PIERRE – Through some challenges early in the season, Pierre Governor football continued to excel. Their persistence and sharp play has led them to a chance at history against another formidable team.
Pierre will play Yankton Friday at the DakotaDome in Vermillion as the Governors will attempt to win what would be a record seventh consecutive 11AA championship. Only one other school has won six titles in a row, West Central in 11A from 2000-05.
In a 35-14 semifinal win over Watertown at home last week, Pierre adjusted its offense during the game based on what Watertown did to change its pass coverage. Pierre Head Coach Steve Steele raised the possibility that just an opposite adjustment may have to happen on Friday.
One of those early-season challenges for the Governors was figuring what worked best on offense. In the regular season between the Governors and Bucks in Yankton in September, Pierre was shut out in the first half and trailed 7-0 at the break before winning 27-14. Steele reflected on that game.
Like Pierre, Yankton is 10-1 and has won seven straight games since the loss to the Governors. Steele says that players who have recovered from injuries have made the Bucks deeper and better.
Steele said that one of the reasons that Yankton is better is the return from injury of excellent defensive lineman Tyson Prouty.
Yankton Head Coach Brady Muth also looked back to the regular season game and said that the second half of the game marked a big turning point for Pierre’s season.
Pierre and Yankton will clash in the 11AA championship game on Friday. Coverage will begin at 6:15 on The Official Voice of the Pierre Governors, River 92.7. Live and archived audio and video will be available at the River 92.7 page at the DRG News app & drgnews.com.
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