Bismarck Century football is on a historic run
BISMARCK, N.D. (BVM) — It has been almost three years since the Bismarck Century football last lost a game.
Since their loss to Bismarck High School in the state championship back in 2018, the Patriots have strung together back-to-back undefeated seasons that ended in state championships.
This year is no different for Bismarck Century and, although there may be some new faces and players stepping up, the Patriots have been getting the job in similar fashion to their predecessors.
“There’s probably more similarities than there are differences,” Century coach Ron Wingenbach said.
“All three teams were strong on the defensive side and all three teams have been formidable on the offensive line and I think that is certainly where it starts.”
The defense has only given up 53 points through seven games and is only allowing around 170 yards of total offense.
“They’ve answered the bell every game,” Wingenbach said. “As we head into the playoffs, it’s a great feeling knowing we have that defense to hang our hat on.”
In particular they played a huge role in helping the Patriots overcome some offensive woes against Dickinson and then Mandan earlier in the season to ensure Century left both games with a win.
“We had lots of self-inflicted wounds,” Wingenbach said.
However, those didn’t just show that Century could rely on its defense to step up and lead them to victory if the offense was lacking, but it also showed the resolve of every Patriot. For this team and this program, it’s not just about getting the win, it’s about playing up to the expectations that the players have set for themselves.
“When we met on Monday you’d have thought we lost those games,” Wingenbach said.
That stems from the success the program has had over the last few years and how the team takes pride in that. They may not talk about the streak, but there is a standard to be met.
Along with that, there is a desire for this year’s team to make its own mark on Century football and, although there are similarities to the teams of the last two years, the differences have shown how this Patriots team is getting the job done.
In particular, this Patriots team has been succeeding by using their speed since they don’t have the size that last year’s team did.
“We just had a lot of large young men, period,” Wingenbach said.
Speed has been how this team has been able to continue the dominance from last year and along with that, it has been a new group of players stepping up. The Patriots entered the season with Lucas Schweigert and Jacob Bosely returning as first team and second team all-state defense honorees, respectively. While on offense, wide receiver Jacob Renz was the main returning weapon and was all-conference honorable mention last year.
“Probably outside of those three we had a few question marks,” Wingenbach said.
Those questions were quickly answered as Ben Mastiff at inside linebacker became the Patriots’ go to blitzer and Joel Etland stepped up to help Schweigert on both the offensive and defensive lines.
On offense, quarterback Brady Dahl came in as a relatively unknown entity to those outside of the Century football program and already has 12 total touchdowns. Dahl’s 10 rushing touchdowns are tied with teammate Peyton Arndt for most in the Western Dakota Association.
However, when talking about his team and what they do well, Wingenbach is quick to mention that the special teams has played an important role in everything the Patriots have done this season.
“It’s been a great weapon for us,” Wingenbach said.
Kicker Paul Osmond has been pivotal in the field position battle each game. He has constantly been getting touchbacks on his kickoffs and has even hit a 49-yard field goal.
“The one advantage we have is that the majority of the teams have to go 80 yards against us and to consistently do that is tough,” Wingenbach said.
As if that wasn’t enough, Osmond has also started punting for Century and is averaging around 40 yards a punt.
With only a few games left before the playoffs, the Patriots are clicking in three facets of the game and, although they may not talk about it, the winning streak appears to be in safe hands as year three comes to an end.
