Bismarck, ND – Bismarck High defeated Legacy High on Friday evening at The Bowl, sealing the victory with a late field goal and a crucial defensive stop as the Demons blocked Legacy’s attempt at a game-tying field goal at the end of regulation. The win advances Bismarck's West Region record to 3-0 and their overall record to 6-1, while Legacy now stands at 2-1 in the West Region and 5-2 overall.
The game saw back-and-forth scoring. Bismarck opened their scoring with a 7-yard pass from junior quarterback Kaden Molenda to Jack Praska, followed by a successful kick from Drew Haberlock. Legacy quickly responded when Josh Link intercepted a pass and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown, with Tyler Krukenberg adding the extra point. Bismarck answered swiftly, as Molenda connected with Najeh Boyd for a 10-yard touchdown pass, again converted by Haberlock. Legacy then added points to the board with an 8-yard run by Weston Kraft, and Krukenberg kicked the extra point.
Bismarck’s offense was led by junior quarterback Kaden Molenda, whose arm has played a significant role in leading the Demons' attack this season. Molenda completed 12 of 20 passes for 110 yards, throwing two touchdowns and two interceptions. His primary targets included Cole Lardy, who had two receptions for 46 yards, and Weston Scott, with four receptions for 39 yards. Najeh Boyd and Jack Praska each caught three passes for 14 yards, contributing a touchdown each. Brady Prokop also added one reception for one yard. On the ground, Cole Lardy led Bismarck with 99 rushing yards on 25 carries. Garett Randolph also contributed significantly to the rushing attack, gaining 53 yards on five carries. Brady Ennen added six yards on five carries, Weston Scott ran for three yards on one carry, and Molenda rushed once for one yard. Wide receiver Garett Randolph was noted battling for yards against Legacy defenders throughout the game.
Legacy’s offensive efforts were anchored by quarterback Weston Kraft, who completed 13 of 19 passes for 88 yards without an interception. His receiving corps included Josh Link, who caught four passes for 26 yards, Brody Adams with two receptions for 15 yards, and Zaedyn Hochhalter with one catch for 13 yards. Jake Link also contributed 12 receiving yards on one catch. Beckham Presley-McKay, who was dealing with a balky ankle, still managed three receptions for eight yards. Ty Julson had eight receiving yards on one catch, and Holden Schwahn caught one pass for six yards. On the ground, Presley-McKay led the Patriots with 52 yards on 12 carries. Weston Kraft added 27 yards on 13 carries, and Josh Link ran once for 18 yards. Bridger Bloms, mentioned as a backup along with Caleb Johnson due to Presley-McKay's ankle issue, also contributed to the rushing attack, gaining 15 yards on three attempts. Brody Adams had two yards on one attempt.
The decisive moment came at the close of the game when Bismarck’s Mark Bauman (39) celebrated with his teammates after blocking Legacy's potential game-tying field goal attempt. This finishing ability has been identified as a key reason the Demons have started their Class AAA season strong, with a 5-1 record. Legacy, relying on its talented juniors, fought hard but ultimately fell short in the regional contest.
