(Editors Note: This is my first attempt to cover a football game. I watched it on NFHS Network. At first, I could read the numbers of the players, but it got darker I couldn’t see who did what, and if the announcer didn’t tell me, the information was lost. Sats were not sent to me.)
The Big Sandy Pioneers traveled to Valier and won the football contest 46-14. The Pioneers started the game with four Juniors and two sophomores. Valier started with one senior and five juniors.
On their first possession, the Pioneers couldn’t move it 15 yards and had to kick it off. But the great punt started the Panthers at their own five-yard line. They also failed to make their first down.
On the second possession, the Big Sandy Pioneers used a variety of offenses, including runs by Cline and passed completions before Cooper Taylor ran in for Big Sandy’s first touchdown. The extra point failed.
Valier’s second attempt to score was hampered by Strutz, who continued to make tackle after tackle. However, a pass over the top of the Pioneers landed perfectly for the Panther’s first touchdown. They made their extra point, so the Valier Panther led 7-6 with 1:16 left in the first quarter. It was the only time Valier led in the game.
Once again, using passing and speed, with the help of a Valier penalty, Cline went into the end zone for Big Sandy’s 2nd touchdown. The extra point was fumbled.
Valier and Big Sandy both struggled with each of their next possession. Big Sandy’s next opportunity game after Valier fumbled the ball deep in their own territory, with Big Sandy taking the opportunity to get a touchdown after they took a penalty for delay of game.
Once again, the Panthers could not sustain a drive, kicking it off to the Pioneers.
Scrambling and passing along with a long run brought pioneers close to the goal line, but a touchdown was denied twice. The pioneers were called for an illegal formation which turned the ball over to the Valier Panther at the one-yard line. Immediately the Pioneers forced a safety.
Following the safety, the Pioneers scored another touchdown. Right before halftime, the pioneers scored another touchdown by doing what they do best. Cline carried for four yards, a pass was caught, and run brought them to first and goal with 34 seconds. Another pass was completed with six yards to go. There was one yard to go on the third-down—touchdown with four seconds left in the first half.
The Valier Panthers started the 2nd half by getting a first down, but a long run was brought back with a holding penalty, and the next pass was intercepted by Kody Strutz, setting up the Pioneers for another touchdown by Cline.
Valier struggled to get past the defense of the Pioneers, turning the ball over again for another touchdown by Kody Strutz.
Cooper Taylor intercepted a pass on Valier’s next opportunity, but Big Sandy fumbled the ball deep in their own territory. Valier was able to turn that into a touchdown for their last scoring of the game.
The Pioneers were intercepted late in the 3rd quarter, but Valier turned it over on downs setting up for one more touchdown by the Pioneers. No team scored in the 4th quarter.
Pioneers will travel to Power Wednesday for a 6 p.m. game.
