LANGDON, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Oakes falls in their first round matchup of the Class 11B Football State Playoffs against Langdon Area/Edmore/Munich by a final score of 35-14.

The Tornadoes had opportunities throughout the game to stay in it but were unable to capitalize with penalties and miscues. Oakes fought tough with the back-to-back-to-back state champs with their backup sophomore quarterback Blayson Dolney getting the start in relief for an injured Xavier Vossler.

The Cardinals offense ran all over the Tornadoes defense and marched the ball down the field 52 yards for their first touchdown to go up 8-0. Oakes’ offense would be quickly turned away, but they got an interception by sophomore linebacker Trey Skoglund and returned it all the way to the Langdon Area 22-yard line. That set up senior running back David Schmitz for his first touchdown of the day from 11 yards out to make it 8-6. Langdon Area would respond, however, to take a 14-6 lead at the half.

The Cardinals would strike first in the third quarter with junior running back Carter Tetrault catching a ten-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Rayce Worley to extend their lead to 22-6. Oakes was able to storm down the field quickly and got another touchdown from Schmitz, this time a run from five yards out to keep the Tornadoes in the game, trailing 22-14. The Cardinals, however, saved their best efforts for last as they got 13 unanswered fourth quarter points to finish off the Tornadoes.

Oakes was held to under 200 yards of total offense, but Schmitz was still able to almost get another 100-yard game. The senior running back gave his all and reached the endzone twice in their 35-14 playoff loss. Oakes finishes the season 5-5 overall with an 0-3 record against non-conference opponents.