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By Cynthia Scott
Rush City found out the hard way why the Pierz Pioneers appear to be headed for their second consecutive state championship, losing to the Pioneers 76-26 on Oct. 25. The score was 35-0 at the end of the first quarter, and the Tigers never got closer than 27 points, when they made it 35-8.
In case anyone wonders if Pierz is really that good, they defeated previously undefeated Braham 48-8 in the second round of the playoffs on Oct. 28.
Coach Gary Wendorf said he has never seen a faster team in all his years of coaching. And he had high praise for the way his team battled during the lopsided contest.
ìThe kids played hard. It doesnít look like they did, but they did,î he said.
The Tigers ended the regular season Oct. 19 with a thrilling 40-34 overtime win at Onamia for their third consecutive win. They ended the season at 4-4 overall and 3-3 in the Great River Conference (GRC)óa solid record considering how tough the GRC and the section were this year. The GRC had state-ranked Braham, and the section boasted defending state champ Pierz and the #2-ranked team, St. Croix Lutheran. Rush Cityís five losses came to teams that were a combined 37-7.
ìGive the kids credit for working hard and ending up with a three game winning streak,î said Wendorf.
Wendorf thanked seniors Adam Best, Mackenzie Johnston, Adam Morris, Zack Beck, Patrick Blatz, Tyler Schommer, Andrew Anderson, Jasper Williams and Joe Hophan for their dedication over the years. ìI wish them the best of luck,î he said.
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