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Yes, Minnesota state high school football fans already have seen the video game-like results from Jackson County Central this season.
The Huskies’ 77-0 thrashing of Sibley East on Friday, Sept. 12 served as the latest example of what the defending Class AA champions do.
As noted by Jackson County Pilot sports editor Dan Condon, in the win, JCC established new school records for points in a quarter, half and game.
The Huskies have scored 191 points through three games, and allowed 46.
Jackson County Central is currently the top-ranked team in Minnesota Class AA football. (Contributed graphic from the school district)
With possibly wet conditions later this week, PAS head coach Scott Boomgaarden said he knows what to expect from the Huskies offense (averaging a basketball-like 64 points per game).
The game is set for 7 p.m. Friday at the Paulsen Athletic Complex. Read the information box accompanying this story for more details.
“They’ll run the wishbone, and shove the ball down our throats,” Boomgaarden said. “They will have quarterback-designed runs and run misdirection.”
Quarterback Roman Voss, the University of Minnesota pledge, powers the Huskies offense with the help of nasty lineman Weston Rowe. Rowe joins Grant Wilkinson (De Smet, S.D.) as future South Dakota State University offensive linemen.
The Jackson County Central football team celebrates winning the Class 2A title after beating Staples-Motley 42-26 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Friday, Nov. 22. (Contributed photo from Dan Condon/Jackson County Pilot)
“They are known for their hogs,” the coach commented, “and they are well-coached. We’ll have to be ready to play, and it will be our toughest test all year.”
Voss may project to be a tight end or linebacker on the collegiate level, but he’s handled playing quarterback with plenty of efficiency.
Others to watch are Isaac Hesebeck, Brody Anderson, Tate Phillips and Gage Johnson.
Defensively, JCC runs a four-front alignment with various coverages in the secondary. The cornerbacks will press at the line of scrimmage, and disguise what they’ll try to do.
Pipestone Area Schools’ head football coach Scott Boomgaarden talks to his offense during a timeout in the Section 3A championship at Trojan Field in Worthington on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024.(Photo by Eric Viccaro)
Ben Gallagher, Evan Bartholomaus and Tayshawn Smith all snagged interceptions in the win over Sibley East. Michael Reipke and Phillips added fumble recoveries.
Like in previous seasons, Boomgaarden said the Arrows will need to rely on both their speed and quickness to remain competitive.
PAS has a 68-43 edge in total points so far, with wins over its last two opponents: Windom Area and Minnesota Valley Lutheran.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Austin Musch (2), shown here during last Friday’s win over Minnesota Valley Lutheran, will direct an Arrow offense that hopes to win the ‘time of possession’ statistic in order to keep explosive Jackson County Central off the field. Pipestone Area Schools’ Austin Musch (2), shown here during last Friday’s win over Minnesota Valley Lutheran, will direct an Arrow offense that hopes to win the ‘time of possession’ statistic in order to keep explosive Jackson County Central off the field. (Contributed photo by Ari Selvey/New Ulm Journal)
Boomgaarden noted one key to playing a competitive game. The Arrows will look to “keep the ball in our offense’s hands.”
And JCC has seen it all from enemy defenses, so even PAS’ use of blitzing and stunting won’t be anything new.
The Minnesota Star-Tribune has the Huskies ranked No. 17 in its top-25 poll — which was released on Monday, Sept. 15 — remarkable as the only Class AA team on the list.
Pipestone Area Schools logo. (Contributed graphic from the PAS school district)
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INFORMATION
Who: Jackson County Central (3-0) at Pipestone Area (2-1)
The skinny: The Huskies are the defending Class AA champions boasting several college prospects.
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Paulsen Athletic Complex, 850 7th Avenue SW, Pipestone
What’s At Stake: The Arrows will look to be competitive against one of the state’s best.
Radio/Streaming: KLOH 1050 AM, Christensen Broadcasting
Also: Video will be posted to the Pipestone County Star Facebook page.
Last Year’s Result: Jackson County Central 48, Pipestone Area 7, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, Section 3AA championship; JCC 45, PAS 6, Oct. 16, 2024.
Tickets: $7 for adults and $5 for students per the PAS athletics website.
Meal deal: Your choice of a barbecue, hot dog or chili dog with chips, $5 (extra sandwich $3)
Special attraction PAS head coach Scott Boomgaarden said this game will mark “Senior Night.”