Missed Opportunities Cost Governors ESD, Home Field Advantage

Missed Opportunities Cost Governors ESD, Home Field Advantage

The Brookings Bobcats came into Hollister Field and for the first time since Week One of the 2018 season, beat the Pierre Governors at home, winning 21-14. The Bobcats claimed the ESD title and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

The Governors had their opportunities but squandered them, especially in the red zone, scoring just twice in six trips inside the 20. Pierre did strike first with a five play, 53 yard drive and a seven yard touchdown from Kade Kaiser. The extra point was missed after an unsportsmanlike penalty was called against the Governors. Brookings answered with an 11 play drive and four yard rush for Tyson Brandt, the first of two touchdowns on the night.

Lincoln Kienholz, who was 30-56 for over 350 yards on the night threw his first of two interceptions in the red zone on the next series. The Bobcats went 80 yards on three plays and 41 yard touchdown run by Hunter Gray gave Brookings a 14-6 lead at the break and into the fourth quarter. Kienholz found senior Matt Hanson for a nine yard touchdown catch with around 3:40 left in the fourth quarter and converted a 2-point conversion to tie the game at 14. But, it was the Bobcats that drove down the field again and answer the score with a six play, 73 yard drive and a five yard run for Brandt to finish the win for the Bobcats.

The Governors will be at home on Thursday in the first round of the playoffs. Coverage will be on KCCR, kccrradio.com and on YouTube at KCCR Sports with Jon Winkler and Greg Dean on the call.