{"id":3993,"date":"2026-09-10T16:24:52","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T20:24:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sykotyk.com\/football\/?p=3993"},"modified":"2026-09-10T16:26:27","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T20:26:27","slug":"2026-week-1-upper-midwest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.sykotyk.com\/football\/2026\/09\/10\/2026-week-1-upper-midwest\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Week 1 (Upper Midwest)"},"content":{"rendered":"

2026 Week 1 (Upper Midwest)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nThis was a very long trip. And it’s taken a while to have some free time to write about it. Weeks 1 and 2 were a 5,627 mile jaunt around the country. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

It started with the simple plan of seeing the five Region 4 Rumble games in Mandan, North Dakota. Along the way, I would find a Friday game nearby and possibly a Thursday game as well. My friend and I were going to split the trip costs and travel together and we decided this was the best time to get Idaho as well. The Rocky Mountain Rumble took place almost every year at the ICCU Dome (formerly Holt Arena) in Pocatello, Idaho. And I had long sought to attend a weekend there.<\/p>\n

It conveniently fell on the week after the games in Mandan. So, that was the plan. And then things kept shifting. The Rocky Mountain Rumble wasn’t showing their schedule for a long time. And the plan was, still, to be there the entire weekend. The week of the Mandan games, there also was no discernable Thursday games. But luckily, Wisconsin started that weekend, and had a plethora of Thursday games.<\/p>\n

At first I chose an afternoon game at a small school. They had just started playing football and were 8-man. The afternoon game helped, as I had plans for Friday night somewhere in North Central, South Dakota. Almost literally. But as more games were posted online, it seemed better to find a game along the route to South Dakota as close as possible. To make the Friday drive shorter.<\/p>\n

There were a couple, but the absolute closest game to Minnesota was in Hudson, Wisconsin. Right on the St. Croix River across from Minnesota. Hudson was hosting Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln, and it made for an easy decision.<\/p>\n

Next up, still, was Friday night. My dream location was to finally see a game in Eureka, South Dakota. Eureka is part of a three-school co-op called North Central. Made up of Eureka, Edmunds Central, and Bowdle. However, once the full schedule was released, they were listed as on the road at Gettysburg. Now, that would not have been a bad option, but I had seen North Central play before. And it was farther from Mandan than I would have liked. Which left two options: Lemmon\/McIntosh was hosting Timber Lake. Which was on the west side of the Missouri River. And Herreid\/Selby hosting Harding County\/Bison. Which was on the east side of the river.<\/p>\n

I had yet to learn which of the two host schools the game would be at. But, it was the game we decided on. I had been through both Herreid and Selby in the past. And Selby, where the game I would later learn to be the host field, had been on my list before as I had stopped in town years ago.<\/p>\n

That settled all of Week 1. There was still some finagling of Week 2 plans nearly up until we headed out on the Wednesday before the games.<\/p>\n

Travel was plotted out with me doing the driving as I’ve always done. In my trusty Ford Maverick. It’s a hybrid. And though gas mileage is lower on the highway, it still is expected to get over 35mpg for a trip like this. So I’d figure.<\/p>\n

I left home and made the three hour drive to Columbus to get my friend. Stopping once for gas at Sheetz. After the first waypoint, it was west along I-70 into Indianapolis and northwest from the city along I-74.<\/p>\n

Our first stop was in the small town of Covington, near the Illinois border. A regular stop for us when we’d travel this direction, as Benjamin’s Restaurant was located in town and was one of the random finds. The food was good. And priced well. Many years of stopping here wasn’t going to be curtailed on this trip.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I ordered the Baked Cavetini that had mozzarella and pepperoni atop baked pasta. As well as a overflowing bowl of homemade coleslaw. Which was some of the best I’ve ever had. When we left town, we were going to stop for gas. As Illinois was a huge price increase over Indiana. But, I forgot. At least until I saw the next exit approaching, and remembered. As it was the last exit in Indiana. Stopping at the One-Nine, for a fill-up. Then proceeding west into the Land of Lincoln.<\/p>\n

Stopping at Mendota for the night at the Super 8. Using a free night for the stay. In the morning, it was a quick affair of getting everything back into the truck, and heading north along I-39 toward Wisconsin. Taking a small shunpiking detour of the stretch of Illinois Tollway. Back on I-90 and I-39, we stopped at the welcome center for a bathroom break and quick photography.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Still, though, I had another nearly 5 hours to go to get to Hudson. Traversing the entire state. This meant time of the essence. A stop for gas at a Kwik Trip in Wisconsin Dells, led us to the Pizza Ranch back in town. It was a small backtrack, but the benefit of Pizza Ranch is that there’s no order taking or waiting for food to be cooked. It’s a buffet, so you just show up, eat what you want, and can be back on the road much more quickly.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

And if you’re not familiar with the chain as they have yet to further expand east than Illinois, they’re famous for the chicken moreso than their pizza. Though their Buffalo Chicken Pizza might be the best in the business.<\/p>\n

After that, it was a straight drive west along I-94 to the last exit in Wisconsin.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Off the exit, it was a short drive north into town. Hudson is a bit of a tourist town. A busy marina along the river, with a bunch of walkable downtown shops for tourists. The school sits just east of the main downstown stretch. For a larger school, they’re on an island surrounded by smaller schools. And though the stadium is great, with two levels and full concrete edifice, all seating is only on the west side of the field. With a scoreboard with video board planted right at the 50 yard line across the field from the spectators.<\/p>\n

I had made arrangements prior to arrival and was told I would be on a list. There was no list. And no one at the gates had any idea. Though had no problem letting me in. The stadium in Hudson is great.<\/p>\n

#6 – Hudson v. Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Like a lot of schools I’ve come to notice, Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids only goes by the town’s name in common parlance. It was quite a drive for them to get there, and I’d later find out after the game that Hudson struggles to find appropriately sized schools to make the trip to their little outpost on the border with Minnesota.<\/p>\n

For a one-sided prognostication, the game was surprisingly competitive to start. Wisconsin Rapids scored on their first drive. A 7-7 after eating a lot of the clock. But Hudson would grind through and stimy them the rest of the way. Winning, 52-7.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Wisconsin Spotlight: Hudson Defeats Wisconsin Rapids, 52-7 in Opener (PHOTO GALLERY)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

After the game, I drove west along I-94 into Minnesota and followed the bypass to the north of the Twin Cities. Heading toward Brooklyn Park. I had used another free night for a stay at the Baymont Inn. Only roughly 30 minutes from Hudson.<\/p>\n

In the morning, it was another early start. Something I would begrudgingly grow accustomed to on this trip. I am not a morning person by nature. <\/p>\n

But, I got some sweet tea, thanks to the 9v car cooler I now own and worked great on a trial run with my trip to Florida. Along I-94, I got off the highway for the last time Friday near St. Cloud and followed MN23 southwest. It’s funny, because I was just here, on this very road, early in August coming home. As I wanted to follow the route I’d be taking on this trip. <\/p>\n

In New London, right in front of New London-Spicer High School (who I have seen play before), the route turned and followed MN9 west to Benson. And then, finally, and lastly, joined US12.<\/p>\n

Which would be the route the rest of the day. Crossing over into South Dakota in Big Stone City. Which, coincidentally, is where the Big Stone Lake ends, which is the water border between these two states until here, where the border turns to a north\/south straight line until southeast of Sioux Falls.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The rest of the way was a breeze. US12 is a fast moving highway through long stretches of pond-marked fields as far as the eye can see. A few small towns here or there. With the only real impediments being all the lights while driving through Aberdeen. One of the largest cities in South Dakota outside Sioux Falls and Rapid City.<\/p>\n

West of there, it continued along a straight line through Ipswich and Roscoe and into Bowdle. Where I’d stop for an early dinner. The Dakota Gas N Go, located along US12 on the south end of town has a great quick serve counter. And I always enjoyed the burgers there. Opting for two Mushroom and Swiss burgers, as well as some Jalapeno Bacon Firecrackers. Which were small taquito or egg roll type creations deep-fried. They were very good. I also picked up a Cottage Cheese Pie for after the game (more on this later).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

I had hoped to have time to swing by Eureka to get a more up-to-date view of the lake in town and the field. But with time becoming a factor, decided to stay on US12 west into Selby. Where US83 and US12 briefly overlap. There was no welcome sign from the south, but there was one I remembered from the North. It was not much out of the way to drive through the small town and then doubleback to the school.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The field in Selby is dual-purpose. As the baseball field uses it as well. The football field runs along the outfield. Just skimming the edge of the dirt infield. We were very early now. But got to tour the field a bit before the bulk of the people were arrive. Just beating the Harding County team to the school.<\/p>\n

Being that this was 9-man, it isn’t unusual for a team to have one singular field and\/or scoreboard. Lined with trees, Selby has a nice setup. The lone stands are parked in the dirt infield. While a two-story pressbox sits across the field in the outfield of the baseball field. Most home fans seemed to line the field along the pressbox. As the home team Wolverines stood on that side. While the visiting Ranchers of Harding County\/Bison stood along the side with stands. Yet, the HSA cheerleaders were positioned near the visiting team. It does make for a unique setup.<\/p>\n

#7 – Herreid\/Selby v. Harding County\/Bison<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The one thing with rural areas: are co-ops. Herreid and Selby are just a half hour or so apart. Both along US83 in north central South Dakota. The Selby Lions and Herreid Yellowjackets come together for football as the HSA Wolverines. Or Herreid\/Selby, officially. Meanwhile, Harding County High School is located in the small town of Buffalo, South Dakota. Located along US85. To the east of there sits Bison. Unlike the HSA Wolverines, there is not a ‘combined nickname’ for the co-op. Harding County are the Ranchers and use that name for the co-op. The Bison Cardinals do play other sports, though.<\/p>\n

The one marker to signify the co-op is that on their metallic copper helmets there is an HC on one side, and a B on the other. Both in the purple color of the team. <\/p>\n

For the game itself, this was projected to be a good game, and it really was. The teams methodically moved down the field. A game of inches. Trading a few touchdowns. Late into the fourth quarter, the game was tied, 18-18. Harding County\/Bison was moving the ball well. Until a late mistake cost them. After a questionable pass interference call, the Ranchers looked primed to score the winning points in the waning seconds of the game. Instead, HSA recovers a fumble, and Thatcher Kinhe runs it back all the way for six. With just 22 seconds left. It would be the game. As HSA would win, 26-18.<\/p>\n

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South Dakota Spotlight: Herreid\/Selby 26, Harding County\/Bison 18 (PHOTO GALLERY)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

The game, as great as it was, did run a bit long for our plans. I had booked a room in Bismarck. And it was a nearly 2 hour drive away. I at first planned for a room, just for the night, in Selby or Herreid. But the prices were quite high for the area. And it would just mean toting everything from and back into my truck each day. Where a two-night stay would get us a faster lead time to the 10am kickoff for the first game on Saturday at Starion Sports Complex.<\/p>\n

So, it was a quick drive due north along US83. Passing through the town of Linton, who I would see the next day. From MacKenzie, it was a quick drive west to Bismarck and a stop at the Motel 6. Luckily it was the ground floor. So a quick shuffling of getting everything into the room. Including the Cottage Cheese Pie.<\/p>\n

In the morning, I stopped at the gas station by the hotel and got ice and powerade in my 64oz thermos. Intending it to last for quite a while. It did not.<\/p>\n

It was a quick drive over to Mandan. Mandan is basically Bismarck’s western suburb, though it is and was its own town. Just on the west side of the Missouri River. The Starion Sports Complex has, for now three of the last four years, hosted the Region 4 Rumble.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Basically, North Dakota has a 9-week season. And in years where the 9-man classification has the right number of teams, Region 4, the south\/west region, has 10 teams. Meaning everyone would have all 9 weeks of their schedule accounted for. Though some teams would have 4 home games, and some with five. So, to kickoff the season, the Region 4 Rumble hosts one of those matchups for each of the ten teams at the Starion Sports Complex, giving each team exactly four home games and four road games. And one fun day at a top-notch facility.<\/p>\n

#8 – Kidder County v. Hettinger County<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

To open the day, was a matchup between two County ‘teams’. Though both very different in history. Kidder County, the Wolves, is located in Steele. A small town on I-94 east of Bismarck. A long time ago, it had a co-op with Dawson and called themselves Kidder County. With consolidation, they are now just one school named Kidder County. Meanwhile, Hettinger County is a co-op between Mott-Regent and New England. The schools are located in Hettinger County. And call themselves the Huskies.<\/p>\n

This was a close game. Reminiscent of last night, but without the eventful ending. Kidder County hangs on to win, 18-12.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

#9 – Beach v. Napoleon\/Gackle-Streeter<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The next game started quickly enough. With five games on the docket, there’s not much time for standing around. This was the third time I had seen Beach. The first such team in North Dakota that had seen for a third time. Though others would join later in the day. The Buccaneers are located in a small town along the Montana border in I-94. West of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Meanwhile, Napoleon is a small town (notice a theme?) located east of Bismarck. Interesting that both the Buccaneers and Imperials were blue, yellow, and white. Almost like an intrasquad scrimmage.<\/p>\n

This game started with some fireworks. An onside kick and a long drive by Beach took it down to the redzone. A fumble and a later fourth down that wasn’t converted ended the drive. On the very first play by Napoleon\/G-S, went the distance. 95 yards. After that, it was a long, slow slog through the game. Napoleon\/G-S just couldn’t be stopped running to the outside edge most of the day. Picking up chunks yards. And slowly growing their lead. Before Beach got a few to make the score respectable. Napoleon\/Gackle-Streeter won, 52-14.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

By this point, I was already ailing from the heat. It wasn’t, on paper, that hot. But somehow the sun was just baking anyone and everyone in the stadium and on the field. The morning game was decent. The second game started to feel the effects. Through the third game, though, the heat was oppressive.<\/p>\n

#10 – Linton\/Hazleton-Moffit-Braddock v. Hettinger\/Scranton<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This is another game of co-ops. Linton is, by far, the primary school among their wordy co-op name. They probably could exist on their own, but the consolidated Hazleton-Moffit-Braddock Tigers who joined them to form the Linton\/HMB Lions (the nickname for Linton High School) simply helps bolster their squad. For a few years they also had Strasburg and Zeeland involved in a co-op. Though, Zeeland closed this year and Strasburg are attempting a six-man campaign for 2026.<\/p>\n

Hettinger\/Scranton meanwhile, are the second team I’ve now seen three times from North Dakota. The Nighthawks are a co-op formed from the Hettinger Black Devils and the Scranton Miners. Not to be confused with Hettinger County, neither of these schools are in that county. Both are small ag-centric towns located along US12 between Bowman, North Dakota and Lemmon, South Dakota. <\/p>\n

With the heat being what it was, it wouldn’t surprise me if that helped hinder the Nighthawks. Decked out in all black, they had to be roasting in their uniforms. Though it certainly wouldn’t have helped much. Linton\/HMB pummeled them relentlessly. Winning a comfortable one, 62-0.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

As soon as this game ended, I made a mad dash to my truck. Parked just outside the gate in the auxiliary lot, I first just wanted something cold to drink. So, I drove past the Walmart up to the Arbys to get a drink an got a market sandwich as well. And asked for a cup of ice.<\/p>\n

Adding it to the thermos and then getting some water from one of the sideline coolers. I was back to the stadium, but stayed in the air conditioning for a while. I could see most of the field and just needed to recuperate from being in the sun for nearly 9 straight hours. <\/p>\n

#11 – Richardton-Taylor\/Hebron v. New Salem<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Finally near halftime, I headed back onto the field feeling sufficiently cooled down. And the shade from the sun setting behind the sports complex giving a bit of a respite from the heat.<\/p>\n

Like previoius games, this was another situation of a co-op. Richard-Taylor was formed by a consolidation in 1982. While the Hebron Brickmakers were added as a co-op partner in 2004. Across the field, The New Salem Holsteins are also located along I-94 west of Mandan. Their colors being black and white fit their namesake. The Almont name, which does show up in official and unofficial capacities, is no longer applicable. Consolidated long ago, the New Salem-Almont School District claims to have a New Salem-Almont High School. However, there’s not a bit of signage on the school signifying that name. Instead, the building just says “New Salem High School”. So that’s what I go by. <\/p>\n

For this one, it was a good game R-T\/H had command of it. New Salem nipping at their heels the whole game, though. The Raiders of Richardton-Taylor\/Hebron won, 38-32.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

#12 – Standing Rock v. Grant County\/Flasher<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The fifth and final game would be my first new team of the day. With the reorganization of 9-man in North Dakota since 2023, the South Border Mustangs were replaced by the Standing Rock Warriors. Part of the Standing Rock Reservation south of Mandan, located in Fort Yates, the Warriors formerly played as part of the All Nations League with schools mostly in South Dakota. Public or private schools that were in or on reservations, or had the desire to be part of the All Nations League. <\/p>\n

Despite my intrigue in seeing a new team finally, I knew this one was going to be one-sided. Standing Rock only confirmed they’d have a team a few weeks before the season. And had yet to win a game in the two seasons they were back as members of the NDHSAA. <\/p>\n

Now, I’ve seen some rough games. And this one ranks up there. Though nothing probably will supplant the Center-Stanton v. Warrick game I was at in 2023. But this was close. Standing Rock just could not operate well offensively. And every possession by Grant County\/Flasher went for a touchdown. <\/p>\n

Grant County\/Flasher led 40-0 after the first quarter. Though, thankfully the two sides agreed to run the clock starting in the second quarter. From there, it was just getting through the game. With Grant County\/Flasher holding on to win, 62-0.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

After the game, it was a quick drive to the Walmart up the street for some supplies. And back to the hotel. Where I would have the rest of the Kuchen* (I called it a Cottage Cheese Pie before, as it had been listed the first time years ago when I had it years ago).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

It really is incredible just how good this tastes. Made with cottage cheese and what is probably copious amounts of sugar. It doesn’t taste anything like cottage cheese. Like most kuchens, it is thin and dense.<\/p>\n

And it’s incredible.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The next day it was time to check out of the hotel and a leisurely drive west. With everything going so quickly, it was a scheduled break in the chaos. But not without some sightseeing.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

First were stops at New Salem and Richardton. Then a swing through Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Medora. Before taking old US10 west through the badlands to the plains and the town of Beach.<\/p>\n

Met with Mike Zier, who I’ve known online since Covid, and got a tour of Beach High School. And then went to Glendive for dinner where the next hotel was located.<\/p>\n

I didn’t take any photos of the food. But at Yellowstone River Inn. Had a really good philly sandwich that was basically openfaced. As it was near impossible to close it. Was very good.<\/p>\n

The rest of this trip will continue into Week 2. As I drive aimlessly around Montana before going to Glacier National Park and south into Idaho.<\/p>\n

New Teams and Stadiums:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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PHOTOS OF THE WEEK<\/strong><\/p>\n

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2026 Statistics (after Week 1):<\/strong><\/p>\n

12 Games
\n24 Teams
\n5 Stadiums
\n5 States<\/p>\n

5 New Teams
\n2 New Stadiums<\/p>\n

1751 different teams
\n568 different stadiums<\/p>\n

1656 total games<\/p>\n

NEXT WEEK<\/strong><\/p>\n

The second half of my trip. Just have to see what it is.<\/p>\n

For more, and larger, photos from this week, click HERE<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n

For photos from previous weeks and seasons, visit http:\/\/www.flickr.com\/sykotyk\/sets\/<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

2026 Week 1 (Upper Midwest) This was a very long trip. And it’s taken a while to have some free time to write about it. Weeks 1 and 2 were a 5,627 mile jaunt around the country.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4024,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1587,49,77,19,40],"tags":[1593,561,1596,6,1601,873,1597,1595,1599,565,5,25,13,240,1598,1602,1165,1169,1163,448,1168,656,1600,1162,447,1594],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.sykotyk.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3993"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.sykotyk.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.sykotyk.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.sykotyk.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.sykotyk.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3993"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/www.sykotyk.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3993\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4025,"href":"http:\/\/www.sykotyk.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3993\/revisions\/4025"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.sykotyk.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4024"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.sykotyk.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3993"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.sykotyk.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3993"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.sykotyk.com\/football\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3993"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}