By Jacob Waltman, KSJB (Jamestown, ND) – The 9-man semifinals games will take place this Saturday, November 7th, on the Road to the Dakota Bowl. On KSJB, we be broadcasting the matchup between LaMoure-Litchville/Marion and Linton-HMB, with pre-game coverage starting at 12:30 pm on November 7th.
LaMoure-Litchville/Marion Lobos (11-0)
LaMoure-LM has been nothing short of dominate in their 2026 season. In the regular season, the Lobos averaged just over 57 points a game and only allowed just over 6 points a game. In the playoffs the Lobos have demonstrated that same strength, on offense scoring 67 points a game and only allowing 13 points. The Lobos a season ago made it all the way to the Dakota Bowl but ultimately lost to New Rockford-Sheyenne-Maddock, 38-22. The Lobos have been proving all year that should be considered the top contender to New-Rockford-Sheyenne-Maddock and have every intention of getting back to the Dakota Bowl.
Linton/HMB Lions (11-0)
Linton-HMB this season has also been very dominate. The Lions on offense in the regular season averaged just over 61 points and only allowed just over 7 points a game. Although Linton-HMB has put up some very impressive box scores, they have been tested a few times. In September, Napoleon/Gackle-Streeter gave Linton-HMB a test, while Linton-HMB won, the score was closer than the Lions would have liked, winning 34-30. Then, last week against Cavalier, Linton-HMB would win 34-14, but the Lions offense took a bit of time to get started in that game. Last year Linton-HMB lost to South Border in the quarterfinals, 26-22, and the Lions are looking to prove they can hang with the class acts of 9-man football.
Keys to the Game
- LaMoure-Litchville/Marion – If there is ever a time to not take your foot off the pedal it is now. LaMoure-Litchville/Marion has been explosive on offense and a brick wall on defense, and that standard needs to hold against a team like Linton-HMB, who can put points fast, and can be just as stubborn on defense.
- Linton-HMB – Linton-HMB needs to get off to a better start to the game than they did last week against Cavalier. If the Lions start off slowly against the Lobos, then they will look up and have 28 points scored against them. As always when facing a team with such a high-power offense, the Lions defense needs to create extra opportunities for their offense.
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