News Summary

The Grand Forks high school football teams, the Red River Roughriders and Grand Forks Central Knights, have kicked off their preseason practices. The Roughriders aim to build on their impressive 11-1 record from last season, while the Knights look to improve after a challenging year. The regular season kicks off on August 29, with both teams poised for exciting matchups ahead, including the anticipated Cushman Classic rivalry game in October.

Grand Forks Kicks Off Football Season with Exciting Preseason Practices

Exciting times are rolling in Grand Forks as the local high school football teams, the Red River Roughriders and the Grand Forks Central Knights, have officially kicked off their preseason practices! The energy was palpable Thursday morning as both teams hit the fields, gearing up for what’s sure to be an exhilarating 2025 season.

Practicing Passion

The Roughriders were seen practicing diligently on a field next to Cushman Field, while the Knights were not far away, next to Purpur Arena. Fans of Grand Forks football are all abuzz, and for good reason. Red River had quite the impressive run last season, finishing with a stellar 11-1 record. Their only blemish was a tough state championship loss to West Fargo Horace, which happened at the Fargodome.

Last year’s success was bolstered by a standout lineup, including seven Class AA all-state selections, most of whom were seniors. Notable athletes like
Pearce Parks led the team as quarterback, while Thomas Kraft carried the ball as running back, and JB Walters showcased his talent on the offensive line. With such a strong foundation, the Roughriders will aim to build on last year’s success as they enter the upcoming season.

A New Dawn for Central

On the flip side, the Grand Forks Central Knights have their work cut out for them after a challenging 2024 season, where they wrapped up the year with a 1-8 record. After a promising four years of improvement, last season was a bit of a setback for the Knights. However, with a young roster that faced tough challenges, there is optimism among players and coaches alike. The hope is that this experience will lead to a more competitive season in 2025.

Game Day on the Horizon

Mark your calendars; the regular high school football season is set to kick off on August 29. The Knights’ first game will take them on the road against Bismarck St. Mary’s, while the Roughriders will have their season opener against none other than Horace—the team that ended their championship dreams last season. And here’s a treat for supporters: both teams will battle in a doubleheader at Cushman Field to start the season, with the Central-St. Mary’s clash slated for 4 p.m..

Classic Rivalry and Divisional Changes

The season is sure to heat up as the traditional Cushman Classic matchup between Central and Red River is scheduled for October 24. This rivalry game often draws a big crowd and promises to be an exciting finish to the regular season.

Football fans also have some significant changes to look forward to in the Class AA division for the 2025 season. Teams like Kindred and Casselton are joining the Class AA East division, alongside the likes of Red River, Central, Fargo South, and Wahpeton. Meanwhile, teams like Devils Lake and Jamestown will be shifting over to Class AA West, with Horace making the jump to Class AAA.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The North Dakota High School Activities Association’s Football Classification Committee is busy finalizing divisional placements, considering a mix of hard data and human insight for the placements. Both Grand Forks teams, being hefty in enrollment, are opting to remain in the AA division for now. The classification process will transition to a two-year cycle, adjusting from the previous annual assessments.

As it stands, Red River currently carries four competitive points, a reflection of their impressive playoff performances, but they need more to avoid moving up divisions. For Central, it’s a bit of a different story as they are striving for improvements to accumulate points and avoid being stuck in a lower division.

Celebrating Achievements on and off the Field

In other news, East Grand Forks is basking in the spotlight with athlete Jez Jones, who dazzled at the Minnesota state Class AA track and field meet. He finished second in the 400 meters with a record-breaking personal best time of 49.11 seconds, crushing the previous school record. The East Grand Forks relay teams showcased their talents too, finishing strong in various events and displaying the hard work and dedication of local athletes.

The football reclassification committee will be meeting after the Dakota Bowl on November 15 for further adjustments in the Class AA and AAA divisions. With so much excitement brewing for both the football field and the track, Grand Forks is truly making strides in the world of high school athletics.

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