Every time Jordan quarterback Jonathan Draheim dropped back Saturday, he saw extra Pierz defensive backs shadowing receivers and choking off passing lanes.

Those defenders, meanwhile, began to trust their coaches’ odd schemes. Using six defensive backs neutralized Draheim in a 55-26 Pierz romp in the Class 3A football state tournament semifinals.

The Pioneers (12-0) held Draheim to 116 passing yards, his second-lowest output of the season.

“It’s hard to go four [receivers] against six [defenders],” said Draheim, who completed a 52-yard touchdown reception from Adam Kreuser late in the first half. “We figured they’d make us prove it by running.”

Pierz handled the running, gaining four touchdowns and 222 of its 421 total rushing yards in the first half. The Pioneers tried just two passes in the first half, the second a 24-yard touchdown from Preston Rocheleau to Cohlton Boser on fourth-and-2. Boser started the drive with an interception.

“We ran the first three plays and then caught them off guard,” said Boser, who was wide open on his reception.

The Pioneers led 34-6 at halftime. They advance to Saturday’s Prep bowl having won the Class 2A title in 2004 and the 3A title in 2015.

“We saw film and we saw that teams could run on them,” Pierz coach Leo Pohlkamp said. “Stopping them was the big thing.”

Pierz scored first on a Carson Huls touchdown run. Jordan fumbled the ensuing kickoff, the Pioneers recovered eight yards from the Hubmen end zone and one play later went ahead 14-0.

Jordan (9-4) also fumbled on a third quarter kickoff return. Hubmen coach Bo Wasurick said of the miscues, “That’ll sink you most games.”

First report

Pierz ran roughshod over Jordan for a 55-26 victory in the Class 3A football state tournament semifinals played Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The Pioneers (12-0) opened with five consecutive touchdown drives. They ran for 222 yards in the first half and completed just one of two passes attempted – a fourth down conversion for a touchdown.

Jordan (9-4) got a 52-yard touchdown reception from Adam Kreuser late in the first half. Pierz led 34-6 at halftime.

The Pioneers advance to the Prep Bowl, where they will face the winner of Saturday’s second semifinal between St. Croix Lutheran of West St. Paul and Pequot Lakes. The championship game takes place at 1 p.m. on Nov. 25.

Pierz won the Class 2A title in 2004 and the 3A title in 2015.

Check back later for more on the game.