Bluejays Push Out Patriots on Way to State
By Autumn Lambrecht
On November 11, the Pierce Bluejays took down the Adams Central Patriots in the semifinals, 45-26, and are on their way to the C1 State Football Finals.
In the first quarter, the Bluejays held a strong defense and the Patriots were only able to score seven points, while the Bluejay offense ran the ball and added 21 points to the board. Tristan Kuehler scored one touchdown, Abram Scholting scored the next followed by a 2-point conversion scored by Benjamin Brahmer, and Keenan Valverde scored the final touchdown of the first quarter with a good kick scored by himself as well.
Entering the second quarter, the Bluejays were only able to score one touchdown, scored by Jayden Coulter, and the Patriots also scored another touchdown with a good kick, ending the first half 27-14.
Coulter, a senior, adds, “I thought we played really good. I wouldn’t have wanted to play my last home game with anyone else. We’re preparing hard this week for state.”
Coming back out to take on the second half, the Bluejays dominated this quarter, allowing the Patriots no room to score, but pulled the Bluejay offense together and scored another 12 points. Scoring for the third was Valverde and Scholting. Finishing the third quarter, 39-14.
For the fourth and final quarter, Adams Central came out strong and scored 12 points against the Bluejay defense, while the Bluejays scored only one more touchdown, scored by Brahmer, but still coming out on top, the Pierce Bluejays beat the Adams Central Patriots 45-26.
Head coach Mark Brahmer comments, “We are very proud of our boys. The time and effort they have dedicated to this season is greatly appreciated by me. It’s a thrill to play in the state championship game for four straight seasons. Without the support of the boys’ parents, the support of the community, and the work of my assistant coaches, our support personnel, and ultimately our players, none of this would be possible.”
The next game for the Pierce Bluejays will be on November 22, at Memorial Field in Lincoln against Aurora High School, starting at 2:45 p.m.
