DICKINSON, N.D. — Grand Forks Central's long road trip proved to be a challenge Friday night.
After a six-hour bus ride, Dickinson rode a 21-0 halftime lead and a 33-0 start to a 40-20 victory over the Knights in the North Dakota Division AA state quarterfinals.
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"They just came out and their twists and stunts gave our offense problems," Central coach Jake Schauer said. "We were fighting uphill all night long. It was one of those nights where we just didn't find it.
"We have to get over that hump of being able to make these long trips easier. But you watch college and pro teams struggle with it."
Dickinson struck first with a Wyatt Turner 3-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. In the second quarter, Dickinson quarterback Nathan Stevenson connected on a 15-yard touchdown pass to Jesse Hammond and then ran in a 24-yard score of his own.
"I've coached against (Stevenson) for three years now, and we know what he brings to the table," Schauer said. "He doesn't go down easy. When you lose him, he'll hurt you. They'll ride him while he's hot here."
After the Mavericks built a 33-0 advantage, Central scored three touchdowns — two of which were long passes to backup quarter...