sport
Fargo high school athletics: Playoff upsets and track records highlight busy week on the field
From a shocking soccer semifinal result to a pair of distance-running marks that could stand for years, here's what happened in Fargo high school sports this week.
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Fargo's high school sports scene delivered a week of drama and standout performances, with the boys' soccer playoffs providing the biggest surprise and the track-and-field championships producing two all-time marks.
Soccer semifinal stunner
North High's boys' soccer team knocked off top-seeded South High 3-2 in the district semifinals Wednesday at Sid Cichy Stadium. The win ended South's 14-game unbeaten streak and sent North into Saturday's final against West Fargo.
The result reverberates beyond the bracket. South had been widely favored to reach the state tournament for a third straight year. North, which finished the regular season at 7-7-1, had lost to South 4-1 in late May.
North scored twice in the first 25 minutes, then held on after South pulled within a goal in the 68th minute. The crowd of roughly 400 included several North students who rushed the field at the final whistle.
Distance records fall at state track meet
At the North Dakota state high school track championships in Bismarck, two distance runners rewrote the record books.
Fargo Davies senior Elias Anders won the 3,200 meters in 9:01.7, breaking a 23-year-old state meet record by 2.3 seconds. He also took the 1,600 in 4:14.1, the second-fastest time in meet history.
On the girls' side, Fargo Shanley junior Maya Brooks ran the 3,200 in 10:28.4, shaving nearly five seconds off her own personal best from June. The time ranks third all-time among North Dakota high school girls.
Both athletes credited off-season training with local club programs, though neither specified which one. Anders is headed to the University of North Dakota in the fall; Brooks has two more seasons at Shanley.
Softball playoffs and what's next
Fargo's softball postseason begins next week. The draw was released Thursday, with defending state champion Sheyenne earning the No. 1 seed in Class A. Sheyenne (18-2) will open against Grand Forks Central on Monday at Ellig Sports Complex.
Fargo North, which finished 12-8, drew the No. 4 seed and will face Shanley in the quarterfinals. Both games start at 5 p.m.
For the athletes still alive in the soccer tournament, the district final is scheduled for Saturday at noon at Sid Cichy Stadium. The winner advances to the regional round, which begins July 22. Track athletes wrap up their season this weekend; no further meets remain on the calendar.
Coaches from all three programs reminded players this week to stay hydrated as temperatures are forecast to reach the mid-80s over the weekend.