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Two years ago, Nohel Torres-Vivanco provided the margin of victory with a near 30-yard field goal as Pipestone Area Schools nipped Luverne 3-0.
In Version 2024, Jaydon Johnson’s third down, five-yard TD rush in overtime was the difference as the Cardinals blanked the Arrows 6-0.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Evan Gawerecki (62), Xavier Banjoko (50), Landon Quist (10) and head coach Scott Boomgaarden return the Battle Axe to Luverne players Carter Sehr (5) and Keaton Ahrendt (64) after the Cardinals defeated the Arrows in overtime, 6-0, at Paulsen Field on Friday, Oct. 4. (Photo by Eric Viccaro)
Such is the backdrop for the 68th installment of the “Battle Axe” game set for Friday, Sept. 26, at Paulsen Athletic Complex.
(Additional game information accompanies this story.)
Graduated Pipestone Area Schools’ football players Rysley Borman (4), Hudson Burnett (21) and Jackson Morgan (66) react after winning the Battle Axe game over Luverne on Oct. 6, 2023, at Cardinal Field. The Arrows and Cardinals will meet again on the gridiron on Oct. 4, 2024. (File photo by Kevin Kyle)
So PAS and Luverne have combined for nine points during the past nine periods of play.
“Offenses have struggled,” said PAS head coach Scott Boomgaarden, who has won two “Battle Axe” games while leading the Arrows.
The Battle Axe trophy has been a fixture in the series between Pipestone and Luverne since 1957. (Contributed photo)
“We know each other well,” Boomgaarden continued. “Both teams have played mistake-free defense. The team that scores a touchdown will have a pretty good chance to win.”
Pipestone Area Schools’ Haden Mulvihill attempts to corral University of Minnesota pledge Jackson County Central quarterback Roman Voss during a Friday, Sept. 19 game at Paulsen Athletic Complex. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Luverne (4-0) racked up lopsided victories during its first three games over Blue Earth Area, Sibley East and Windom Area — before clipping an improved Le Seuer-Henderson team 6-0 on Friday, Sept. 19 at Cardinal Field.
Junior Darius Dolo has been a prolific touchdown-maker for Luverne, including scoring the only points last week versus the Giants, plus plenty of other scores through four games. Jaxon Lais, Matthew Gangestad and Jaymyn McLaughlin are also skill players to watch.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Gavyn Rowden (54) attempts to tackle Jackson County Central’s Ben Gallagher. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Senior quarterback Joshua Hansen pilots the Cardinal offense.
Boomgaarden said Luverne runs two-tight end sets — taking advantage of its abundant size – plus single-back and power I-formation alignments. The Cardinals have accumulated 144 points through four games.
“They run unbalanced formations we will need to keep our eyes on,” the coach commented.
Defensively, Luverne will employ both four- and five-player fronts.
The Arrows (2-2) will be tested since the Cardinals have a deeper roster with several one-way players.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Carlos Saenlouangraj (62) celebrates making a tackle alongside teammate Cayden Zephier (17). (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
PAS will need to rely on its conditioning, Boomgaarden said. Staying fresh will be of paramount importance.
“We will need to find ways to get our guys the football,” he said. “We’ll need to step up. We need to be better offensively, and get the ball in our playmakers’ hands.”
The Arrows also will contend with Luverne’s heft.
Junior Madison Lucas and sophomore Keegan Crow are both 280 pounds, per the Cardinals’ roster on MSHSL. Other weighty players are Kane Akkerman (250), Jackson VanMaanen (240) and Aydon Kopp (230).
Historical footprint
This will mark Luverne head coach/activities director Todd Oye’s 23rd “Battle Axe” game. Oye’s record is 15-7, including a 10-year stretch of victories from 2003-12.
PAS’ most dominant stretch in the series was from 1974-82 under Pipestone/Jasper Hall of Famer Dick Fortier and Warren Buerkley.
During last year’s game, PAS defensive back Austin Musch had 25 tackle points in the Pipestone County Star’s system. Trevor Chaulsett and Lucas Thooft recovered Luverne fumbles.
Graduated quarterback Landon Quist piloted the Arrows to 130 yards in total offense. The Cardinals snagged three interceptions.
One thing is for sure as the series continues.
Blowouts have been rare, excluding the Arrows’ 48-7 conquest with Fortier at the helm in 1977.
This “Battle Axe” should be no exception.
Pipestone Area Schools will look to get Luka Quist (15) on track after having no catches versus Jackson County Central on Friday, Sept. 19. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
INFORMATION
Who: Luverne (4-0) at Pipestone Area (2-2)
The skinny: Battle Axe. Enough said.
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Paulsen Athletic Complex, 1401 7th St SW, Pipestone
What’s At Stake: The Arrows will be looking to bounce back from a loss for the second time this season.
Radio/Streaming: KLOH 1050 AM, Christensen Broadcasting
Also: Video will be posted to the Pipestone County Star Facebook page.
Last Year’s Result: Luverne 6, PAS 0, on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024.
Tickets: $7 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens 65 years of age and older, per the PAS athletics website.
Concessions Meal Deal: A hamburger and chips for $6.
Special attraction: PAS head coach Scott Boomgaarden said this game will be Military and First Responders Appreciation Night. Patrons must show proof of military service with the proper identification. Unlike last year, there will be no post-game fireworks celebration.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Xavier Banjoko (8) takes the handoff from Austin Musch (2) during the subdistrict game versus Jackson County Central on Friday, Sept. 19. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Through the years
(2004-2024)
2004: Luverne 19, Pipestone 12
2005: Luverne 24, Pipestone 6
2006: Luverne 10, Pipestone 7
2007: Luverne 41, Pipestone 13
2008: Luverne 33, Pipestone 0
2009: Luverne 17, Pipestone 14
2010: Luverne 7, Pipestone 0
2011: Luverne 35, Pipestone 6
2012: Luverne 28, Pipestone 7
2013: Pipestone 22, Luverne 21
2013: Luverne 25, Pipestone 24 (playoff game)
2014: Pipestone 18, Luverne 16
2015: Pipestone 21, Luverne 6
2016: Luverne 23, Pipestone 6
2017: Pipestone 14, Luverne 0
2018: Pipestone 33, Luverne 12
2019: Luverne 13, Pipestone 12
2020: Luverne 22, Pipestone 0 (COVID-19 year)
2021: Pipestone 20, Luverne 16
2022: Luverne 27, Pipestone 20
2023: Pipestone 3, Luverne 0
2024: Luverne 6, Pipestone 3
Source: MaxPreps