EEK, NRSM Lead Final 11A, 9-Man Football Polls

Area teams and favorites for state titles are on top of the final 11A and 9-man football polls for 2026, released Wednesday by the North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters Sportswriters Association. Ellendale/Edgeley/Kulm, the only unbeaten team in 11A at 9-0, finished at number one in the final three polls.  The Thunder will host Grafton in the first round of the playoffs on Saturday. New Rockford-Sheyenne/Maddock was atop the 9-man poll every week for the second straight season.  The 9-0 Rockets, winners of 34 consecutive games and the last two state championships, play Saturday in their playoff opener at home against Hatton/Northwood. LaMoure-Litchville Marion is second, as the 9-0 Loboes have been all season.  LLM will battle Four Winds on Saturday. Napoleon/Gackle-Streeter is fourth in the final poll.  At 8-1, the Imperials will meet TGU in Napoleon on Saturday. First place votes in parentheses NDAPSSA 11A 9-Man Football Polls October 21, 2026 11A Record Pts LW 1 Ell