Pregame Primer: Coyotes Host Century at Legends Field
It’s Football Friday night in Williston, and the Coyotes are hoping the energy of Legends Field can help spark their first win of the season.
At 0–5, Williston faces a tough test against the visiting Bismarck Century Patriots, who come in at 3–2 and are riding the momentum of back-to-back shutouts. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. under the Friday night lights.
The Patriots’ Outlook
Century has found its stride after a slow start to the year. Following two early non-conference losses, the Patriots have reeled off three straight victories, including a 31–0 win over Mandan last week.
Running back Tristan Pope remains the centerpiece of the offense, averaging over 90 rushing yards per game and already eclipsing 460 yards on the season. Quarterback Noah Herr has complemented that ground attack with 327 passing yards and four touchdowns, most of them finding wideout Zavion Harildstad, who leads the team with four receiving scores.
Defensively, Century has been stout. The Patriots have allowed just 261 yards per game while holding opponents scoreless in their last two outings. Linebacker Brayden Morris and defensive end Joey Kraljic headline a unit that thrives on pressure and turnovers.
The Coyotes’ Challenge
Williston is still in search of consistency, but last week’s game against Legacy showed signs of progress. The Coyotes rolled up 328 yards of offense, their best output of the season, led by quarterback Colin McCuistion’s 194 passing yards and running back Dominic Thompson’s 134 on the ground.
That effort built on earlier struggles where the Coyotes had been held under 100 total yards in multiple games. Limiting turnovers—of which they gave up none against Legacy last week—will be key if Williston hopes to keep pace with Century.
The Coyotes’ schedule won’t get any easier, with road trips to Mandan and Bismarck still ahead, but Homecoming provides a chance to make a statement in front of their classmates and community.
A Lopsided Series
Tonight marks the 53rd meeting all-time between the programs. Century holds a commanding 43–9 lead in the series, with the Coyotes’ last victory coming back in 2001. Last year, the Patriots won comfortably, 49–13.
Kickoff
Game time is 7 p.m. at Legends Field, with the WellPro Fishing & Rental Tools Pregame Show kicking off at 6:45, with video coverage provided by Williston Sport and Event, and it will be available on Williston Sport and Event's and 660 KEYZ News Radio's Facebook pages.