Mason Palmer (Photo by Cameron Carlson)
Devils Lake was ranked No. 4 in Division AA football for the fourth straight week in the NDAPSSA polls released Monday.
It’s the fifth straight week overall that Devils Lake has been in the top five.
The Firebirds received 58 points, even more than the 41 from last week. The ranking comes after a 55-14 domination of Bismarck St. Mary’s.
It was the fifth straight win for Devils Lake — the first such streak since 2010. The Firebirds are 5-1 overall and 2-0 in region play.
The previous No. 5, Central Cass, dropped out of the top five after falling 19-17 to Grand Forks Red River on Friday. Red River, previously unranked, became the new No. 5.
But Minot North has been leading the way all season. And this Friday, the Firebirds will get their first look at this year’s Sentinels.
Mint North received 16 of the 20 first-place votes on Monday. It’s one of three AA teams with a 6-0 record, alongside No. 2 Kindred and No. 3 Grand Forks Central.
Devils Lake’s bout with Kindred didn’t go great, with a 42-12 loss. But that was back in Week 1. The Firebirds have since put together their best winning streak in a decade and a half.
Devils Lake’s offense has been rolling, in particular. Quarterback Mason Palmer has already thrown for well over 1,000 yards, and running back Bryar Exner is having a big senior year. The squad also has a deep receiver group and versatile weapons like Will Heilman and Coby Dronen Levitt.
Minot North is thriving on defense. The Sentinels have allowed just 28 points all season. They have three shutouts, including two in region play. Devils Lake is looking to be the first team to even score points against them in region play.
The Firebirds and Sentinels kick off at 7 p.m. Friday at Sentinel Stadium. It will be a rematch of the first round of last year’s playoffs, when Minot North knocked off Devils Lake 35-20.
Division AA football
- Minot North (16) – 95 points (Previous: 1)
- Kindred (4) – 84 points (Previous: 2)
- Grand Forks Central – 58 points (Previous: 3)
- Devils Lake – 42 points (Previous: 4)
- Grand Forks Red River – 15 points (Previous: NR)
Received votes: Central Cass, Dickinson
