The Pierre Governors were up 32-0 early in the game in Aberdeen on Friday but the Golden Eagles began a comeback but fell short as Pierre beat Aberdeen Central 52-35.
Lincoln Kienholz was brilliant again for the Governors as he threw for 380 yards and seven touchdowns on 17-26 passing to lead the way for the Governors again. Jack Merkwan broke the school’s single season touchdown reception record with two touchdown grabs as he made seven catches for 189 yards. Jett Zabel had his first career touchdown grab and had a multi-touchdown effort in the win. Matt Hanson had over 100 yards receiving and two touchdowns.
The Governors built a lead that nearly opened up a running clock in the second half, but Aberdeen Central battled back to pull all the way within 10 in the second half. Sam Rohlfs was 16-35 for 190 yards and two touchdowns and Karson Carda ran for 131 yards on 28 carries. Pierre’s defense stood tall in the final quarter to keep Aberdeen Central from pulling within a score.
The Governors are now 7-1 and winners of seven straight. Thursday’s game against Brookings, after the Bobcats beat Yankton, will be for the ESD title and a number two seed in the 11AA playoffs which begin Oct. 28. Coverage will begin at 5:30 with kickoff at 6:00 on KCCR, kccrradio.com and on YouTube at KCCR Sports with Jon Winkler and Greg Dean on the call.
