Central Dethrones Jamestown in Semifinals
The Grand Forks Central Knights (7-4) took down the two-time defending champion Jamestown Blue Jays by a final score of 14-13 on the road Friday night and earned their first trip to the Dakota Bowl since 2005.
Second-year head Coach Jake Schauer's team started the season 1-3, but entered Friday night having won five of their last six games. All-state receiver-turned-quarterback Jack Simmers led the way on the ground, scoring from five yards out to give the Knights a first-quarter lead.
Defenses dominated the middle portion of the game, with the two teams amassing a total of seven turnovers and missing opportunities to take control of the game.
With just under four minutes to play, Jamestown led 13-7. Simmers recovered a Blue Jay fumble and then tossed a 61-yard touchdown to senior Leo Strandell on the ensuing drive. Ross Wilber's extra point gave the Knights a 14-13 lead.
The loss snapped a 7-game playoff winning streak for Jamestown, who will fall two wins short of a three-peat in Class AA. Senior Thomas Newman's pair of touchdowns provided a second-half spark for Coach Bill Nelson's group. In the waning moments, Newman heaved a deep pass that was intercepted by Strandell.
The Knights will take on Fargo North in the Dakota Bowl this weekend. To view a full replay of this game and both Class AA semifinals on BEK TV, click HERE.
