BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – The Killdeer Cowboys are back in the semifinal round of the high school football playoffs for the first time since 2015. When they play on Saturday, it will be just the fourth semifinal appearance in the last 50 years of the program’s history.
The Cowboys are proud of the accomplishment to get that far just one year after an undefeated regular season ended in the quarterfinals, but they know there’s still more to accomplish.
“Every step along the way is a test now, and we’ve answered all those tests so far,” Cowboys’ Head Coach Andy Cook said. “We have to continue to improve. We have to become more physical. We have to stay stout on defense and improve week to week, but yeah, it’s unchartered territory for us, so we’re excited about it and ready for the challenge.”
The Cowboys will face off against No. 6 seeded Bottineau, who won on the road in the quarterfinal round. The Cowboys have not lost a home game since September of 2023.
“Having playoff experience is huge,” said sophomore Jack Bombach. “It helps guys that haven’t competed in the spotlight a whole lot be prepared, and making playoffs years prior is going to help us going forward.”
The winner of this game will play in the Dakota Bowl in Fargo on Nov. 14.
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