Pierz quarterback Aaron Weber (11) and tight end Matt Kummet celebrated their team’s 36-8 victory in the Class 3A title game over Jackson County Central. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The Pierz Pioneers capped their undefeated season with an exclamation point.

Noah Boser had 156 all-purpose yards and scored three touchdowns to lift Pierz over Jackson County Central. It's the second state title for Pierz, the other was in 2004.

"Offense wins ballgames, but defense wins championships," Pierz coach Leo Pohlkamp said. "That's what this was about."

Pierz (13-0) took a 7-0 lead three plays into the game on Aaron Weber's 70-yard touchdown pass to Michael Meyer. But Jackson County Central (10-3) answered a few drives later and took an 8-7 lead on Easton Bahr's 37-yard pass to Ryan Salzwedel.

The Pioneers were in control from there, though, with a stout defense helping an efficient offense. Pierz had two scoring drives of three plays and another of one. The Pioneers outgained the Huskies 426-281 in total yards.

Boser scored two second-half rushing touchdowns, including a 26-yard scamper that made it a 29-8 Pierz lead. He also caught a 49-yard TD pass.

Key to the game: Three turnovers were too much for Jackson County Central to overcome. A key fumble inside the 5-yard line halted a potential Huskies scoring drive in the third quarter.

Quote: "I can probably count on one hand how many people are in Pierz right now because everyone came down here." — Pierz's Boser

One thing to know: Jackson County Central senior running back Keegan Moore, who rushed for 84 yards, is one of the top-ranked wrestlers in the state. He'll wrestle for Oklahoma State next year.

TYLER MASON

Pierz running back Noah Boser ran for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against Jackson County Central. He scored three touchdowns. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

about the writer

More from Sports

High Schools