Local Sports

Minot North junior running back Cian Hannon takes the ball through Squirrels defenders in Minot North’s state semifinal game versus Central Cass at home on Friday night, November 6. Nathan Beitler/MDN

The Minot North Sentinels football team played their last game of the season at home on Friday night, November 6, as they fell to the Central Cass Squirrels 25-7 in the semifinals of the 2026 NDHSAA Division AA Football State Playoff.

Friday night’s game was a rough one for the Sentinels offense.

The Sentinels had trouble getting the ball moving both over the ground and in the air through the first half of play.

Of his ten pass attempts, Minot North sophomore quarterback Henry Woodbeck was able to complete just two for a total of 19 yards and one interception. The Sentinels had a tough time on the ground as well, totaling just 16 yards over six ball carries.

The Squirrels however were electric through the first half. Senior quarterback Brody Kegley guided the Squirrels through a strong half in the air, securing 14 of his 17 pass attempts with 90 yards gained at halftime.

The Squirrels led 22-0 at halftime.

The second half saw the Squirrels take an even larger lead, securing a field goal to lead the Sentinels 25-0.

Minot North scored their first touchdown of the game on a pass to senior wide receiver William Hannon in the fourth quarter. The touchdown and completed extra point put the Sentinels on the board, trailing the Squirrels at 25-7.

The Squirrels were able to wall the Sentinels through the rest of the fourth quarter, controlling the pace of the clock and running down the time until the ball game was over.

With Central Cass’s victory on Friday night, they will advance to the Dakota Bowl to compete for the State Championship.

The Squirrels will face off against the Kindred High School Vikings at the Fargodome on Friday, November 13.

The Sentinels end their season with a record of 9-2.