Bluejays Overpower the Braves
Launch the media gallery 1 playerby Autumn Lambrecht
Although Battle Creek declared “Check” to the Pierce Bluejays during the regular season, on November 12, during the state semifinal game held on the Bluejay turf, Pierce replied back “Checkmate” by soundly winning 21-0 over Battle Creek to head to the 2021 state football championship.
Starting out the first quarter strong, Michael Kruntorad fought his way to score two touchdowns, along with Keenan Valverde scoring the extra point with a good kick for both touchdowns. Not only was the Pierce Bluejay offense on fire, their defense was stomping down on the Battle Creek Braves. The Braves were not able to score any points in the first quarter.
The second quarter neither team was able to put up any points, and ended the first half 14-0, in favor of the Bluejays.
Valverde comments, “We practiced extremely hard during the week on the field and in the weight room. Practices were starting to be fun, and everyone was enjoying playing with each other. Our first game with Battle Creek didn’t go the way we wanted but we knew we worked hard enough for this and we were going to play our hearts out for this game. It’s an amazing feeling to know that we are going to state and play at Memorial Stadium.”
Coming back out after half, neither team put any points up on the board, and the third quarter ended 14-0.
During the fourth quarter, the Bluejays put up another seven points, with Benjamin Brahmer scoring a touchdown after a pass from Abram Scholting along with another good PAT from Valverde.
Throughout the night the Bluejays played great defense and offense, and will be advancing to the championship with another solid win under their belts.
Head coach Mark Brahmer adds, “We’re very proud of our young men. In the last month, they’ve improved a tremendous amount and have become a mentally and physically tough team. We have also become a good practice team, and when you practice hard and practice well, it typically carries over to your performance on Friday nights.”
Kruntorad led the team in all purpose yards with 142, followed by Matthew Christensen, who added 103 all purpose yards. Christensen also passed the 1000-yard mark in football this game. B. Brahmer added 63 all purpose yards, while senior Max Cooper had 48 all purpose yards. Scholting ended the evening with 160 passing yards.
Linebacker Tristan Kuehler led the team in tackles with 11, followed by Dawson Raabe with eight tackles. Linebacker Nikolas Harvey added three sacks for the Bluejays.
The Pierce Bluejays final game of the season will be Tuesday, November 23, at 10:15 a.m. at Memorial Field against Columbus Lakeview for the state championship.
