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A familiar opponent has returned to the schedule for the Pipestone Area Schools’ football team.
Windom Area. Remember them?
“It’s a good game for us,” said PAS head coach Scott Boomgaarden. “It’s a close, good rivalry. They got us in the playoffs a couple of years ago.”
That 18-14 Section 3AA postseason loss still has left a sour taste for Arrow players and fans — but so many of the characters in the cast have changed since then.
Windom played primarily a Class A schedule last year, against the likes of Russell-Tyler-Ruthton, a team the Eagles narrowly defeated on their Homecoming night no less.
Pipestone Area Schools’ head coach Scott Boomgaarden (right) discusses a play call with Arrow quarterback Austin Musch during a Thursday, Aug. 28, game versus Redwood Valley. Boomgaarden said the team is still working on calling plays more efficiently. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Boomgaarden stressed the Arrows must make a significant leap in performance from the opening week loss at Redwood Valley, 29-14, Thursday, Aug. 28.
Meanwhile Windom’s confidence is growing from a 30-8 victory over Martin County West last Friday, Aug. 29, at Island Park.
Boomgaarden said Windom’s spread offense will cause concern, and he listed two players of note in quarterback Jackson Joyce and running back Steven Meyer.
“They like to run a single-back set, and they’ll use an H-back (at times),” the coach commented.
Joyce scored two TD versus MCW, and so did Hayden Tietz. Kicker Rodrigo Hernandez added a 26-yard field goal while going 3-for-4 on extra-point conversions.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Griffin Smidt blocks Redwood Valley’s Adam Mohr during a Thursday, Aug. 28, football game at Redwood Falls. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Defensively, Boomgaarden said the key will be for wide receivers Kayden White, Cayden Zephier, Luka Quist and Jakob Dion to get separation from Windom’s cornerbacks.
“They run a 4-4 defense with cover zero (in the secondary),” Boomgaarden said.
Windom prefers man-to-man over zone in the defensive backfield, as was noted during video evaluation.
“They gave up only one big play,” Boomgaarden said. “They played lights out; it’s going to be a good test for us.”
It’s going to come down to better communication — especially between the linebackers and defensive backs — and getting plays more quickly and efficiently while on offense.
Austin Musch looks for room to run during the second quarter of a football game dated Thursday, Aug. 28, Inglis Athletic Complex in Redwood Falls. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Boomgaarden said the Arrows are excited to play their first home game of the season, which will mark Parents Night.
Parents for all players will be introduced roughly 20 minutes before the game.
Here’s the game information for tonight. (Contributed graphic from Vector Stock)
INFORMATION
Who: Windom Area at Pipestone Area
The skinny: This is the home opener for the Arrows, so they’ll want to make a good impression.
When: 7 p.m. Friday
What’s At Stake: PAS is looking for its first victory of the season.
Where: Paulsen Athletic Complex. The physical address is 850 7th Avenue SW.
Radio/Streaming: KLOH 1050 AM, Christensen Broadcasting
Also: Video will be posted to the Pipestone County Star Facebook page.
Last Year’s Result: Pipestone and Windom didn’t play each other in 2024; however, the Eagles defeated the Arrows, 18-14, in the opening round of the Section 3AA playoffs on Oct. 24, 2023.
Tickets: $7 for adults and $5 for students (non-PAS K-12). Season passes also will be for purchase during the game. The Pipestone Arrows Athletic Booster Club will be in charge of the meal. JBS will serve as the corporate sponsor. The meal deal is a hamburger and potato chips for $6.