The 2026 high school football season in North Dakota opened on August 21, marking the start of a packed slate of games that will run through the end of the month.
One of the most lopsided contests saw the Mohall‑Lansford‑Sherwood Mavericks travel to face the Nedrose Cardinals, handing them a 58‑6 defeat that underscored the Mavericks’ early‑season firepower.
Other opening‑week results included a 24‑18 win for the Tioga Pirates over the South Prairie‑Max Royals, a 42‑16 victory for the Westhope Sioux against the Kenmare Honkers, and a 38‑6 triumph for the Turtle Mountain Lakers over the Des Lacs‑Burlington Braves. The Divide County Mustangs also opened with a 41‑12 loss to Surrey, while the Velva‑Drake‑Anamoose‑Garrison Aggies rolled past Valley City 44‑6. The Rugby Panthers completed the weekend with a 26‑6 win over Stanley.
Upcoming Schedule
With the first round in the books, attention now turns to the next round of matchups scheduled for August 27‑29. The Cardinals will hit the road to meet the TGU Titans on the 27th, while the Royals return home to take on the Central McLean Cougars on the 28th. The Lakers will travel to face the Panthers on the 28th, and the Mavericks will host Dunseith High School the same day. The Blue Jays are set to play Ellendale/Edgeley/Kulm on August 29.