Nathan Beitler/MDN Bishop Ryan junior tight end Owen Vibeto dives for a catch during their homecoming game at Herb Parker Stadium against the Lakers Friday, Sept. 26.

The Bishop Ryan Lions hosted the Des Lacs-Burlington Lakers at home for a fourth quarter loss 21-22 Friday night, September 26.

The Bishop Ryan Lions were the first to kick off for their 2025 homecoming game. Lions senior kicker Jason Spain launched the ball downfield to the Laker junior Zane Bjerklie at the five yard line who ran the ball through to the 13 yard line. An immediate penalty against the Lakers pushed them back to the eight yard line, putting them at first and 10.

The Lions defense were able to keep the Lakers at bay, forcing Des Lacs-Burlington to punt the ball from their own endzone. The Lions’ had just as much trouble in their own first possession of the game, being forced to punt the ball to the Lakers’ 15 yard line. The rest of the first quarter played much the same. Both defenses were routinely able to stop the others’ offense without much forward gain. The quarter ended with a bad snap to the Lakers’ senior quarterback Kyler Fisher who was subsequently sacked for a loss before the teams switched endzones.

The second quarter of the ball game saw the first points put on the board. With a break in the drive, the Lakers were able to regain their momentum and take the ball all the way through to the endzone. Junior running back Tyler Schaefer was able to find a gap in the Lions’ defense and punch in the first six points of the game. The Lakers were able to secure their two point conversion, leaving the score 8-0. The Lions tried to make their way back to tie the game, but a throw on the 36 yard line was picked off by Lakers’ senior Easton Andersen and was returned for another touchdown. Another successful two-point conversion left the Lions down 16 points with just seven minutes remaining in the half. Those last minutes were not wasted by the Lions, as while their first possession afterwards ended in a punt, the Lions were able to secure a touchdown of their own in the second quarter. On fourth down, Bishop Ryan sophomore quarterback Jake Altringer was able to slip through a hole in the defensive line and fire the ball right up the middle of the field to senior wide receiver Hayden Seay who was wide open in the end zone. The Lions were able to score their own two-point conversion, shrinking their deficit to eight before the end of the half with a score of 16-8 for the Lakers.

The majority of the third quarter was a return to defensive form for both teams with neither team scoring agaIn until just four and a half minutes remained in the quarter. With the Lakers at first and goal, Schaefer picked up his second touchdown of the game skirting around the left side of the Lion’s defense. The Lakers’ first failed two-point conversion of the game would leave the score 22-8. Both teams remained scoreless through the rest of the quarter, leaving the Lions more than two touchdowns behind the Lakers heading into the fourth.

With just under seven and a half minutes remaining in the game, Bishop Ryan caught their second touchdown of the game just inside the pylon. They were able to secure the extra point, leaving them just seven points behind the Lakers.

Des Lacs-Burlington fumbled the ball on their return drive on fourth down, giving the Lions possession of the ball once again. The Lions pushed the ball further and further, slowly making their way back to the endzone. The rush ended with another pick up for Seay, bringing the Lions within a point of tying the game. The Lions set up their extra point formation and tried for the two-point conversion to win the game. A throw to the back of the endzone was dropped on a dive, seemingly squashing all hopes of a comeback. The Lions were able to successfully recover an onside kick, but an interception by the Lakers with eleven seconds left on the clock confirmed the Lions’ defeat by just a single point 21-22.

The Lions walk away Friday night with a losing record for the season at 2-3. The Lions will stay home for their game next week as they are scheduled to play South Prairie-Max on Friday, Oct. 3. The Lakers secured their fifth win of the season Friday night and will stay on the road heading into next week where they will take on Bottineau High School.