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REDWOOD FALLS — The Redwood Valley football team is no longer in the same section with Pipestone Area Schools.
However, this rivalry game will remain intact for the next two seasons.
And that suits PAS head coach Scott Boomgaarden just fine.
“It’s a good early season match-up (for us),” Boomgaarden. “It’s a competitive game for both teams.”
The game has been moved up from Friday, Aug. 29 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, from Inglis Athletic Complex — the change was necessitated because of the persistent shortage of officials just about everywhere.
Cayden Zephier (17) eludes both Lane Cooper (10) and Zack Lundeen from Redwood Valley during a Section 3AA semifinal game at Paulsen Athletic Complex in October 2024. (Star file photo by Eric Viccaro)
Preparations are underway versus Redwood Valley, a team sure to throw in some dynamic wrinkles under head coach Matt Lundeen — the son of legendary Becker boss Dwight Lundeen.
The Arrows swept both games last year; but, neither game was especially easy considering all the talented athletes Redwood Valley possesses. Each team produced a 7-3 record in 2024.
Per Redwood Gazette sports editor Ben Stoterau, Matt Lundeen’s son junior Zack Lundeen will transition from wide receiver to quarterback.
Remaining offensive skill position players are Zach Wilson, Max Dillon, Lane Cooper, Duran Kramer and Lucas Fuhr.
Returning offensive linemen are Adam Mohr (center), tackles Jax Hennen, Dugan Rudenick and Dylan Martens and guards Owen Watterson, Viktor Ortega and Airrion Kibble.
The past Saturday, the Cardinals traveled to Cottonwood for a multiple-team scrimmage also features Canby, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg and Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City.
Redwood Valley’s new district opponents will be following: St. Cloud Cathedral, Kimball Area, Paynesville Area, Eden Valley-Watkins, KMS and ACGC.
Boomgaarden said he didn’t mind seeing the game moved to Thursday, and the Arrows will adjust accordingly.
Familiarity will certainly help.
“We know each other really well,” Boomgaarden noted. “We know they will throw in some extra wrinkles. We’ll be prepared for anything and everything.”
Typically, Redwood Valley runs an inside veer power series and double-wing formation on offense. Expect to see the Cardinals to pass plenty, showing balance, especially with fade throws to wideouts.
Redwood Valley’s offense features fade routes like the one shown here during the 2024 playoff game between the Cardinals at Pipestone Area Schools. Arrow graduate Trevor Chaulsett defends the pass. (Star file photo by Eric Viccaro)
Defensively, Redwood Valley will use both three- and four-player front formations. The Cardinals employ a read-and-react style, but they have plenty of speed to make it work.
In last year’s regular-season win over Redwood Valley Sept. 20, 2024, Austin Musch rushed for two TD and passed for two more (Cayden Zephier and the now graduated Nehemiah Ostermeier made those scoring receptions).
Musch also played a pivotal role in the Section 3AA playoff victory later on in October blocking a Redwood Valley punt before halftime — resulting in a safety — and catching a 37-yard TD pass from Landon Quist. Zephier had the victory-clinching pick six from 26 yards out.
Redwood Area Schools. (Graphic contributed by the district)
Pipestone Area Schools logo. (Contributed graphic from the PAS school district)
INFORMATION
Who: Pipestone Area at Redwood Valley
The skinny: This game marks the season opener for both the Arrows and Cardinals.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: Inglis Athletic Complex, Redwood Falls. The facility has no physical address; however, it’s at the end of South Quality Drive off Minnesota State Highway 19/United States Highway 71.
What’s At Stake: Both teams will look to get on good footing with a win.
Radio/Streaming: KLOH 1050 AM, Christensen Broadcasting
Also: Video will be posted to the Pipestone County Star Facebook page.
Tickets: $8 for adults and $6 for students (non-Redwood Valley K-12) if purchased at GoFan.com.
Last Year’s Results: Pipestone Area d. Redwood Valley, 28-6, on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024 (regular season); PAS d. RV, 23-14, on Saturday, Oct. 26 (Section 3AA playoffs). Both games were at Paulsen Athletic Complex.