Pierz running back Matthias Algarin (24) runs with the ball against Dassel-Cokato defensive lineman Teddy Bergquist (52) in the second quarter. Photo: David Berding • Special to the Star Tribune
Pierz playmaker Matthias Algarin entered the postgame press conference with a paper drinking cup in his teeth, his helmet in his right hand and the Class 3A Prep Bowl championship trophy in his left.
Algarin’s hands were full throughout the top-ranked Pioneers’ 28-27 escape from unranked Dassel-Cokato on Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium. He rushed for a game-high 165 yards and three touchdowns, caught two passes for 44 yards, made five tackles on defense and returned two kicks.
Whatever it took for Pierz (14-0) to claim its fourth Prep Bowl title. The others came in 2004, 2015 and 2017.
Algarin, a senior and a preferred walk-on for the Nebraska football and track and field teams, shined brightest on the Pioneers’ go-ahead scoring drive in the fourth quarter.
Facing fourth-and-1, Algarin delivered a 3-yard run. On the next play, quarterback Peter Schommer placed a ball right in Algarin’s midsection for a 22-yard advance to the Chargers’ 3-yard line. Two plays later, Algarin scored with 38 seconds left in the game.
“That’s what he does,” Pierz coach Dan Saehr said. “The kid’s a playmaker.”
The clutch catch stood out for Algarin.
The Pierz Pioneers capped an undefeated season with a 28-27 victory against Dassel-Cokato in the Class 3A Prep Bowl played Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Pioneers (14-0) drove 80 yards for the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. A 3-yard Matthias Algarin rushing touchdown concluded the drive with 38 seconds left.
Unranked Dassel-Cokato (10-4) didn’t quit. The Chargers tried to battle back, getting one first down before before ultimately throwing incomplete on fourth down near midfield.
Algarin, a senior, finished with three rushing touchdowns in the game as top-ranked Pierz won its fourth Prep Bowl title. The others were in 2004, 2015 and 2017.
Check back later for more on the game.