The Pierre Governors and 21 point comebacks just have certain ring to it. For the second time in the last year the Governors erase a 21 point lead, this time on the road against Brandon Valley to beat the Lynx 43-34 Friday night.
Brandon Valley had to punt on a three and out to start the game but were not stopped the rest of the first half. In fact, the Lynx had a 21-0 lead before the Governors put points on the board. Then the Lynx had a near 10 minute drive in the second quarter to go up 28-7. However, the Governors were able to score with 13 seconds remaining in the half on a three yard catch by Jett Zabel from Lincoln Kienholz to make it 28-14 at the half. Pierre opened up the second half with a touchdown on a 53 yard run for Kienholz to get within one score. Zabel would make two more touchdown grabs, including the tying touchdown grab at 34-34 and had 120 receiving yards. After having three empty drives to open the game, Pierre was never stopped into they hit victory formation. Jack Merkwan’s touchdown grab would seal the win with three minutes remaining in the game and also became the career leader in receptions at Pierre TF Riggs High School. Merkwan had nine catches for 120 yards and a touchdown. Kienholz had 335 yards passing, just shy of the 363 he needed for the record, but also had 155 rushing yards throwing for four touchdowns and running for another two.
Pierre is now 6-0 on the season and will take on the Huron Tigers looking to finish off an undefeated ESD season. Coverage on Friday will begin at 6:30 with kickoff at 7:00 on KCCR and on YouTube at KCCR Sports with Jon Winkler on the call.
