North Dakota Released Updated Football Rankings
The state's latest high school football poll highlights consistency and minor shifts in major divisions.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Football
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The North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association released updated high school football polls on September 30, 2026. Area teams saw steady performance in the 11A and 9-man divisions as the season progresses.
Why it matters
These rankings provide a crucial snapshot of competitive standing for teams across the state. They reflect the current consensus of regional sportscasters and sportswriters regarding which programs hold the most momentum heading into the later stages of the season.
Velva-Drake-Anamoose Garrison and Ellendale/Edgeley/Kulm have held the top two spots in the 11A division for four consecutive weeks. Meanwhile, Napoleon/Gackle-Streeter climbed one position to secure the fourth spot in the 9-man poll.
The players
North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association
This organization serves as the primary governing body for compiling and releasing official high school sports rankings across the state.
The details
The rankings are compiled through voting from participating sportscasters and sportswriters throughout North Dakota. While top teams like New Rockford-Sheyenne/Maddock and LaMoure-Litchville/Marion maintain their leads in the 9-man division, movement remains visible lower in the standings.
Timeline
September 30, 2026: The updated high school football polls were released.
Season Trajectory
These rankings serve as a critical barometer for teams maneuvering for playoff positioning in the latter half of the season. Stability at the top and volatility in the middle of the polls suggest a high degree of competitive focus as programs approach the postseason.
The movement of Napoleon/Gackle-Streeter into the fourth spot indicates improved standing within the 9-man playoff picture. Fans should monitor whether the top-ranked programs maintain their multi-week hold as the final regular-season games arrive.
The takeaway
Consistent top rankings for programs like Velva-Drake-Anamoose Garrison demonstrate the deep-seated stability currently defining the 11A division. Observers can utilize these poll shifts to identify which teams are peaking at the right time in the seasonal cycle.
Further reading
For more on the current state of high school athletics, visit North Dakota Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News Dakota.
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