Overtime Thriller in Mansfield

Mansfield 34, Bismarck 28 (OT)

MANSFIELD – The Mansfield Tigers opened their season with a dramatic overtime victory, edging the Bismarck Lions 34-28 in a back-and-forth thriller. Mansfield struck first and led 8-7 after one quarter, then clung to a 14-13 advantage at halftime. The teams traded touchdowns in the second half: Mansfield held a 22-21 lead entering the fourth quarter, but Bismarck rallied late with a touchdown to tie the game 28-28 by the end of regulation. In overtime, Mansfield’s defense stopped Bismarck on their possession, and the Tigers punched in the winning touchdown to secure the win. The victory served as payback for Mansfield, which had fallen 35-31 the last time it faced Bismarck.

Mansfield (1-0) leaned on a powerful ground attack, piling up 351 rushing yards. Senior running back Andrew Burton led the way with 158 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. He had plenty of help from his teammates: Silas Burton (56 yards) and Jeremiah Burton (83 yards) each broke loose for a rushing score, and quarterback Jubal Parks added a rushing touchdown of his own. Mansfield attempted only four passes all night, relying on their run game and a stout defense that came up with a late stop. Bismarck (0-1) matched Mansfield score-for-score through regulation, but came up just short in the extra period of this instant classic.

Scoring Summary:

Q1: Mansfield 8 – Bismarck 7;

Q2: Mansfield 6 – Bismarck 6 (Halftime 14-13, Mansfield);

Q3: Mansfield 8 – Bismarck 8 (Mansfield 22-21);

Q4: Mansfield 6 – Bismarck 7 (28-28 end of regulation);

OT: Mansfield 6 – Bismarck 0 (Final 34-28).