The Legacy Sabers cemented their position in the West Region Class AAA playoffs, securing a first-round home game and the No. 2 seed following their victory over the Mandan Braves on Thursday at Starion Sports Complex. The Sabers' success was broadly attributed to "getting the job done in the trenches," highlighting their physical play.
Legacy's offense was spearheaded by a robust ground game, featuring standout performances from running backs Weston Kraft and Beckham Presley-McKay. Kraft, wearing number 4, broke through for three rushing touchdowns, including a 46-yard run, a 35-yard run, and a 2-yard run. He concluded the game as Legacy's top rusher, tallying 124 yards on 17 carries. Presley-McKay, number 3, also proved instrumental, adding two rushing touchdowns on a 3-yard run and an 11-yard run, accumulating 97 yards on 19 carries. On the defensive side, Josh Link, number 1, contributed to Legacy's efforts by returning an interception. Link also had one reception for 28 yards on offense.
Mandan mounted its own offensive pushes, with quarterback Cole Carlson, number 1, connecting with Daniel Wentz, number 11, for an 11-yard passing touchdown. Carlson completed 19 of 28 passes for 143 yards, though he threw one interception. Wentz was a primary target for the Braves, recording 10 receptions for 69 yards and the scoring catch. Running back Tate Sailer, number 1, also scored for Mandan with a 1-yard rushing touchdown.
The scoring sequence saw Legacy establish momentum early. Weston Kraft initiated the scoring for Legacy with his 46-yard touchdown run at 4:40, followed by another 35-yard touchdown run at 11:51. Both extra points were successfully kicked by Tyler Krukenberg. Kraft then added his third touchdown of the game on a 2-yard run at 4:35, with Krukenberg again converting the kick. Mandan responded with Tate Sailer’s 1-yard rushing touchdown at 0:24, and then an 11-yard pass from Cole Carlson to Daniel Wentz for a touchdown at 0:01. Logan Hertz successfully kicked the extra points for both Mandan scores. Legacy then extended their lead with Beckham Presley-McKay's 3-yard run at 1:12 and his 11-yard run at 5:43, both followed by successful extra point kicks from Tyler Krukenberg.
Beyond the key scoring plays, additional players made statistical contributions. For Legacy's rushing attack, Bridger Bloms carried the ball 7 times for 56 yards, Caylor Bitz added 3 carries for 22 yards, Cole Baumann had 3 carries for 11 yards, and Brody Adams contributed 1 carry for 6 yards. Legacy quarterback Weston Kraft completed 4 of 7 pass attempts for 51 yards, without throwing an interception. Receiving targets for Legacy included Zaedyn Hochhalter with one catch for 8 yards, and Brody Adams with one catch for 5 yards.
For Mandan, Brandon Baker rushed 6 times for 31 yards, and Bentley Foster had 1 carry for 1 yard. Daniel Wentz also attempted two passes but completed none. Mandan's receiving corps saw Jackson Drengson catch 3 passes for 40 yards, Ivan Hopfauf make 3 receptions for 22 yards, Parker Larson record 1 reception for 12 yards, Kale Rinas catch 1 pass for 8 yards, and Pauley Brownotter make 1 reception for 4 yards.
With this outcome, Legacy’s season record now stands at 7-2 overall and 4-1 in the West Region. Mandan's record is 5-4 overall and 3-2 in the West Region. The West Region Class AAA playoff teams are now confirmed, with Legacy securing a favorable position and a home playoff game in the first round.
