2021 9B Playoff Bracket

[Sorenson23]

Let the discussion and predictions begin

First Round
Saturday October 16th
G1 - 18 (4-4) R1 #3 Maple Valley-Enderlin @ May-Port-CG R2 #2 (7-1) 20
G2 - 32 (4-4) R6 #3 Grant County-Flasher @ (RV) South Border R5 #2 (7-1) 14
G3 - 40 (5-3) R4 #3 North Prairie @ New Rockford-Sheyenne R3 #2 (5-3) 14
G4 - 6 (3-5) R3 #3 Four Winds @ St. John R4 #2 (5-3) 20

G5 - 42 (6-2) R5 #3 Napoleon-Gackle-Streeter @ Mott-Regent-New England R6 #2 (4-4) 66
G6 - 6 (2-5) R8 #3 Kenmare-Bowbells-BC @ Lewis & Clark-Berthold (5-3) R7 #2 26
G7 - 18 (5-3) R2 #3 Finley-Sharon-Hope-Page @ Wyndmere-Lidgerwood R1 #2 (6-2) 26
G8 - 14 (4-4) R7#3 Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood @ Ray-Powers Lake R8 #2 (7-1) 44

Second Round
Saturday October 23rd
G9 - 0 (8-1) R2 #2 May-Port-C-G @ #1 LaMoure-L-M R1 #1 (8-0) 42
G10 - 30 (5-4) R6 #3 Grant County-Flasher @ #8 Hettinger Scranton R6 #1 (6-2) 0
G11 - 8 (6-3) R4 #3 North Prairie @ #4 Bottineau R4 #1 (8-0) 26
G12 - 22 (6-3) R4 #2 St. John @ #5 Nelson County R3 #1 (8-0) 28
G13 - 14 (5-4) R6 #2 Mott-Regent-New England @ #2 New Salem-Almont R5 #1 (8-0) 42
G14 - 12 (6-3) R7 #2 Lewis & Clark-Berthold @ #7 Divide County R8 #1 (7-1) 34
G15 - 6 (7-2) R1 #2 Wyndmere-Lidgerwood @ #3 Cavalier (8-0) 52
G16 - 38 (8-1) R8 #2 Ray-Powers Lake @ (RV) Surrey R7 #1(6-1) 44

Quarterfinals
Saturday October 30th
G17 - 22 (6-4) R6 #3 Grant County-Flasher @ #1 LaMoure-L-M R1 #1 (9-0) 42
G18 - 6 (9-0) R3#1 #5 Nelson County @ #4 Bottineau R4#1 (9-0) 20
G19 - 24 (8-1) R8 #1 Divide County @ #2 New Salem-Almont R5 #1 (9-0) 52
G20 - 8 (7-1) R7 #1 Surrey @ #3 Cavalier R2 #1 (9-0) 14

Semi-Finals
Saturday November 6th
G21 - 6 (10-0) R4#1 #4 Bottineau @ #1 LaMoure-L-M R1#1 (10-0) 20
G22 - 36 (10-0) R2#1 #3 Cavalier @ #2 New Salem-Almont R5#1 (10-0) 34 OT

9B State Title Game
Friday November 12th
G23 - 42 (11-0) R1#1 (#1) LaMoure-L-M vs #3 Cavalier R2#1 (11-0) 14

State Champions - LaMoure-Litchville-Marion Loboes (12-0)
Runner-Up - Cavalier Tornadoes (11-1)

[UNDSiouxfan]

G1 - (4-4) Maple Valley-Enderlin @ May-Port-CG (7-1)
MPCG over MV-E 26-20.
G2 - (4-4) Grant County-Flasher @ South Border (7-1)
Rematch game, GCF gets the best of them this time around in a shootout.
G3 - (5-3) North Prairie @ New Rockford-Sheyenne (5-3)
North Prairie by 2 TD's.
G4 - (3-5) Four Winds @ St. John (5-3)
St. John by 3 TD's.

G5 - (6-2) Napoleon-Gackle-Streeter @ Mott-Regent-New England (4-4)
NGS by 3 TD's.
G6 - (2-5) Kenmare-Bowbells-BC @ Lewis & Clark-Berthold (5-3)
L&C-B over K-B-BC by a TD.
G7 - (5-3) Finley-Sharon-Hope-Page @ Wyndmere-Lidgerwood (6-2)
F-S-H-P over W-L, prediction 38-20. Injuries will really cost W-L. W-L lost Arth against Lamoure, now lost #2 RB Gutzmer against Hankinson. They will be too easy to key on with their QB being their main threat.
G8 - (4-4) Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood @ Ray-Powers Lake (7-1)
RPL over MLS by 4 TD's

[woodchuck10]

G1 - (4-4) Maple Valley-Enderlin @ May-Port-CG (7-1) 26-22
G2 - (4-4) Grant County-Flasher @ South Border (7-1) 34-28
G3 - (5-3) North Prairie @ New Rockford-Sheyenne (5-3) 28-18
G4 - (3-5) Four Winds @ St. John (5-3) 38-20

G5 - (6-2) Napoleon-Gackle-Streeter @ Mott-Regent-New England (4-4) 36-24
G6 - (2-5) Kenmare-Bowbells-BC @ Lewis & Clark-Berthold (5-3) 28-12
G7 - (5-3) Finley-Sharon-Hope-Page @ Wyndmere-Lidgerwood (6-2) 44-20
G8 - (4-4) Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood @ Ray-Powers Lake (7-1) 48-30

Looks like some good "regional tournament" matchups. 6 rematches and 2 first meetings. GCF is my upset pick. Think they get things together and make a little run in the playoffs until they meet LaMoure in the quarters or the "state tournament."

[Sportsrube]

So 6 teams make the playoffs with a record of .500 or worse? Something just doesn't sit right with me about that. Maybe it is time to change the playoff format? How do you get into the playoffs with only 2 wins? I know its about $$ for the NDHSAA but really?

[ChickenNuggets]

Saturday October 16th
G1 - (4-4) Maple Valley-Enderlin @ May-Port-CG (7-1)
This is a style contrast for sure. MVE is physical, pound the ball type of team. MPCG is finesse/speed. Homefield advantage on the turf might be enough for MPCG but I don't see this one being a blowout.

G2 - (4-4) Grant County-Flasher @ South Border (7-1)
South Border only won the first match-up 26-20 in week one. I guess we'll see who has improved the most during the season. My guess is SB in a 1-2 score game.

G3 - (5-3) North Prairie @ New Rockford-Sheyenne (5-3)
NP won 16-6 in week 1 at home. Now they have to go on the road. I do think that NP pulls it off again. About the same margin of victory. 10-14 points.

G4 - (3-5) Four Winds @ St. John (5-3)
Congrats to Four Winds for making playoffs, I think I read it was the second time ever for them to do this. Unfortunately I think they're the #3 team in the worst region in the state and St. John is playing tough right now. St. John won the first matchup 42-8. I expect another lop-sided score in favor of the Woodchucks.

G5 - (6-2) Napoleon-Gackle-Streeter @ Mott-Regent-New England (4-4)
Another Rematch- Napoleon beat MR/NE 44-24 in week 1 of the season. Napoleon was on the road for that game just as they are for this one. I'll take Napoleon by 12.

G6 - (2-5) Kenmare-Bowbells-BC @ Lewis & Clark-Berthold (5-3)
Lewis & Clark beat Kenmare 28-6 in Kenmare this past week, now they meet again at home. It is tough to play a team twice in such a short turnaround, but I don't think the result changes. L&C by 14 or more.

G7 - (5-3) Finley-Sharon-Hope-Page @ Wyndmere-Lidgerwood (6-2)
One of the rare games this week that is not a rematch from the regular season. FSHP has a pair of tough runners. W/L also has a strong running game. That's a long trip for the Spartans. I'll take the Warbirds by 16

G8 - (4-4) Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood @ Ray-Powers Lake (7-1)
RPL won 56-28 against MLS last week in Mohall, now they get them a week later at home. RPL Rolls by 25 or more.

[woodchuck10]

So 6 teams make the playoffs with a record of .500 or worse? Something just doesn't sit right with me about that. Maybe it is time to change the playoff format? How do you get into the playoffs with only 2 wins? I know its about $$ for the NDHSAA but really?

I agree somewhat, You got Hankinson sitting at 4-4 and a decent Central McLean team at 3-5. Both would give a tough game in a playoff matchup.

You'd think it could be top 2 in each region with the next 8 highest QRF to get your 24 teams for the playoffs. Try to keep the first two rounds somewhat regional or at least East vs East and West vs West. Seeding the region champs 1-8 with a coaches vote was the right thing to do. LaMoure would've been the number 6 seed with the QRF. With that being said I like the top 3 in each region, gives every team a clear idea on how to make the playoffs when the season starts.

South Dakota had a zero win team in the 11AA playoffs a few years ago. Glad we don't have the mess of 7 classes for football like they have down there.

[Sorenson23]

I agree with Woodchuck10 a good Hankinson and decent Central McLean team could have been a tough first round matchup. But nothing anyone could have done especially with Region 7. They had five teams, one forfeited the season and another emergency co-oped with Velva. I don't think their is anything wrong with a (4-4) team making the playoffs. Their is a eight game season, they won half their games, that should more than enough to qualify for the playoffs. Now if it was a college or pro team yeah, but I don't think their is anything anyone can do about that in the high school ranks. The regions in 9B are balanced, but can't say the same about 11AA, 11A.

[bison football73]

So 6 teams make the playoffs with a record of .500 or worse? Something just doesn't sit right with me about that. Maybe it is time to change the playoff format? How do you get into the playoffs with only 2 wins? I know its about $$ for the NDHSAA but really?

I agree somewhat, You got Hankinson sitting at 4-4 and a decent Central McLean team at 3-5. Both would give a tough game in a playoff matchup.

You'd think it could be top 2 in each region with the next 8 highest QRF to get your 24 teams for the playoffs. Try to keep the first two rounds somewhat regional or at least East vs East and West vs West. Seeding the region champs 1-8 with a coaches vote was the right thing to do. LaMoure would've been the number 6 seed with the QRF. With that being said I like the top 3 in each region, gives every team a clear idea on how to make the playoffs when the season starts.

South Dakota had a zero win team in the 11AA playoffs a few years ago. Glad we don't have the mess of 7 classes for football like they have down there.

If we are going to seed anything based on QRF why not seed the bottom 16 based on QRF? Right now we have probably two of the toughest #2 teams (South Border and MPCG) on the same side of the bracket as Lamoure. Two teams we could probably all agree are top 6-10 teams in the state. Keep the region champions seeded with coaches vote 1-8. Why do we need to keep the first two rounds regional? It's the playoffs, these kids should get the experience of playing real playoff football. Instead we have a bunch of teams who have already played each other playing each other again.

[d_fense]

So 6 teams make the playoffs with a record of .500 or worse? Something just doesn't sit right with me about that. Maybe it is time to change the playoff format? How do you get into the playoffs with only 2 wins? I know its about $$ for the NDHSAA but really?

What makes you think, "it's all about $$ for the NDHSAA"? I don't see any correlation.

[ChickenNuggets]

I saw that a couple of the 9-man playoff games were going to be on BEK.

MLS @ Ray/PL and GC/F @ South Border

Does anyone know if any of the other playoff games will be live streamed anywhere? will there be any on NFHS Network or Your Live Event?

[Sportsrube]

So 6 teams make the playoffs with a record of .500 or worse? Something just doesn't sit right with me about that. Maybe it is time to change the playoff format? How do you get into the playoffs with only 2 wins? I know its about $$ for the NDHSAA but really?

What makes you think, "it's all about $$ for the NDHSAA"? I don't see any correlation.

All gate proceeds go to the NDHSAA and at $10 per adult and $5 per student the more teams in the playoffs, the more $$$. Then figure in what ever BEK is paying to televise some games and the fees for radio broadcasts, etc.....

[defensewinsgames]

First Round
Saturday October 16th
G1 - (4-4) Maple Valley-Enderlin @ May-Port-CG (7-1)
G2 - (4-4) Grant County-Flasher @ South Border (7-1)
G3 - (5-3) North Prairie @ New Rockford-Sheyenne (5-3)
G4 - (3-5) Four Winds @ St. John (5-3)

G5 - (6-2) Napoleon-Gackle-Streeter @ Mott-Regent-New England (4-4)
G6 - (2-5) Kenmare-Bowbells-BC @ Lewis & Clark-Berthold (5-3)
G7 - (5-3) Finley-Sharon-Hope-Page @ Wyndmere-Lidgerwood (6-2)
G8 - (4-4) Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood @ Ray-Powers Lake (7-1)

Games I have my eye on this week:
- North Prairie at New Rockford: These two played week one and and New Rockford lost 6 to 16. There latest comp. game would be Nelson County and New Rockford played them tougher. I think New Rockford wins a pick em game at home by a score. New Rockford wins 24 to 18.

- Four Winds @ St. John: First time they played St. John blew them out. I don't think this game is real close either but just the fact Four Winds is in the playoffs for the first time since who knows when is eye catching to me!

- FSHP @ Wyndmere: Not sure what the situation with the Wyndmere RB is but it will probably be tough sledding if he doesn't play. I think these two teams are fairly even so am going to give Wyndmere the nod because they are at home. That can be a tough place to play in a big game. Warbirds find enough offense to get a late win in a high scoring game 40 to 36.

[The Schwab]

G1 - (4-4) Maple Valley-Enderlin @ May-Port-CG (7-1)- I think MPCG wins this one by a couple of scores. The turf plays a big role as their RB will run wild.

G2 - (4-4) Grant County-Flasher @ South Border (7-1)- SB beat GCF the first game of the season and most people considered it (myself included) the biggest upset of the season. Fast forward and SB is arguably the best team playing the first weekend. I'll say SB wins, but it'll be close.

G3 - (5-3) North Prairie @ New Rockford-Sheyenne (5-3)- Coin flip game for me. I'll take the Rockets.

G4 - (3-5) Four Winds @ St. John (5-3)- St. John by a wide margin

G5 - (6-2) Napoleon-Gackle-Streeter @ Mott-Regent-New England (4-4)- Rematch game here, NGS won the first one big. I'll take them to win the rematch as well, but I'm thinking it'll be a 1 score game.

G6 - (2-5) Kenmare-Bowbells-BC @ Lewis & Clark-Berthold (5-3) LCB won on Friday, the will win this one by 2 scores or more.

G7 - (5-3) Finley-Sharon-Hope-Page @ Wyndmere-Lidgerwood (6-2)- The health of WL's RB is key here. If healthy this game won't be close, if not healthy it'll be a coin flip. Either way I'll say WL wins.

G8 - (4-4) Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood @ Ray-Powers Lake (7-1)- Another rematch from last week. I'll take RPL big.

[Sportsrube]

A big key in the SB-Grant County rematch will be the status of SB's main runningback. He missed last week with a shoulder injury and he is questionable for this week. He is a load on offense and helps anchor a very, very solid defense from his linebacker spot. Like most 9 man teams, depth is an issue.

[bison football73]

A big key in the SB-Grant County rematch will be the status of SB's main runningback. He missed last week with a shoulder injury and he is questionable for this week. He is a load on offense and helps anchor a very, very solid defense from his linebacker spot. Like most 9 man teams, depth is an issue.

His replacement ran for over 100 on 9 carries and scored 2 TDs last week.

[The Schwab]

A big key in the SB-Grant County rematch will be the status of SB's main runningback. He missed last week with a shoulder injury and he is questionable for this week. He is a load on offense and helps anchor a very, very solid defense from his linebacker spot. Like most 9 man teams, depth is an issue.

His replacement ran for over 100 on 9 carries and scored 2 TDs last week.

Against a team that allowed 376 points over 8 games. Not saying his replacement isn't a good football player, but definitely a step down from the main rb.

[WalkingStick]

First Round
Saturday October 16th
G1 - (4-4) Enderlin/Maple Valley @ May-Port-CG (7-1)
G2 - (4-4) Grant County-Flasher @ South Border (7-1)
G3 - (5-3) North Prairie @ New Rockford-Sheyenne (5-3)
G4 - (3-5) Four Winds @ St. John (5-3)

G5 - (6-2) Napoleon-Gackle-Streeter @ Mott-Regent-New England (4-4)
G6 - (2-5) Kenmare-Bowbells-BC @ Lewis & Clark (5-3)
G7 - (5-3) Finley-Sharon-Hope-Page @ Wyndmere-Lidgerwood (6-2)
G8 - (4-4) Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood @ Ray/Powers Lake (7-1)

**Four Winds made the postseason in 2018 and lost to Oakes in the first round…so it hasn’t been THAT long ago…played independent schedule for past two years

EMV could give MPCG a decent game

Is Arth healthy for W-L? If so, it won’t be close…if he’s not…then FSHP may be able to compete

[Sportsrube]

A big key in the SB-Grant County rematch will be the status of SB's main runningback. He missed last week with a shoulder injury and he is questionable for this week. He is a load on offense and helps anchor a very, very solid defense from his linebacker spot. Like most 9 man teams, depth is an issue.

His replacement ran for over 100 on 9 carries and scored 2 TDs last week.

Yep, against a much weaker opponent than Grant County. I am more concerned with his absence on defense than on offense actually.

[Sportsrube]

Is weather going to be a major factor in any of this weekend's games? I know Napoleon likes to spread the field and throw the ball a lot, don't know for sure how well that will work if it is raining or extremely windy.
Any other teams that could really struggle with the weather this Saturday?

[OdessaAardvark]

G1 - (4-4) Maple Valley-Enderlin @ May-Port-CG (7-1)
G2 - (4-4) Grant County-Flasher @ South Border (7-1)
G3 - (5-3) North Prairie @ New Rockford-Sheyenne (5-3)
G4 - (3-5) Four Winds @ St. John (5-3)

G5 - (6-2) Napoleon-Gackle-Streeter @ Mott-Regent-New England (4-4)
G6 - (2-5) Kenmare-Bowbells-BC @ Lewis & Clark-Berthold (5-3)
G7 - (5-3) Finley-Sharon-Hope-Page @ Wyndmere-Lidgerwood (6-2)
G8 - (4-4) Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood @ Ray-Powers Lake (7-1)

[Sorenson23]

First Round
Saturday October 16th
G1 - (4-4) Maple Valley-Enderlin @ May-Port-CG (7-1)
G2 - (4-4) Grant County-Flasher @ South Border (7-1)
G3 - (5-3) North Prairie @ New Rockford-Sheyenne (5-3)
G4 - (3-5) Four Winds @ St. John (5-3)

G5 - (6-2) Napoleon-Gackle-Streeter @ Mott-Regent-New England (4-4)
G6 - (2-5) Kenmare-Bowbells-BC @ Lewis & Clark-Berthold (5-3)
G7 - (5-3) Finley-Sharon-Hope-Page @ Wyndmere-Lidgerwood (6-2)
G8 - (4-4) Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood @ Ray-Powers Lake (7-1)

[Sportsrube]

Have heard that Napoleon's starting QB and backup QB are both out with injuries this weekend. Hate to see a team having to deal with this, depth is a major issue with almost every 9 man team.

[bison football73]

First Round
Saturday October 16th
G1 - (4-4) Maple Valley-Enderlin @ May-Port-CG (7-1)
G2 - (4-4) Grant County-Flasher @ (RV) South Border (7-1)
G3 - (5-3) North Prairie @ New Rockford-Sheyenne (5-3)
G4 - (3-5) Four Winds @ St. John (5-3)

G5 - (6-2) Napoleon-Gackle-Streeter @ Mott-Regent-New England (4-4)
G6 - (2-5) Kenmare-Bowbells-BC @ Lewis & Clark-Berthold (5-3)
G7 - (5-3) Finley-Sharon-Hope-Page @ Wyndmere-Lidgerwood (6-2)
G8 - (4-4) Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood @ Ray-Powers Lake (7-1)

[ChickenNuggets]

Have heard that Napoleon's starting QB and backup QB are both out with injuries this weekend. Hate to see a team having to deal with this, depth is a major issue with almost every 9 man team.

I saw in the Dickinson Press an article about Mott-Regent stating that their QB may be out this week as well. I know Napoleon airs the ball out quite a bit so it might not be quite the same effect, but anytime a team loses a starting QB it definitely makes a difference

[Sportsrube]

Have heard that Napoleon's starting QB and backup QB are both out with injuries this weekend. Hate to see a team having to deal with this, depth is a major issue with almost every 9 man team.

I saw in the Dickinson Press an article about Mott-Regent stating that their QB may be out this week as well. I know Napoleon airs the ball out quite a bit so it might not be quite the same effect, but anytime a team loses a starting QB it definitely makes a difference

I was told that Napoleon has switched their offense this week to a power run game. Not sure how effective that will be with only a week to implement it, but if anyone can it would be Coach McCleary.