Minot North Running Game Stops Jamestown, But Blue Jays Still Make Playoffs

Posted By: davidburrall
October 17, 2024 @ 9:50 pm
Sports

JAMESTOWN – Not many first-year programs have success. And not many have a powerful running game like that of Minot North.

The Sentinels rushed for 251 yards and clinched a playoff spot Thursday with a convincing 25-7 win over the Jamestown Blue Jays at Rollie Greeno Field at Charlotte & Gordon Hansen Stadium.

Despite the loss, the Blue Jays (4-4, 2-2 AA West) also assured themselves of a playoff berth, thanks to Bismarck St. Mary’s defeating Watford City.

Christian Deadmond rushed for 127 yards and a touchdown for Minot North (6-2, 3-1), who also had rushing touchdowns from Josia Jaquinet and Cole Richeson. Brayden Bilkre also threw a touchdown pass to Jaquinet.

On Minot North’s first drive into Jamestown territory in the first quarter, the Jays’ Kelan Harstad picked off a Bilkre pass. Jamestown, however, could only punt.

Jaquinet scored on an end around on the Sentinels’ next drive and Minot North led 6-0 after the first quarter.

Jamestown took its only lead of the game nearly midway through the second quarter. Harstad ran in a nine-yard touchdown, with Brady Harty hitting the extra point. The Blue Jays led 7-6.

Minot North grabbed the lead for good with the ensuing possession, which ended with a 34-yard scoring pass from Bilkre to Jacquinet. The Sentinels led 12-7 at halftime.

After a Jamestown punt on their first second half drive, Minot North fumbled on their first play. Max Rittenbach hit Deadmond, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Jett Wharton at the Minot North 37.

Four plays later, Blue Jay quarterback Ryan Kallenbach was intercepted by Kaden Flavin. Minot North then drove 71 yards, ending in Richeson’s rushing score from 10 yards and Minot North led 19-7 with 5:51 left in the third quarter.

Deadmond scored the game’s final points with a 15-yard rushing score with 3:21 left in the fourth quarter.

Jacquinet had 122 yards receiving and 41 yards rushing. Bilkre passed for 159 yards and a touchdown.

Caleb Schiele caught five passes for 50 yards for Jamestown.

The loss cost Jamestown any chance to host a home game in the first round of the playoffs on November 1. Before that, the Blue Jays will close the regular season at Watford City on Friday, October 25. Coverage will begin at 6:30 PM on The Voice of the Blue Jays, Jamestown 107.1.