JAMESTOWN - Devils Lake showcased a dominant ball-control running attack, amassing over 276 rushing yards en route to a 26-18 Division A West Region-opening victory over Jamestown on Sept. 25 the Charlotte and Gordon Hansen Stadium at the Univ. of Jamestown. The drive that typified the Firebirds offensive prowess came in the final quarter. Leading, 19-10, DL started at its own 15 yard-line and then proceeded to chew up over 10 minutes on the clock, ending with Easton Encinas' third rushing score. Jamestown would make things a bit intersting when Edison Walters reeled in a 59-yard TD pass from QB Brady Nenow on the 'Jays ensuing possession to cut the deficit to one score. However, the onside kick try was recovered by the Firebirds.

The game was filled with its share of turnovers and penalties. Jamestown actually led 2-0 after one quarter, scoring on a rare safety as a result of a Devils Lake offensive player holding in the end zone. Those points were the Blue Jays' first of the season in the opening quarter. DL would take the lead on Egan Laite's two-yard run. The key play was a 37-yard run by Laite. The junior, however, left the game. The Firebirds' rushing attack rested largely on the shoulders of Encinas who was up to the task. DL improved to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in the region. The Blue Jays are 1-4 overall and 0-1 in regoin play.

Looking ahead, Devils Lake will face St. Mary's, who hold a 1-0 WDA and 3-2 overall record, on October 2. Jamestown is set to play Dickinson, currently 0-1 in the WDA and 4-1 overall, on Thursday, October 1.