September 23, 2022 at 2:36 p.m.
Late score by Pioneers too much for Dodgers
The game was a crossover and has playoff implications for both teams.
The Pioneers scored first at the 9:52 mark of the second quarter when Tommy Huff took a pass from Kashton Kangas in for a touchdown for a 6-0 lead.
The Dodgers answered when LaCardar Walker found a seam and took off on a 60 yard run to score. Mason Winch's extra point made it 7-6.
With less than a minute before intermission the Dodgers went for it on fourth down in Pioneer territory and failed to convert. With 12 seconds left sophomore wide receiver Keegan Hockerman caught a pass from Kangas for a 12-7 halftime lead.
The hosts scored again with 9:23 left in the third to make it 18-7.
The Dodgers clawed back at 4:38 when Brady Jabs, who got the quarterback start for the first time this season, hit Matthew Pittz with a 14 yard strike for a score. Winch's boot made it 18-14.
The Dodgers got the lead back with 11:03 left in the game on fullback Chase Forsyth plunged in from the four. Winch's kick made it 21-18.
But the hosts got the last word when Huff caught his second scoring pass of the night with 2:48 left in the game. The Pioneers added the two point conversion for the 26-21 win.
Besides the loss the Dodgers also were forced to deal with injuries to senior lineman/middle linebacker Sean Reilly (foot) and senior running back Walker (shoulder). Reilly left the game just before half and did not return. Walker played but had minimal touches.
"Injuries suck," said coach Jakob Kastenholz. "But we have some depth that allows us to plug guys in and set them up for success"
Kastenholz was impressed with how Chase Forsyth picked up the pieces for the Dodgers after Reilly left the game.
"Chase stepped up as a leader in a big way Friday," the coach said.
Kastenholz came away impressed with Pioneer quarterback and coach's son Kashton Kangas.
"He was one of the best we have seen so far," Kastenholz said. "He threw the ball well and made some plays with his feet. He threw some well placed passes into tight coverage and made things happen."
For the second straight year the Dodgers are heading to Brodhead/Juda on a Saturday for their Homecoming game.
"Not sure why we are going there twice in a row," Kastenholz said.
"They are a team that is able to dictate the game by running a few things really well, and making you stop it. They are a very well coached and they do the little things right and pay attention to the finer details. I am confident in our game plan to keep them in check, and that we have the athletes to compete," Kastenholz said about the game.
