The Pierz Pioneers defeated Sauk Centre 28-0 in the Section 6AA championship game. Photo by Taylor Lunemann
Josh Lanners (No. 20) picked up 85 yards on 23 carries in the game. He also scored two touchdowns. Photo by Taylor Lunemann
Going into their game, the No. 7 seeded Sauk Centre Mainstreeters were looking for their third straight upset of the playoffs. They had previously beat the No. 2 seeded Osakis and the No. 6 seeded Long Prairie-Grey Eagle.
Unfortunately, their streak would end as the Mainstreeters ran into the brick wall that is the Pierz Pioneers, falling 28-0.
Both teams played phenomenal defense, but the Pioneers held the Mainstreeters to a total of 79 yards in the game.
Pierz took an early lead in the first quarter as Nathan Tomala ran in a two yard touchdown.
It was hard nosed football from then on. The defenses shut down the passing games with both teams each finishing one completion forcing both teams to run the ball.
With the loss, Sauk Centre's season ended with a 4-7 record.
Pierz moves to 10-1 on the season and will head to the state tournament. They will take on Moose Lake/Willow River November 11 at St. Cloud State University. Gametime is set for 5 p.m.
-Taylor Lunemann, Long Prairie Leader
1. Josh Lanners, Pierz
Lanners was the go to runner in a hard fought game by both defenses. Despite being held to 3.7 yards per carry, Pierz didn't stop giving him the ball they handed it off to him 23 times in the game.
2. Preston Weber, Pierz
The Pioneers' quarterback gets on the list not because of his arm, but for his contributions on defense. He was held to just one completion for six yards, but he had an interception and returned it for 79 yards that set up a one yard touchdown run for himself.
3. Roosevelt Austin, Sauk Centre
The Mainstreeters' runningback and linebacker was all over the field in this game. He was the leading rusher for Sauk Centre with 48 yards on the ground. Austin was also a force on defense and came up with big blocks as he was laying big hits on the Pioneers all night long. The Pioneers will probably be recovering from a few bumps and bruises courtesy of the hard hitting Austin.
-Taylor Lunemann, Long Prairie Leader