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LE SUEUR — The Pipestone Area Schools football team will look to enhance its standing before the Section 3AA playoffs begin next week.
With a win over Le Sueur-Henderson tonight, PAS head coach Scott Boomgaarden said the Arrows would most likely be the No. 2 or No. 3 seed.
A loss could send the Arrows as low as the fourth seed.
The first two teams in this seven-team section will receive a first-round bye, so a win tonight is imperative.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Jakob Dion runs after the catch during a Friday, Oct. 10, football game versus Sibley East at Paulsen Field. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
“They are big and physical, and don’t give up a lot of points,” Boomgaarden said of the Giants.
On defense, the Giants will base out of a 3-4 or 5-2 alignment depending on what the opposition offers. They have surrendered 87 points, but Class AA No. 1 Jackson County Central scored 54 of them.
Offensively, Le Sueur-Henderson will throw everything at the Arrows — ranging from pro sets, triple wide receivers to one side, dive options, motion and spread formations.
“On a short week, they will stick to what they do best,” Boomgaarden explained.
Stopping the run is of paramount importance against a Giants squad averaging 27.7 points per game.
Pipestone Area Schools’ defenders attempt to corral George Doherty of Le Sueur-Henderson during the 2024 game at Paulsen Field. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Giants to watch are the following: quarterback Sam Wagner, wide receiver Jack Fuhrman and 230-pound fullback George Doherty.
Le Sueur-Henderson also brings the heft on the offensive line with William Dunn at 250 pounds, Kaiden Reinhardt (240) and Lucas Kahlow (6-foot-6, 270).
Pipestone Area Schools’ head football coach Scott Boomgaarden said line play will be important tonight. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
So, the Arrows once again will need to rely on both speed and quickness at the point of attack.
Boomgaarden said Tuesday’s practice was longer than usual because of the short week due to the Minnesota Educators Association break.
A look back
Austin Musch was thrust into the spotlight at quarterback when Landon Quist went down with an injury.
He completed 10-of-17 passes for 249 yards, with three different players catching TD passes in Cayden Zephier, Tagon Woelber and Kayden “Howie” White.
Fuhrman scored the Giants’ lone TD on a 20-yard catch from Brody Berndt.
The statistics told the tale of a taut game, with the Arrows having a minimal 301-268 edge in total offense.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Cayden Zephier stretches for a first down during the 2024 game versus Le Sueur-Henderson. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Musch also excelled defensively with 23 tackle points and an interception. Xavier Banjoko and Bentley Pater both had 13 in The Star’s defensive system. Pater also had two tackles for losses and a quarterback sack.
INFORMATION
Who: Pipestone Area (4-3) at Le Sueur-Henderson (5-2)
What: The regular-season finale is upon both the Arrows and Giants.
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Giants Stadium. Physical address is 901 E. Ferry Street.
What’s At Stake: The Arrows will look to possibly enhancing their seed for the upcoming Section 3A playoffs
Radio/Streaming: KLOH 1050 AM, Christensen Broadcasting
Also: Photo coverage will be supplied by Ben Camp from the Le Sueur County News.
Last Year’s Result: PAS 19, Le Sueur-Henderson 7 in the Week Two game of the 2024 season.
Tickets: $7 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens 65 years of age and older, per the Le Sueur-Henderson athletic department. Cash or credit cards will be taken at the gate.
Special: The Giants will mark “Senior Night” before the game.