|
|
NEW ULM — The Pipestone Area Schools’ football team played the role of movie producers during a 2024 game versus Minnesota Valley Lutheran.
The film’s title was “Escape from New Ulm.”
During the fourth quarter, the now-graduated Hayden Brooke booted a punt under heavy pressure from the Chargers’ punt block unit and Cayden Zephier batted away an MVL “Hail Mary” attempt on the game’s final play.
What’s more, Johnson Field isn’t an easy place to play.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Xavier Banjoko runs for a first down during the second half of a Mid-South Brown subdistrict football game at Paulsen Athletic Complex on Friday, Sept. 5. Banjoko and the Arrows play Minnesota Valley Lutheran in New Ulm Sept. 12. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
“It’s different,” PAS head coach Scott Boomgaarden said.
The Arrows don’t suit up in uniform at the stadium. The place is typically teeming with large mosquitoes in September. And the student body is a noted factor.
“We’re going to have to come out and play well,” Boomgaarden explained. “They have a good crowd.”
In last year’s game, Landon Quist replaced Austin Musch at quarterback. Quist had one of his best games ever with 358 passing yards and 34 more rushing.
This time around, it’s Musch’s show, and the senior has played well through two games.
The Pipestone Area Schools football coaching staff looks on during a Friday, Sept. 5 game versus Windom at the Paulsen Athletic Complex.
Boomgaarden said MVL will employ a four-front defense (the Chargers may align in a 4-3; but, a 4-4 look also is possible). The Chargers have dynamic team speed.
On offense, the Chargers will throw the kitchen sink at the Arrows — sometimes in tight formation and sometimes veering.
“We’ll have to be prepared for different looks,” the coach commented.
MVL also will be hungry for its first victory, having lost to Class A state champion Minneota 42-7 on Aug. 28 and subdistrict foe Le Seuer-Henderson 26-14 Sept. 5. The Arrows will face the Giants in the season finale on Oct. 15, the Wednesday night special.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Kayden White (1) turns upfield after making a catch during the second half of a Friday, Sept. 5 game versus Windom. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Elias Schauland was the Chargers’ quarterback in that season-opener versus Minneota, going 11-of-22 passing for 106 yards and a TD. Schauland also threw two interceptions.
Other players to watch are Eric Sorenson, Blake Sexton, Caleb Hunter, Luke Merseth and Trace Gunderson. Sorenson caught a TD pass in the 2024 contest versus PAS, which heightened tension in the fourth quarter.
Gunderson serves as the Chargers’ kicker and recovered a Minneota fumble while Merseth had an interception. Hunter is MVL’s best tackler.
Minnesota Valley Lutheran’s Ethan Doering (24) attempts to block a punt from Pipestone’s Kayden White (14) during the fourth quarter of a football game at Johnson Field in New Ulm on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (Photo by Eric Viccaro)
INFORMATION
Who: Pipestone Area (1-1) at Minnesota Valley Lutheran (0-2)
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Johnson Field, New Ulm
What’s At Stake: PAS is looking for another win before hitting “the meat” of the schedule.
Radio/Streaming: KLOH 1050 AM, Christensen Broadcasting
Also: Video will be posted to the Pipestone County Star Facebook page.
Last Year’s Result:PAS 34, MVL 28, also at Johnson Field on Sept. 27, 2024. The Arrows also beat the Chargers in their 2023 Homecoming game, 34-16.
Tickets: $7 for adults and $5 for students, per the Minnesota Valley Lutheran activities office. This will mark the “Tackle Cancer” game, so feel free to wear pink.