MANDAN - Fortunately for Mandan coach Todd Sheldon and Century coach Ron Wingenbach, games like this one come along every blue moon. It was just the first conference game for both teams, but it will surely be one of the highlighted nights of the season. Mandan eked out a 43-42 OT victory on Sept. 25 at Starion Sports Complex.

It was a game featuring big plays, turnovers, impressive rushing performances and late-game theatrics.

Mandan looked to be well on its way to a win, leading comfortably, 28-7, before Century started to build momentum and score 22 fourth quarter points to force overtime. Century blocked a punt with just 2:40 to play. Out of timeouts, Pats quarterback Kaden Welstad guided his team down the field and extended the drive with some key completions, one covering 22 yards. Welstad found Josiah Johnson in the end zone with 28 seconds remaining. Needing a successful two-point try, Welstad eluded a sack and found Zakai Harildstad for a successful conversion. Just when you thought it couldn't any wilder, Century intercepted a pass with under 20 seconds left and returned it deep in Mandan territory. Placekicker Silas Kaldor tried to send Century home a winner, but his field goal attemp on the final play of regulation missed to the left.

The Patriots took their only lead of the game with a TD reception in the OT frame, but Mandan quickly tied it and then settled the night with a successful two-point run. The hero on the final sequence fittingly was Mandan rusher Tate Sailer. He had a monster game carrying the ball. He rushed for 270 yards on 37 carries and four scores. Mandan's offense was clicking early as eighth grade quarterback Weston Reiner stood tall. He threw a 23-yard TD pass to Jackson Drengson to open the scoring and finished with eight completions for 133 yards passing. And then Sailer began to take over with his bruising run attack. Mandan begins 1-0 in Division AAA WDA play and 3-2 overall. Century had to settle for another close call. The Pats are 0-5 overall and 0-1 the conference.

Looking ahead, Century will face Williston (0-1 WDA, 0-5 overall) on October 2, while Mandan prepares to take on Bismarck High (1-0 WDA, 4-1 overall) on October 1.