VERMILLION, S.D. – Pierre TF Riggs won their fourth straight state football championship on Friday evening with a dominating 38-6 victory over Brookings.
The game started slow with the first four possessions of the game, two for each, resulting in a three-and-out.
Pierre got things going on their third offensive possession. Quarterback Lincoln Kienholz hit Aaron Booth for a 49-yard pass to get the Governors inside the Bobcats five-yard line. Two plays later, Kienholz scored on a four-yard quarterback keeper to give Pierre a 7-0 lead with 3:17 to play in the first quarter.
Brookings offense found its stride on their third possession of the game as well. Running back Josh Buri took it in from nine-yards out to put the Bobcats on the board, but the Governors held a 7-6 lead after the extra-point was blocked.
End of the 1st Quarter: Pierre 7 Brookings 6
Pierre would find the end zone within the first minute of the second quarter with Kienholz finding Regan Bollweg from three-yards out – the Governors would lead 14-6.
Kienholz, who at this point was involved in both of Pierre’s scores, then jumped in front of a Jaxon Bowes pass for an interception. A few plays later, he would connect with wide out Jack Merkwan for a 29-yard scoring strike.
The struggles continued for Brookings on their next drive. After a promising start to the possession it was quickly halted as a Josh Buri fumble wound up in the hands of the Governors.
Pierre would score again with 1:46 to play in the half with Kienholz connecting with Bollweg for the second time, this one from ten yards out to make it a 28-6 game.
Brookings failed to shorten the deficit before the midway point.
Halftime: Pierre 28 Brookings 6
Both teams had multiple possessions throughout the third quarter, but none that garnered anything outside of using up clock.
End of the 3rd Quarter. Pierre 28 Brookings 6
Early in the final quarter, Maguire Raske jumped in front of a Jaxon Bowes pass to give Pierre the ball deep on Brookings’ end of the field. This led to a 32-yard field goal from Carston Miller to make it a 31-6 game in favor of the Governors.
Pierre would score one more touchdown before it was over. Raske pounded up the middle for a 20-yard touchdown.
Final: Pierre 38 Brookings 6
This is the fourth straight state championship for the Pierre football program, and their fifth overall title.
