DEVILS LAKE — Devils Lake enters the Dakota Bowl with a shot at redemption and history, facing Minot North in a rematch of a regular-season loss. For the Firebirds, simply reaching this moment is monumental. This is their first trip to the Dakota Bowl in 15 years, and despite three previous appearances, the program has never brought home the trophy.

“I didn't know that. We haven't won a Dakota Bowl yet. So that's crazy,” said senior wide receiver Max Palmer.

The team says this season has felt like the culmination of something they’ve long believed was possible.

“We won all of our games in junior high. We knew we were going to be good, and just seeing it all come together it's just a great feeling,” said senior running back Byar Exner.

Head coach Todd Lambrecht saw the signs early.

“I

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