FARGO — The last time Cole Payton started a game at quarterback, the pandemic was rearing its ugly head. That was in 2020 when he was a senior at Omaha Westside High School.

That season ended with a Nebraska state championship and Payton was named the state’s Gatorade Player of the Year. On Saturday, in an oceanside city known for its history and charm, he’ll return to the starting lineup when North Dakota State visits The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina.

As far as the trip is for the Bison in distance, it’s been a farther trek for Payton to get under center on the first play of the game.

“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time and I’m prepared and ready to go,” he said. “This is what we do to get out there on Saturdays so I’m super excited.”

It’s not as though he hasn’t been

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