Kindred advances to North Dakota 2A title game with 41-21 victory over Dickinson
Myles Thielges scored twice and Brock Johnson rushed for three touchdowns as the unbeaten Vikings secured their spot in the championship match.
By Paul Davidson ·
Kindred defeated Dickinson 41-21 on Friday night at Jerlow Field to claim the North Dakota Division 2A semifinal title. The victory gives the Vikings, who are now 11-0, their first berth in a Division 2A state championship game. The team enters the title match on Friday, November 13, at the Fargodome.
Kindred moved up to Division 2A for the 2025 season. In their previous attempt at the higher level, the Vikings fell in the state semifinals. The program has appeared in three Division 1A championship games since 2021, winning the state crown in 2023.
Myles Thielges provided the momentum shift in the third quarter. On second-and-goal, Thielges took a direct snap and faked a run before throwing a 20-yard pass to Lukas Starcevic for a touchdown. The score extended Kindred's lead to 21-7 with 7 minutes and 33 seconds remaining in the third period. It was the team's first pass attempt against Dickinson in the contest.
Head coach Eric Burgad noted that Thielges struggled with the throw during practice. Burgad said Thielges was still working on the mechanic after practice when there was no daylight left. The coach described the execution in the game as awesome.
Brock Johnson rushed for more than 200 yards and three touchdowns. He scored his second rushing touchdown of the game on a 28-yard run with 1 minute and 38 seconds left in the third quarter. That play increased the margin to 28-7. Johnson later broke multiple tackles on a 33-yard run in the fourth quarter, giving Kindred a 35-14 lead with 10 minutes and 59 seconds remaining.
Johnson credited the offensive line for opening large holes that facilitated his performance. He said the linemen stepped up in a big way, making the work easier for him and Thielges. Johnson also noted that the coaching staff told him to keep pounding the rock, which he interpreted as a sign to put down the hammer.
The Vikings now prepare for their opponent in the Division 2A final. The game will be played at the Fargodome next Friday.
