenne High School.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
West Fargo Horace’s defensive back Jaxon Narum intercepts a pass during the Hawks Division AA semifinal against Minot North on Friday at Sentinel Stadium in Minot.
Sean Arbaut/Arbaut Photography LLC
Fargo Davies defensive back Kolten Tesch (1) celebrates a fumble recovery during the Eagles’ Division AAA semifinal against Minot on Friday at Duane Carlson Stadium in Minot.
Sean Arbaut/Arbaut Photography LLC
West Fargo Sheyenne’s Sullivan Ihry catches a pass right outside of the end zone during their ND Division AAA state football semifinal game against Bismarck on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at West Fargo Sheyenne High School.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
West Fargo Horace back Dillon Otterson surges through a hole during the Hawks’ Division AA semifinal against Minot North on Friday at Sentinel Stadium in Minot.
Sean Arbaut/Arbaut Photography LLC
Fargo Davies quarterback Xavier Muse prepares to take a snap during a Division AAA semifinal game against Minot on Friday at Duane Carlson Stadium in Minot.
Sean Arbaut/Arbaut Photography LLC
West Fargo Sheyenne’s Cash Gilseth catches a pass during their ND Division AAA state football semifinal game against Bismarck on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at West Fargo Sheyenne High School.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
West Fargo Horace quarterback Taylor Stefonowicz looks to throw down field during the Division AA football semifinals against Minot North on Friday at Sentinel Stadium in Minot.
Sean Arbaut/Arbaut Photography LLC
Fargo Davies kicker Colby Nelson (44) hits a 42-yard field goal as Jackson Sturma (8) holds on the final play of the first half of a Division AAA semifinal against Minot on Friday at Duane Carlson Stadium in Minot.
Sean Arbaut/Arbaut Photography LLC
West Fargo Sheyenne players celebrate Cash Gilseth’s touchdown against Bismarck during the ND Division AAA state football semifinals on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at West Fargo Sheyenne High School.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
West Fargo Horace’s Ty Geray rushes for a touchdown during the Division AA football semifinals against Minot North on Friday Sentinel Stadium in Minot.
Sean Arbaut/Arbaut Photography LLC
Our newsroom occasionally reports stories under a byline of “staff.” Often, the “staff” byline is used when rewriting basic news briefs that originate from official sources, such as a city press release about a road closure, and which require little or no reporting. At times, this byline is used when a news story includes numerous authors or when the story is formed by aggregating previously reported news from various sources. If outside sources are used, it is noted within the story.
FARGO — The FBS Mountain West Conference is reported to be considering North Dakota State as a football-only member.
The Action Network’s Brett McMurphy, a national college reporter, posted on the social media platform X on Wednesday morning that Northern Illinois, a school the Mountain West was pursuing, will likely stay in the Mid-American Conference and so the league is turning its attention to NDSU.
“Northern Illinois’ interest in Mountain West as football-only member ‘waning’ so MW now considering FCS power North Dakota State , sources told @ActionNetworkHQ,” McMurphy wrote. “If NIU stays in MAC, MW (w/8 football members) still seeking 9th football team, source said.”
NDSU athletic director Matt Larsen did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
College conference realignment has gutted the Mountain West, with several of its top members moving to the Pac-12 as traditional norms have been uprooted by schools moving to different leagues in pursuit of television rights money. The league has been looking to add schools to fill its openings.
NDSU is a member of the Football Championship Subdivision Missouri Valley Football Conference, its home since 2008. The school moved from NCAA Division II to Division I in 2004, playing in the Great West Football Conference before joining the MVFC. Most of its non-football sports are members of the Summit League, while wrestling is a member of the Big 12.
If NDSU was invited to join the Mountain West as a football-only member, and accepted, it’s not believed the cost of making the jump to the more expensive Football Bowl Subdivision would be prohibitive.
Current Mountain West football members include Colorado State, Nevada-Las Vegas, San Diego State, San Jose State, Fresno State, Hawaii, New Mexico, Wyoming, Utah State, Nevada and Air Force.
Colorado State, San Diego State, Fresno State and Utah State are leaving for the Pac-12. Texas-El Paso has since agreed to become a Mountain West member, bumping football-playing schools to eight. The league wants to get to at least nine members to play an eight-game conference schedule.
This is a developing story. Check back to InForum.com for updates.
Mike McFeely is a columnist for The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. He began working for The Forum in the 1980s while he was a student studying journalism at Minnesota State University Moorhead. He’s been with The Forum full time since 1990, minus a six-year hiatus when he hosted a local radio talk-show.
MOORHEAD — The Concordia football teams rolled to its third-straight victory with a 38-7 win over Augsburg on Saturday in a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game at Jake Christiansen Stadium.
The Cobbers’ win sets up a duel against Bethel — a 56-7 winner over Carleton on Saturday — with first place in the MIAC’s Skyline Division on the line.
The Cobbers (5-1 MIAC, 6-2) and the Royals (5-1 MIAC, 7-1) are both 3-0 in the Skyline and play at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, in Moorhead.
St. John’s (6-0 MIAC, 8-0) leads the Northwood Division with a 3-0 mark. Gustavus and St. Olaf are both 2-1 in the Northwoods. The Johnnies and St. Olaf play at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, in Collegeville, Minn.
Conference teams play their final regular-season games during MIAC Championship Week on Saturday, Nov. 16.
Concordia defensive lineman Collin Thompson (99) registers one of his three sacks during the Cobbers’ Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game against Augsburg on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at Jake Christiansen Stadium in Moorhead, Minnesota.
Sheldon Green/Concordia Sports Information
On Saturday, Augsburg offered little resistence as the Cobbers sought to earn their crack at the division crown.
The Cobbers built a three-score lead by halftime and Owen Miller returned the opening kickoff of the second half 89 yards for a touchdown and a 28-0 lead. Miller scored the final TD of the first half on a 38-yard connection with quarterback Cooper Mattern.
Mattern hit Jed Klang for 8 yards and a touchdown in the final seconds of the first quarter and Gunner Martinek capped a six-play, 70-yard drive with a 4-yard run midway through the second quarter.
On the first play after Miller’s kickoff return touchdown, Concordia’s McHale Korf forced an Augsburg fumble and Jacob Pipho recovered at the Auggies’ 28 yard line. Two plays later, Mattern hit Davion Henderson on a 24-yard scoring pass with 13:38 left in the third quarter.
Concordia defenders swarm Augsburg’s Tyrone Wilson during a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at Jake Christiansen Stadium in Moorhead, Minnesota.
Sheldon Green/Concordia Sports Information
Cobbers kicker Damien Silas hit a 34-yard field goal with 3:54 left in the third. The Auggies broke up the shutout on Ryan Harvey’s 25-yard touchdown pass to Tyrone Wilson with a minute to play in the third.
The Cobbers had 343 total yards and limited Augsburg to 213 total yards.
Mattern was 16 of 20 passing for 251 yards and three touchdowns. Miller had four catches for 93 yards and a touchdown, Henderson made seven catches for 87 yards and a TD, and Klang had four receptions for 63 yards and a score.
Stuart DeMerit was in on seven tackles and broke up three passes. Ryan Weber had five tackles, including a sack, and Collin Thompson had four solo stops, all for lost yards and three of which were sacks. Jaiden Musse had a sack among his four tackles and Pipho had four solo tackles and the fumble recovery.
Our newsroom occasionally reports stories under a byline of “staff.” Often, the “staff” byline is used when rewriting basic news briefs that originate from official sources, such as a city press release about a road closure, and which require little or no reporting. At times, this byline is used when a news story includes numerous authors or when the story is formed by aggregating previously reported news from various sources. If outside sources are used, it is noted within the story.
FARGO — Jack Primus caught a 21-yard touchdown pass from Frankie Meagher with 12 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to lift Upsala-Swanville to a 19-12 victory against Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa for the Minnesota Class 1A, Section 4 football championship at the Fargodome.
Upsala-Swanville won its first section title since 2014. Primus’ TD catch broke a 12-12 tie.
Parkers Prairie and West Central Area, Staples-Motley and Osakis, Barnesville and Hawley and Fergus Falls and Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton are also slated to play for section titles.
Below are scenes from Friday’s games at the Fargodome (check back for updates):
Upsala/Swanville celebrates their win against Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa during the Section 4A championship game on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Upsala/Swanville celebrates Jack Primus’ touchdown against Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa during the Section 4A championship game on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Upsala/Swanville celebrates their win against Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa during the Section 4A championship game on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa’s Brett DeRoo is taken down by Upsala/Swanville’s Frankie Meagher and Ethan Barthel during the Section 4A championship game on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Upsala/Swanville’s Jack Primus catches the kick off against Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa’s Jack Lundberg during the Section 4A championship game on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa’s Jack Lundberg is brought down by Upsala/Swanville’s Carson Primus during the Section 4A championship game on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa’s Joshua Walstrom blocks a pass to Upsala/Swanville’s Jack Primus during the Section 4A championship game on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Upsala/Swanville’s Ethan Barthel is tackled by Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa’s Lance Radermacher and Harley Weber during the Section 4A championship game on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa’s Brett DeRoo misses a pass against Upsala/Swanville’s Frankie Meagher during the Section 4A championship game on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa’s Luke Illies moves with the ball against Upsala/Swanville’s Brody Kircher during the Section 4A championship game on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa’s Kameron Hiltner runs the ball in for a touchdown against Upsala/Swanville’s Brody Kircher during the Section 4A championship game on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Peterson covers college athletics for The Forum, including Concordia College and Minnesota State Moorhead. He also covers the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks independent baseball team and helps out with North Dakota State football coverage. Peterson has been working at the newspaper since 1996.
FARGO — Isaiah Wright scored three touchdowns to lead Fertile-Beltrami to a 52-15 victory against Fosston on Thursday in the Minnesota 9-person, Section 6 football championship at the Fargodome.
Fertile-Beltrami has won four consecutive section titles.
Border West earned a 22-20 victory against Hancock for the 9-person, Section 4 championship.
Stephen-Argyle scored a 42-14 vcitory against Warren-Alvarado-Oslo for the 9-person, Section 8 title. Blaine Smith scored four touchdowns for Stephen-Argyle.
Red Lake County and Mahnomen-Waubun played for the Class 1A, Section 8 crown.
Below are scenes from the Fargodome (check back for updates):
The Fertile-Beltrami 9-player football team celebrates winning the Section 6-9-player championship game against Fosston on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
Stephen-Argyle Central’s Blaine Smith is taken down by Warren-Alvarado-Oslo during the Section 8 9-player championship game on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Fosston running back Ryne Duppong gains some yardage against Fertile-Beltrami in Section 6 nine-player championship game at the Fargodome on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
Stephen-Argyle Central fans cheer for their team during the Section 8 9-player championship game against Warren-Alvarado-Oslo on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Fertile-Beltrami’s Jonah Harstad breaks free for a touchdown run against Fosston on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
Stephen-Argyle Central’s Blaine Smith kicks off against Warren-Alvarado-Oslo during the Section 8 9-player championship game on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Fosston quarterback Jakob Rudie looks for an open receiver against Fertile-Beltrami on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
Stephen-Argyle Central’s Shay Setterholm passes the ball off to Blaine Smith during their Section 8 9-player championship game against Warren-Alvarado-Oslo on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Fosston quarterback Jakob Rudie scrambles for yardage against Fertile-Beltrami on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Chris Flynn / The Forum
Stephen-Argyle Central’s Raydon Woinarowicz looks back as he runs in a touchdown against Warren-Alvarado-Oslo during the Section 8 9-player championship game on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Stephen-Argyle Central’s Blaine Smith moves around Warren-Alvarado-Oslo’s Kyden Kotrba and Chase Kalt for a touchdown during the Section 8 9-player championship game on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Warren-Alvarado-Oslo’s Kaden Pierce celebrates a touchdown against Stephen-Argyle Central during the Section 8 9-player championship game on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Warren-Alvarado-Oslo’s Kaden Pierce sneaks by Stephen-Argyle Central’s Anders Thompson to run in a touchdown during the Section 8 9-player championship game on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Warren-Alvarado-Oslo fans cheer for their team during the Section 8 9-player championship game against Stephen-Argyle Central on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Warren-Alvarado-Oslo’s Duqe Washington kicks a field goal with help from teammate Noah Sedlacek during their Section 8 9-player championship game against Stephen-Argyle Central on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Warren-Alvarado-Oslo’s Kaden Pierce is taken down by Stephen-Argyle Central’s Kellen Johnson and Caden Pagnac during the Section 8 9-player championship game on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at the Fargodome.
Alyssa Goelzer/The Forum
Peterson covers college athletics for The Forum, including Concordia College and Minnesota State Moorhead. He also covers the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks independent baseball team and helps out with North Dakota State football coverage. Peterson has been working at the newspaper since 1996.
