Third straight Dakota Bowl showdown awaits Loboes, Rockets

John M. Steiner / Jamestown Sun By Paul Garcia II Today at 5:27 PM Listen Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? JAMESTOWN — For the third consecutive year, LaMoure-Litchville/Marion and New Rockford-Sheyenne/Maddock will meet with a 9-man state football championship on the line. The undefeated Loboes and Rockets will face off Friday, Nov. 13, at the Fargodome with kickoff 30 minutes after the Class A title game. ADVERTISEMENT New Rockford is seeking its third straight championship, while L-L/M looks to end the Rockets' reign and claim the title. The matchup continues a postseason rivalry that has developed over four consecutive seasons, with Loboes head coach Andy DelaBarre and New Rockford head coach Elliott Belquist preparing to meet again. “It goes a lot to the kids in those programs, the coaches that put the time in to get these kids into the position where they're at,” DelaBarre said. “I credit Elliott, what he's done in New Rockford, not just this year, but for so many years.” The teams also met in the 2023 quarterfinals, when New Rockford defeated L-L/M, giving the Loboes four consecutive postseason losses to the Rockets. Belquist credited both programs' commitment for their sustained success. “We both created the right culture that fits us, and kids have bought in for what each program does,” Belquist said. “You give credit to the younger kids to keep finding a way and getting in the weight room and doing all those little things to give yourself a chance to get back to this game.” That familiarity has changed how both coaches approach preparation. ADVERTISEMENT “It's almost like another region game for how much film we've watched and prepared for them for the last four years in a row now,” DelaBarre said. Belquist said familiarity has reduced some of the uncertainty compared to their earlier meetings, although both teams must remain prepared for adjustments. The Loboes advanced to the championship with a 52-18 semifinal victory over previously unbeaten Linton/Hazelton-Moffit-Braddock. The Rockets defeated Napoleon/Gackle/Streeter 46-14 to secure their return trip to Fargo. Both coaches recognize the challenges their opponent presents. DelaBarre pointed to New Rockford's speed, particularly its ability to generate explosive plays. “Their team speed is very apparent on film, and you can see how well they can score and how fast they can score,” DelaBarre said. “They graduated an all-state quarterback, and I feel like they brought in a new all-state quarterback.” Belquist emphasized L-L/M's physicality, particularly along the defensive front, as a concern for an offense that wants to move the ball through the air. ADVERTISEMENT “They're so well coached on both sides of the ball, and they're physical,” Belquist said. “Their defensive line is strong up front. So we have to be able to protect our quarterback.” Belquist said forcing opposing offenses into uncomfortable situations could determine which team leaves Fargo with the championship. “Who can get a few stops, who can get the other team off schedule and in positions that they're not comfortable with,” Belquist said. “Who's going to punt the ball? I mean, both teams have barely punted all season.” Belquist compared the previous title games to a boxing match, with both teams feeling each other out before the scoring picks up. “It just seems like it's been kind of a boxing match, a jab session here to figure each other out early on, and then the points start coming on the board a little bit,” Belquist said. DelaBarre offered a similar assessment of the keys to victory, emphasizing execution and limiting explosive plays. “I think at this stage of any season, when you get into the finals, it's going to come down to the team that limits the mistakes and also limits the other team's home run hits,” DelaBarre said. ADVERTISEMENT Beyond the championship, Friday marks the final opportunity for each team's seniors to take the field together. Belquist said New Rockford's senior class has already established a remarkable legacy, regardless of the outcome. “They're going to go out, win or lose, whatever happens, it's going to be one of the best careers that a class has had in Rocket football history,” Belquist said. DelaBarre has encouraged the Loboes to make the most of their final week together rather than dwell on the previous championship losses. “It's playing for the guy next to you and believing in that guy next to you, having trust and just, again, not worrying about the outcome, but just enjoying the opportunity,” DelaBarre said. Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags LAMOURE-LITCHVILLE/MARION LOBOES NEW ROCKFORD ROCKETS FOOTBALL PREP SPORTS By Paul Garcia II Paul Garcia II is a sports reporter for The Jamestown Sun. Paul is an Air Force veteran where he was stationed at Minot Air Force Base. After finishing his contract with the Air Force, Paul obtained a bachelor's degree in Communication and Media Studies at University California of San Diego, and a Master's in Sports Journalism from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University. 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