Devils Lake Claims Historic First State Football Title in Thrilling Finish

UPDATE: In a heart-pounding conclusion, Devils Lake has captured its first-ever state football championship, defeating Minot North 39-34 in the Class AA title game held at the Fargodome on October 27, 2023. As the final pass hit the turf, the long-awaited victory sent shockwaves of jubilation through the Devils Lake sideline.

Coach Todd Lambrecht celebrated the historic win, having endured a nail-biting final minute that saw the game clock pause just as Devils Lake thought they had secured the victory. “This is amazing. I’m proud of our guys — they earned it,” Lambrecht exclaimed. The victory is especially significant for Devils Lake, a team that has faced near misses in past championship appearances.

The Firebirds showcased remarkable teamwork, with senior running back Bryar Exner leading the charge with a staggering 225 rushing yards. Quarterback Mason Palmer contributed 217 passing yards and threw four touchdown passes, securing the game with a balanced and explosive offensive performance.

Despite the challenges, including a fierce comeback attempt by Minot North, Devils Lake prevailed. “There are always ups and downs, but you have to be mentally tough,” Lambrecht emphasized. The team managed to maintain composure, executing key plays that turned the tide in their favor.

The game was a rollercoaster, starting with an unexpected safety that put Minot North on the board early. However, it was Devils Lake that quickly seized control, with a highlight play from Palmer to Will Heilman, resulting in a spectacular 79-yard touchdown. Exner followed suit with an impressive 81-yard scoring run, putting the Firebirds ahead 20-2 in the first quarter.

Minot North fought back, with standout performances from Christian Deadmond, who rushed for 107 yards, and quarterback Brayden Blikre, who threw two touchdown passes. The Sentinels had their chances, including a late-game surge that brought them within striking distance, scoring on a 12-yard pass to cut the lead to 39-34 with just under five minutes remaining.

As the clock ticked down, the tension mounted. With only seconds left and the game seemingly over, officials controversially added one more second to the clock, forcing the Firebirds to endure one last play. In a moment of collective breath-holding, that final pass fell incomplete, igniting a wave of relief and celebration from the Devils Lake fans.

“This feels amazing. They weren’t going to go down easy,” Exner remarked, highlighting the resilience of both teams throughout the match. The Firebirds concluded their season at 10-2, avenging a previous loss to Minot North earlier this year.

This championship win marks a transformative moment for Devils Lake, a program that has historically struggled in state finals, previously finishing as runners-up in 1989, 2007, 2009, and 2010. The emotional victory not only solidifies their legacy but also serves as a testament to perseverance and teamwork in high school athletics.

As Devils Lake celebrates its first state title, the community comes together in pride and joy, marking a new chapter in their athletic history. The victory is expected to resonate throughout the region, inspiring future generations of athletes.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to cover the aftermath of this thrilling championship game.