FARGO, N.D. (AP) – Brady Heyen’s record-tying hook-and-ladder touchdown pass with less than a minute to play lifted Richland to a 44-38 win over North Prairie in the North Dakota 9-man championship game on Friday.
Heyen’s fifth touchdown pass was a 58-yard hook-and-ladder to Travor Flaa that helped lead the Colts (12-0) to their first title since 2005. Copper Lingen caught the 13-yard pass at the 45-yard line then pitched it to Flaa, who ran the rest of the way to take a 44-38 lead.
North Prairie (11-1) scored twice in the last four minutes to tie to game at 38. Quarterback Jalen Pfeifer connected twice with Brody Cahill for touchdowns of 26 and 17 yards.
Heyen completed 8 of 14 passes to lead the Colts with 248 yards, and Jake Ihland rushed for 99 yards on 15 carries.
Pfeifer led the Cougars with 286 total yards and Cahill, who caught six passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Pfeifer rushed for 107 yards and threw for 179.
