Devils Lake is now unranked.
The Firebirds fell from the top five, as voted on by the North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association, in Monday’s poll. They had been ranked No. 4 with one first-place vote before a 35-0 loss to No. 1 Kindred to open the season at Roller Field on Friday. Devils Lake did, however, still receive top-five votes.
Kindred is still the overwhelming No. 1 with 11 of the 15 first-place votes and 71 points.
Minot North has three first-place votes and Central Cass — which is coming to Devils Lake on Friday — has one.
All five ranked teams have 1-0 records.
The two additional teams receiving votes — Grand Forks Red River and Devils Lake — are 0-1.
Two previously unranked teams, Dickinson and Grand Forks Central, are now tied for No. 4.
Devils Lake started last season in a similar way, losing 42-12 to Kindred. The Firebirds eventually won the Division AA state championship, aided by a win over Kindred in the semifinals.
Kindred not only has two Power Four commits in Brooks Bakko and Luke Starcevic, but a strong first-year starting quarterback in Jackson Schlieman and a good running back in Brock Johnson.
Devils Lake, in addition to allowing several big plays from Kindred, struggled offensively in its first shutout since Oct. 25, 2024. The Firebirds did record more than 100 yards on the ground and came a yard short of a touchdown. They were limited to 55 passing yards.
Devils Lake will host No. 3 Central Cass at 6 p.m. Friday for its homecoming game — the Firebirds’ last home game until Oct. 2.
Division AA
- Kindred (11) – 71 points (Previous: 1)
- Minot North (3) – 60 points (Previous: 2)
- Central Cass (1) – 49 (Previous: 3)
- (T4) Dickinson – 20 points (Preivous: RV)
- (T4) Grand Forks Central – 20 points (Previous: RV)
Received votes: Grand Forks Red River, Devils Lake