Senior Braydon Cline
Senior Lance Rutledge
Faced with a howling wind and down senior playmaker Kody Strutz due to a broken collarbone sustained early in the 1st quarter, the Pioneers scored first in the quarterfinal showdown. Braydon Cline found paydirt on a 15 yard score to put Big Sandy up 6-0 with 1:12 left in the opening quarter. The Pioneer defense would force a fumble on the Rebels ensuing possession. Braydon Cline would rush for his second touchdown of the half on a 47 yard carry that was aided by good blocking from his teammates. The Pioneers now led 12-0, unable to convert their 2-point kicking attempts during the contest.
Senior center Lance Rutledge came up big on the next Pioneer possession, scoring on a 19 yard catch and run. Rutledge would not be denied on the score as he bullied his way into the endzone putting Big Sandy up 18-0. Rusty Gasvoda would convert the extra point blasting into the endzone to make the score 19-0. The Pioneer defense held the shutout going in at the half.
The Rebels scored on the opening possession of the second half. On 4th down, quarterback Layne Duncan found teammate Alex Russell in the corner of the endzone for the 29 yard touchdown reception. The converted extra point run made the score 19-7. The Pioneers found themselves backed up deep in their own territory after a holding call negated another long rush by Braydon Cline. A fumbled handoff caused by a blitzing defender gave the Rebels the ball inside the Pioneer 10 yard line. Bryce Grebe would take a short pass from Layne Duncan 12 yards to score, cashing in on the costly Big Sandy turnover. The Rebels now trailed by just 6 points early in the third quarter. The Pioneers advanced the ball deep into Rebel territory before Cooper Taylor finished off the must needed drive with a 23 yard carry. The Pioneers now led 25-13. Stout defense by both sides kept the score the same entering the 4th quarter.
The Rebels put together a drive that would have them knocking on the door at the Pioneer 4 yard line. On 4th down, Bryce Grebe would evade the Big Sandy pursuit and find the endzone to make the score 25-19. The converted extra point now narrowed the Pioneer lead to 5 points. The Pioneers looked to be on their way to another score late in the 4th quarter when another costly fumble gave the Rebels the ball back for another chance to beat the home team. A deep throw by Bryce Grebe would find Layne Duncan around the Pioneer 30 yard line. After three failed attempts the Rebels faced another 4th and long. Braydon Cline would stuff Grebe's attempt to gain yards with his feet and end the Rebels chance at a comeback. The Pioneers would take the victory formation and punch their ticket to another semifinal. The Pioneers will host the Bridger Scouts this Saturday at 1PM.
