The Northwood-Kensett football team lost its game on Friday, but the Vikings still have reason to celebrate.

The Vikings (6-3 overall, 5-2 District 3) finished third out of eight teams in Class 8-Player.

The top four teams qualify for the state playoffs, and Northwood-Kensett made the cut easily. Tripoli, the fourth-place team, had losing district and overall records.

If the Vikings beat Kee High School in Lansing, Iowa, in their first-round game at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Northwood-Kensett may get a rematch against Friday’s opponent: Don Bosco Catholic.

That would be provided that Don Bosco (9-0 overall, 7-0 District 3) would beat Central High School (6-4 overall, 4-3 District 4) in the first round.

Don Bosco Catholic defeated Northwood-Kensett 64-50 Friday in the regular season finale.

The Vikings have been an offensive juggernaut all year. They’ve averaged more than 45 points per game, while giving up fewer than 27 points per game.

Coleby Bratrud and Mitchell Athey carried Northwood-Kensett’s workload in the backfield. The duo combined for more than 1,000 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns.

Quarterback Josh Einertson completed 23 passes for 456 yards and 10 touchdowns on the year, and Bratrud has been his favorite target. He hauled in 10 passes for 187 yards.

Brandon Brockman leads the team in tackles.

Statistics from Friday’s game were not included in the individual totals.

Northwood-Kensett head coach Dave Capitani is in his 25th season at the position and has accumulated a career record of 154-86.