STURGIS, S.D. – The Sturgis Scoopers hosted the top-ranked, three-time defending state champion Pierre Governors at Woodle Field on Friday, Aug. 28 and struggled to move the football, allowing Pierre to run away with the opening game of the 2020 season, 37-0.
The Governors opened up the scoring with 12 seconds left in the first quarter on an 18-yard touchdown pass from Lincoln Kienholz to Aaron Booth. Carston Miller converted the extra point and Pierre led 7-0 after one quarter.
Pierre put together a 54-yard touchdown drive with 6:09 left in the second quarter, culminating with a two-yard touchdown plunge by senior running back Maguire Raske. Miller’s kick was good and the Governors led 14-0 late in the second quarter.
Raske broke off runs of 14 and 21 yards on consecutive carries in the second quarter as the Govs put together a 68-yard touchdown drive with 1:10 left before halftime. Raske’s one-yard touchdown run, along with Miller’s kick gave Pierre a 21-0 halftime lead.
Sturgis junior Braden Temple gave the Scoopers a highlight reel interception on the first play of the second half. Kienholz threw a long pass down the left sideline that was broken up by Scooper defensive back Remington Sankey. The ball bounced high into the air and was caught by Temple as it fell to the turf. The Scoopers then took possession on their own 32-yard line. Sophomore Owen Cass started the second half at quarterback for Sturgis on that possession and was sacked in the end zone for a safety five plays later, giving Pierre a 23-0 lead with 11:16 left in the third quarter.
Raske scored twice more in the third quarter on touchdown runs of six and four yards and ended the game with 19 carries for 126-yards and four touchdowns. Pierre’s 37-0 lead late in the third quarter put the mercy rule into action, with a running play clock the rest of the game. Neither team scored in the final quarter and Pierre downed Sturgis by a final of 37-0.
Pierre had 371 yards of total offense. Kienholz was 15 of 22 passing with 178 yards and one touchdown. Pierre had one turnover and seven penalties for 75 yards. Sturgis ended the night with four yards of total offense, 12 penalties for 80 yards and one turnover.
Sturgis, 0-1 on the season, hosts St. Thomas More, 1-1, on Sept. 4. Kickoff is at 6pm live on KBHBRadio.com with Gary Matthews and Terry Anderson.
