Local Sports
Minot North sophomore quarterback Henry Woodbeck scans the field for an open receiver in the Sentinels’ State Quarterfinals game against the Grand Forks Red River Roughriders on Friday night, October 30. Nathan Beitler/MDN
The Minot North Sentinels got off to a strong start in their 2026 post season berth, taking down the Grand Forks Red River Roughriders 19-14 at Sentinel Stadium on Friday night, October 30, in the quarterfinals of the 2026 NDHSAA Division AA Football State Playoffs.
Playing through the cold and wind, the Sentinels went right to work at Sentinel Stadium, taking only five minutes to score on their first drive of the game.
The Sentinels closed their first drive with a seven yard rushing touchdown by senior running back Cooper Chick. The completed extra point put the Sentinels up 7-0 to start Friday’s game.
The Sentinels defense was also hard at work, keeping the Roughriders at zero yards gained in Red River’s first drive of the night.
The second quarter was the next time the Sentinels were able to put points on the board, with a field goal setting them 10-0 over the Roughriders.
A safety and another touchdown by Chick set the Sentinels up 19-0 over Red River.
The Roughriders finally came alive in the third quarter, earning their first points of the game with a diving touchdown. The extra point brough the Roughriders to 19-7 heading into the final quarter.
The Roughriders were able to secure a second touchdown of the game early on in the fourth quarter, taking the game within a single touchdown.
With eight minutes left in the ball game, a rushing play by the Sentinels saw Chick take on the Roughriders defense. After the play concluded, all but Chick were quick to their feet.
After a stay of play, Chick was helped off the field and stretchered out of the game on an ambulance.
As both teams returned to the field, there was still eight minutes left on the clock.
Unfortunately for Red River, the Sentinels defense was able to prevent the Roughriders from scoring through the rest of the game, ending the night with a Minot North win at 19-14.
The Sentinels’ win on Friday sends them to the State Semifinals, where they will face off against Central Cass on Friday, November 6, at Sentinel Stadium.
