The North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters and Sportswriters (NDAPSSA) released the eighth Class AA and Class AAA football poll on Monday evening. The poll ranks the top five teams in each class based on their records and performances.
Fargo North Remains Unbeaten and Unchallenged
In the Class AA poll, Fargo North was the association’s top pick for the eighth straight week. The Spartans earned all 20 first-place votes and 100 points. The 7-0 Spartans defeated Devils Lake 40-28 last week, extending their winning streak to 15 games dating back to last season. Fargo North has scored at least 40 points in every game this season and has a +230 point differential.
Fargo South Climbs to Second Place
Fargo South claimed the No. 2 spot in the Class AA poll with 75 points. The Bruins improved to 4-3 with a 35-14 win over Grand Forks Central last week. Fargo South has won three of its last four games after starting the season 1-2. The Bruins will face Fargo North in the regular season finale on Friday, October 13, in a game that could decide the East Region title.
Dickinson, Jamestown and Grand Forks Red River Complete the Top Five
Dickinson was picked as the No. 3 team in the Class AA poll with 53 points. The Midgets are 5-2 after a 42-14 victory over Wahpeton last week. Dickinson has won four of its last five games and leads the West Region standings. The Midgets will host Jamestown on Friday, October 13, in a crucial matchup for playoff seeding.
Jamestown dropped to No. 4 in the Class AA poll with 45 points. The Blue Jays suffered their second loss of the season, falling to West Fargo Horace 28-21 last week. Jamestown is now 5-2 and tied for second place in the West Region with Horace. The Blue Jays will try to bounce back against Dickinson on Friday, October 13.
Grand Forks Red River rounded out the top five teams in the Class AA poll with 27 points. The Roughriders are 5-3 after a 35-7 win over Valley City last week. Red River has won three of its last four games and clinched a playoff spot in the East Region. The Roughriders will wrap up their regular season against Grand Forks Central on Friday, October 13.
Shanley Dominates Class AAA Poll
In the Class AAA poll, members picked Shanley as the favorite for the eighth consecutive week. The Deacons racked up all 22 first-place votes and 110 points. The 7-0 Deacons beat Bismarck Century 28-14 last week, handing the Patriots their first loss of the season. Shanley has outscored its opponents by a +224 margin and leads the AAA standings.
West Fargo Sheyenne, Minot, Bismarck and Fargo Davies/Mandan Tie for Second Place
West Fargo Sheyenne was selected as the No. 2 team in the Class AAA poll with 88 points. The Mustangs are 6-1 after a 42-21 win over Mandan last week. Sheyenne has won six straight games since losing to Shanley in the season opener. The Mustangs will face Bismarck Century on Friday, October 13, in a game that could determine the No. 2 seed in the AAA playoffs.
Minot was ranked as the No. 3 team in the Class AAA poll with 66 points. The Magicians are also 6-1 after a 35-14 win over Bismarck High last week. Minot has won five of its last six games and is tied with Sheyenne for second place in the AAA standings. The Magicians will host Williston on Friday, October 13, in their final regular season game.
Bismarck High dropped to No. 4 in the Class AAA poll with 42 points. The Demons are now 5-2 after losing to Minot last week. Bismarck High has lost two of its last three games and is fourth in the AAA standings. The Demons will play at Dickinson Trinity on Friday, October 13, in their last game before the playoffs.
Fargo Davies and Mandan tied for No. 5 in the Class AAA poll with 11 points each. The Eagles are 3-4 after a close loss to Bismarck St. Mary’s Central High School (SMCHS) last week. Fargo Davies has lost three of its last four games and is fifth in the AAA standings. The Eagles will take on Fargo North on Friday, October 13, in a cross-class game.
The Braves are 4-3 after losing to West Fargo Sheyenne last week. Mandan has also lost three of its last four games and is sixth in the AAA standings. The Braves will host Bismarck SMCHS on Friday, October 13, in their final regular season game.
Other Teams Receiving Votes
In the Class AA poll, no other teams received votes. In the Class AAA poll, Bismarck Century was the only other team to receive votes with six points. The Patriots are 5-2 after losing to Shanley last week. Century is third in the AAA standings and will play at West Fargo Sheyenne on Friday, October 13.
