For the first time this season, Pierce will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They will face off against the Scotus Shamrocks at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Given that the two teams suffered a loss in their last games, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this matchup.
Pierce is likely headed into the contest with a focus on the second half, which is when things went downhill against Fort Calhoun on Friday. The Bluejays took a 28-21 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Pioneers. The Bluejays gained 95 more yards on the day, but it was the Pioneers that made the best use of them.
Despite their loss, Pierce saw several players rise to the challenge and make noteworthy plays. Kaiden Fritz, who rushed for 151 yards and one TD, was perhaps the best of all. Brock Collison was another key player, rushing for 39 yards and one score.
Don't try to pin the team's loss on the defense: they kept the trenches locked down and allowed a mere 2.2 yards per carry. The team can thank Bryce Lindstrom for the heroic effort on defense: he. Pierce's ground attack was stronger, having averaged 5.3.
Pierce didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over. In fact, those interceptions all came courtesy of defensive juggernaut Ryder Theisen.
Meanwhile, Scotus was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They came up short against Aurora, falling 41-21.
Like Pierce, Scotus lost despite seeing results from several players. Carson Wessel led the charge by throwing for 192 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while also rushing for 52 yards and one TD. Michael Brandt was in the mix too, providing the Shamrocks with two scores.
Scotus' loss dropped their record down to 1-3. As for Pierce, their defeat was their first of the season and makes their record 3-1.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground. Pierce has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 273.8 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Scotus struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 181.8 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Pierce couldn't quite get it done against Scotus in their previous meeting back in September of 2024 as they fell 14-7. Can the Bluejays avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.
