WATFORD CITY - Big plays often define a game. And that was the tale in Watford City's big win over Dickinson in the Division AA West Region opener on Sept. 25 at Fred Fridley Field.

The Wolves had three scoring runs of 50-plus yards in the second half to earn a 36-28 triumph over the previously-unbeaten Mavericks. Two of the big runs coming from running back Trysten DeVries of 67 and 77 yards. Baylor Salas capped it with a 52-yard scamper. Watford City improved to 1-0 in the region and 3-2 overall, while Dickinson dropped to 0-1 in the region and 4-1 overall.

The Wolves started fast, jumping out to a 14-0 lead. Dickinson responded, scoring three-straight touchdowns to lead 22-14 early in the third quarter. Quarterback Nate Stevenson got the Mavs on the board and running back Wyatt Turner's two running scores gave them the lead. However, WC answered. And in a big way. The Wolves finished with 481 yards of total offense, nearly all coming on the ground from its effective triple-option formation. Dickinson had a balanced attack, with 372 yards of offense, 214 coming on the ground.

Next, Watford City will face Minot North, who holds a 0-1 conference record and 4-1 overall, on October 2. Dickinson will look to bounce back against Jamestown, who is 0-1 in the conference and 1-4 overall, on October 1.