FARGO, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Kidder County claimed the co-op’s first state football championship on Friday morning at the Fargodome with a 54-32 win over Cavalier. The Wolves scored the first 22 points and final 24 points in a high-scoring affair.

They jumped ahead 22-0 early in the second quarter. Parker Hager scored the first two touchdowns, a 31-yard run on the Wolves second play from scrimmage and the second drive hauled in a 60-yard reception from Jonah Harter to push the lead to 16-0.

Early in the second quarter, Payton Cauthon raced in from 23-yards away after breaking a tackle to extend the Kidder County lead. Cavalier did not go quietly. The Tornadoes scored 16 quick points sandwiched around an onside kick recovery.

With Cavalier driving to take the lead late in the half, the Wolves’ Isaiah Harter hit QB Colton Ratchenski, the ball came free and the ball floated to freshman Blake Braun, who picked it off. Kidder County marched in for a Jonah Harter scoring run with 26 seconds remaining in the half.

The Wolves lead 30-16 at halftime. Cavalier scored the first 16 points of the second half to take a 32-30 lead with 9:18 left in the game.

Less than a minute later, Harter connected with Cauthon for a 73-yard touchdown. The final 24 points were all scored by Kidder County as they put up three touchdowns after Cavalier took the lead.

Jonah Harter finished 6-9 for 186 with two touchdowns. Isaiah Harter lead the rushing attack with 101 yards and a score.

The Wolves finished with only one loss, week 2 against Linton/HMB, and the co-op’s first state championship.