Adversity builds character, it's a simple truth, and if you had the privilege to watch this weekend's football game, you witnessed that firsthand as the Pioneers pushed past the visiting Bridger Scouts 36 – 12.

In what felt like a real-life version of the movie "Groundhogs Day," the Pioneers took the field the begin their playoff run with another Proulx hobbled on the sideline. Senior Parker Proulx suffered a season-ending knee injury on the second play of the game during last week's win over Wibaux. You might recall brother Brock Proulx went out during last year's playoff run also with a knee injury, but the Pioneers are determined to change the outcome of this year's season; they showed that on Saturday.

A quick glance at the scoring summary and stat sheet, and this game would look like most others this season, but this game was not like any of the other games this season, at least not from what I observed. What I observed was silent leadership, youthful poise, unwavering determination, trust, selflessness, and growing confidence, in what I think was the best "Team" performance of the year, this far, for the Pioneers.

You see, what the stat sheet doesn't show is the soul-crushing blocks of a Brady Plenninger as he repeatedly plants would-be tacklers on their backs or the relentless punishment he puts on would-be blockers. It doesn't show the steadiness and reliability of a Cam Schwartzbach, who simply does his job, play after play after play. You don't see the youthful poise and determination of a Sophomore quarterback leading his team down the field after coming back from a crushing hit that sent him to the sideline struggling for air. It doesn't show the growing confidence of sophomores Braydon Cline or freshman Cooper Taylor. They stepped up to fill the shoes of Parker Proulx with big play after big play, pounding the ball down the field, picking up critical first downs, and knocking away what would be a sure touchdown catch.

What you will see in the stat sheet is the usual Kade Strutz with four touchdowns and 272 yards rushing, but it doesn't show the masterful command of his silent leadership style. As the great Teddy Roosevelt once said, "Speak softly and carry a big stick," this is the essence of Kade Strutz's leadership.

This game was a true coming-out party for the underclassmen, but it was made possible with incredible senior leadership. Give credit to the Bridger Scouts; they put up a hard-fought battle in what was the toughest game of the year, but what these Pioneers showed us on Saturday afternoon was true character and something special to witness.

The Pioneers will travel next week to play Froid/Medicine Lake Red Hawks at 1:00.