The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

The Pioneer football team had a tough game in Chester this last weekend against CJI, losing 16-54, making it their first loss of the season. The Pioneers struggled with some missed tackles during the game as well as losing Sam Cox, Cooper Taylor and Karter Jurenka to injuries throughout the game.

The Pioneers ran the ball the whole first quarter besides two pass attempts. CJI had Cooper’s number in the first quarter and didn’t allow Cooper to get more than 5 yards at a time. Every time Cooper carried the ball, he was met with a wall of CJI defenders. Lane had a great running game to start the game with getting the Pioneers several first downs. The Pioneers had great tackles from Sam Cox, Karter Jurenka, Cooper Taylor and Ryder Galbavy. But too many missed tackles ended up in a CJI touchdown, ending the 1st quarter with a score of 0-6.

Cooper gave the Pioneers some light by running the ball 15 yards for a first down to start the 2nd quarter. Jake Darlington then throws a great pass to Lane for a 13-yard touchdown pass, and with a Ty Terry good kick, the Pioneers take the lead 8-6. Eyon Sherburn and Dolan Sunchild both had a great tackle on defense as CJI drove the field, but more missed tackles by the Pioneers led to a 40-yard run, setting up CJI for a crazy quarterback scramble and hail Mary toward the end zone. The Pioneers almost had an interception, but CJI caught the pass, and scored another touchdown, putting them back on top by 6 points with a score of 6-14. The Pioneers then put together a nice drive down the field with Cooper getting 16 yards, and Lane getting 24 yards, getting first down after first down, but unfortunately the drive ended in a Big Sandy fumble. Cooper then had a touchdown saving tackle, but on 3rd and 2, CJI ended up scoring again, putting the score at 8-21. On the ensuing drive by Big Sandy, they had a great deep ball, and CJI got a pass interference call, and with a Copper 12-yard run, and Lane 40 yard run, the Pioneers were back in scoring position. Just a couple yards shy of the goal line, the ball was handed to Lane, who ran the ball in for a touchdown, and with a Ty good kick, put the score at 16-21. This unfortunately was the last time that Big Sandy scored in the game. As CJI drove the field, the Pioneers had another couple missed tackles on a CJI 30-yard run, putting CJI within field goal range with 6 seconds left in the half. CJI's field goal kick was good, putting the score at 16-25 going into halftime.

Unfortunately, the woes continued for the Pioneers as CJI returned the kickoff for 70 yards, scoring a touchdown, putting them ahead 16-33. Cooper and Lane continued to do what they could do on offense running the ball a few yards at a time to get first downs. CJI then gets a few penalties, but the Pioneers turn the ball over on downs. CJI gets the ball back again, and with a great block on the sideline, they run the ball for 50 yards, and score again, putting the score 16-40. The Pioneers continue to run the ball with Lane getting first downs, but Big Sandy ends up throwing an interception. The story continues for CJI as they continue to run the ball, and score again, Big Sandy then has an almost touchdown, but has a drop/fumble in the endzone, giving the ball back to CJI. CJI scored one more time and finished the game beating the undefeated Pioneers with a score of 16-54.