The 66 points scored are the most in program history for Minot (7-3) since at least 1975.

“It was unreal,” said Minot senior tight end Lofton Klabunde, who caught three touchdown passes. “First of all, it started with our line. They fought a battle and they won. Creighton Rudolph was throwing dimes for passes and our running backs were getting it done by breaking tackles and finishing hard.”

Senior quarterback Rudolph threw four touchdowns and ran in another.

No. 3-seeded Minot out of the West Region opened the postseason contest with a convincing drive down the field that was aided by a long pass from Rudolph to senior receiver Peyton Lamoureux. Senior running back Dylan Danielson punched in the opening touchdown from a yard out.

Alex Eisen/MDN Minot High senior quarterback Creighton Rudolph (17) gets under center Layne Rouse to take a snap in a first round playoff game at West Fargo Sheyenne.

“We are excited that we got ahead,” MHS coach Barry Holmen said. “We were able to get some explosive plays and that certainly helped our cause because, boy, after a possession or two they started to roll with their offense.”

Following a poor kickoff return, Minot’s defense forced a turnover on downs on a questionable decision to go for it on fourth down, as Minot took over on Sheyenne’s 16-yard line. The next play, Rudolph hit Klabunde on a crossing route for a touchdown. A botched snap on the extra point led to two more points, as Rudolph rolled out and found Lamoureux.

The No. 2-seeded Mustangs (7-3) out of the East fought back by getting their coveted triple option attack going. Junior quarterback Parker Sander used his legs to score from 63 yards out and sophomore receiver Nathan Goldade was back in the end zone four minutes later from 10 yards out. Both of Sheyenne’s two-point attempts failed.

The Magi responded with a 71-yard burst from Lamoureux on a reverse. Kyler Stenberg added the extra point this time around to give Minot 22 points at the end of the first quarter.

A total of 33 points were scored in the second quarter, and Sheyenne bookended the quarter with touchdowns – a 52-yard pass completed to Goldade on fourth down and a 23-yard screen pass to Jason Gaulrapp.

Minot scored three times with big gains from Klabunde and Danielson helping push the ball down the field in a hurry. Senior Brett Davis scored on a 1-yard dive, Rudolph a 1-yard sneak and Lamoureux broke loose for his second touchdown of the game. This one came through the air on 29-yard pass from Rudolph.

Minot held a 42-25 lead at halftime.

“It’s crazy,” senior lineman Logan Krueger said about all the scoring. “But, with our offense, if we are executing the way we should, it’s something we can do regularly. We have the talent, the speed and athleticism. Anything is possible with this team.”

A defensive stand and Stenberg grabbing Minot’s third interception of the game set up two more Magi touchdowns in the third quarter. Klabunde caught his second touchdown and senior Adrian Davis-Aguilar rumbled in from six yards out.

Goldade scored his third and final touchdown of the night with 1:48 left in the third to cut Minot’s lead down to 54-31.

Krueger wanted in on all the scoring fun at the start of the fourth quarter.

“I saw the quarterback fake the handoff to the running back,” Krueger said. “I dropped back, read the quarterback’s eyes and it just ended up in my hands. Off I went. I got some good blocks from the boys up front and I just had to get down the line before anybody could catch me.”

His first career interception led to his first career touchdown. The 85-yard pick-six had the traveling student section and supporters going wild.

“It felt pretty dang good,” Krueger said. “I’m not going to lie.”

Sander tossed his fourth touchdown pass to Hunter Hoffner with just under eight minutes to play. The Magi then ran out the majority of the clock before Rudolph went to Klabunde once more for a 10-yard touchdown pass with 1:59 remaining.

“We kind of do a little jam play where I fake block and I run out,” Klabunde said. “Props to Creighton (Rudolph) for getting me the ball and making a good pass.”

Over 100 points scored later, Minot’s season rolls on.

The Magi travel to Bismarck next week to face the two-time defending state champions Century. The Patriots came back to beat Fargo Davies on a last-second field goal, 24-21, in their first-round game Friday. Minot lost at Century earlier this season, 38-7.

“We earned the right to play a Century team that put a pretty good hurt on us,” Holmen said. “We are excited to get a second chance.”

Alex Eisen covers Minot High School, Minot State athletics and high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @AEisen13.