North football opens season with win versus Dickinson

Brock Mjelstad scored a pair of touchdowns, including his first varsity touchdown, as the Fargo North Spartans toppled the Dickinson Midgets in their season opener 32-7. Mjelstad, a senior tight end, had two receptions for 19 yards. “It was a big confidence boost,” said Mjelstad. The Spartans have now won both of their past two meetings with the Midgets.

The Spartans defense had a stellar night, holding the Midgets to only 141 yards of total offense and forcing 4 turnovers. “We knew we had to play hard and play everyone like they were an all-star,” Mjelstad said. “Turnovers are always a big momentum shift and that just propelled us into touchdowns.” The Midgets lost three fumbles and gave up one interception to the hungry Spartans. The Fargo North defense was led by senior Joe Boutain who had four tackles including one sack.

Fargo North had an equally strong night on offense as the team jumped out to an early lead, scoring four touchdowns in the first half, leading 24-0 going into the locker room. Junior quarterback Caleb Fritel went 8-11 with 73 yards and 3 touchdowns, with two coming in the first half. Junior running back Peyton Fisher started the scoring with a 54-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Fisher went on to rush for 123 yards on 13 carries, leading the Spartans’ ground attack. Dickinson eventually found the end zone with a Troy Berg 29-yard run, but it was too little, too late.

“We haven’t had a game like this in a while, where we just put a team down and finish them,” said Mjelstad of the Spartans who racked up 280 yards on offense on 50 plays. “We started off right.” With the win Fargo North moves to 1-0 as they prepare to travel across the state to play Williston High School in Williston next Friday. Dickinson falls to 0-1 as they face Grand Forks Central in their next contest.