Prep highlights: Fargo Davies advances in Division 3A playoffs; Costello hits milestone for DGF volleyball
By Erik Svenson
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The roar of the crowd at the Fargodome, the tension of a close volleyball match, the thrill of victory – these are the sounds and sights of fall sports season in our region. This week’s scoreboard brings a snapshot of competition across multiple levels, from collegiate football and basketball to high school playoffs and beyond. While the North Dakota State Bison football team prepares for a challenging road trip to Hawaii, local volleyball teams are battling it out for conference championships, and high school athletes are vying for state titles.
The North Dakota State Bison football team’s season continues with a road game against the University of Hawaii on Saturday, November 14th, at 10:00 p.m. Central time. Currently, NDSU holds a 7-2 overall record and a 4-2 record within the Mountain West Conference. The Bison find themselves in the middle of the pack in the conference standings, behind New Mexico (8-1 overall, 5-0 in conference) and Wyoming (6-3 overall, 5-1 in conference). Other Mountain West teams include Air Force (7-2 overall, 3-2 in conference), UNLV (5-4 overall, 3-2 in conference), San Jose State (5-5 overall, 3-3 in conference), Nevada (3-6 overall, 2-3 in conference), Hawaii (3-6 overall, 2-4 in conference), and UTEP (1-8 overall, 0-5 in conference). Further down the standings is the University of Illinois, currently at 0-9 overall and 0-5 in conference. The Mountain West Conference is known for its competitive nature, and this game against Hawaii will be a significant test for the Bison as they look to improve their standing.
In the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the Youngstown State Penguins lead the standings with an impressive 8-2 overall record and a 6-1 conference record. South Dakota State follows closely with an 8-2 overall and 5-1 conference record. Other teams in the conference include South Dakota (7-3 overall, 4-2 in conference), North Dakota (7-4 overall, 4-3 in conference), Illinois State (7-3 overall, 3-3 in conference), Southern Illinois (5-5 overall, 3-3 in conference), Northern Iowa (4-5 overall, 3-3 in conference), Indiana State (2-8 overall, 0-6 in conference), Murray State (1-9 overall, 0-6 in conference). Several of these teams will also be in action on Saturday, November 14th, with games scheduled against each other.
The college basketball season has officially tipped off. On Monday, November 9th, the Clemson Tigers defeated the North Dakota Fighting Hawks 92-77. In women’s basketball, the Creighton Bluejays edged out the North Dakota State Bison 66-60. These early-season games are crucial for teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses as they prepare for conference play and the NCAA tournament. The commitment and dedication of student-athletes, alongside the support of their families and communities, are hallmarks of collegiate athletics, a vital part of the American tradition.
Beyond the Division I level, local collegiate athletics are thriving. The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) sees Minnesota State leading the pack with a 9-1 overall record and an 8-1 conference record. Augustana and Wayne State are close behind with 8-2 records. Several other teams, including Minnesota Duluth, Northern State, Sioux Falls, MSU Moorhead, Bemidji State, Winona State, Concordia-St. Paul, Minot State, UMary, and SW Minnesota St., are battling for positioning in the conference. The MIAC (Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) features Saint John's University dominating the standings with a perfect 9-0 overall record and an 8-0 conference record. Bethel and Concordia follow closely. These regional conferences provide valuable opportunities for student-athletes to compete at a high level while staying close to home and family.
The North Dakota high school football playoffs are underway, culminating in championship games at the Fargodome this Saturday, November 13th. The Langdon Area-Munich team will face Harvey/Wells County in the Division A championship game at 9:10 a.m., while New Rockford-Sheyenne-Maddock and LaMoure-Litchville/Marion will compete in the 9-man championship game following the Division A game. Kindred and Central Cass are set to clash in the Division 2A championship, and West Fargo will face Bismarck Legacy in the Division 3A championship. The atmosphere at the Fargodome during these games is electric, showcasing the passion and dedication of student-athletes and their communities. The commitment of these young men to teamwork and discipline reflects values that are essential for success both on and off the field.
In high school volleyball, the EDC tournament continues with quarterfinal matches underway. West Fargo Sheyenne, Shanley, West Fargo Horace, and West Fargo have advanced to the next round. Region 1 pairings also saw Kindred advance after defeating Valley City. The dedication and perseverance of these young women are evident in their performance on the court, showcasing the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. The Sioux Falls Stampede recently defeated the Fargo Force in USHL hockey, marking a setback for the Force as they navigate their season.
Watching these games – from the Bison’s quest for a conference title to the high school playoffs – it’s clear that athletics are more than just a game. They represent a commitment to hard work, discipline, and teamwork. The dedication of the coaches, players, and their families is truly inspiring. These teams are not just representing their schools; they’re representing our community. It's a powerful reminder of the values that bind us together – the pursuit of excellence, the importance of perseverance, and the joy of shared accomplishment.
What’s particularly striking is the sense of community surrounding these events. Families travel long distances to support their athletes, and fans pack the stands to cheer on their teams. It’s a testament to the power of sports to bring people together. As we look ahead to the rest of the season, I hope we all take a moment to appreciate the effort and dedication that goes into these competitions, and to celebrate the successes of our local athletes.
The commitment these young people show on the field or court is a reflection of the values instilled in them at home and in their communities – values of hard work, perseverance, and respect. It’s a reminder that success isn’t just about winning; it’s about striving to be your best, supporting your teammates, and representing your community with pride.
For more information on NDSU Bison football, visit NDSU Athletics. Mountain West Conference standings can be found at the official conference website. Information on the Missouri Valley Football Conference is available at Missouri Valley Football Conference. NSIC standings and schedules can be found at Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, and MIAC information is available at Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Local high school sports schedules and results can be found on the Fargodome website and through local media outlets.
The fall sports season is winding down, but the excitement remains high as teams compete for championships. With games scheduled throughout the week, there are plenty of opportunities to support our local athletes and celebrate their achievements. It’s a time to appreciate the dedication of these young men and women, and to recognize the values that they represent – values that are essential for building strong families and communities. Let’s continue to support these athletes as they strive for excellence, both on and off the field, and as they embody the best of what our region has to offer.