KINDRED — In a game that featured two heavyweight offenses grinding through sub-freezing temperatures, it all came down to a single kick.

The ball was tipped by Will Heilman amidst the leaping crowd of Firebirds. It landed just past the playing field. It took a few small bounces, then came to rest, all alone in the grass.

Nobody bothered to retrieve it.

Instead, a flock of Firebirds exploded into mayhem around midfield. Kindred players stood, watching. Stunned. Those associated with both teams were in disbelief — a shot of euphoria fueling the Firebirds, the sting of defeat slaying the Vikings.

“This is everything we’ve dreamed of since we were little kids,” Devils Lake running back Bryar Exner said. “I was just filled with joy.”

When the dust settled, Devils Lake (9-2) earned its fir

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