After a three and out from the defense, the Pioneer offense got going early, as Sawyer Farr connected with Gage Ellis for a 66-yard score on the first play from scrimmage and a 7-0 lead. The rest of the quarter was a defensive battle, with neither offense able to score.
"Sawyer threw a great ball, and Gage is such an explosive kid and he's earned the right to be on this field as a senior," Head Coach John "Ab" Abendschan said. "He's a captain, and he's so electric and can make a lot of plays."
A big second quarter from the Pioneers broke the game open. A 12-play drive was capped off with a 12-yard run from Ezra Carter. The Pioneers got the ball back one play later after a Saginaw turnover and Farr connected with Ellis for their second score of the night; this time from 30-yards out. The Pioneer defense forced another three and out on the ensuing series, and Farr capped off a four play drive with an 18-yard scramble for his third touchdown of the day. Carter scored on a touchdown reception just before the half to give Boswell the 34-0 lead at the break.
In the second half, Trejo added two field goals, and Colin Dixon had a 38-yard touchdown run to secure the win for the Pioneers.
Farr finished with 168-yards passing with four total touchdowns (three passing and one rushing). Carter had 181-yards rushing and two total touchdowns (one receiving and one rushing). Ellis had a game high 117-yards receiving. Defensively, Jack Fuller and Nick Hawthorne led the Pioneers. The offensive line was "stellar. They protected well, gave all three running backs holes to run through."
Playing this game in front of a packed house on both sides, Coach Ab praised the Rough Riders and Head Coach Mike Peters.
"We're best buddies, play golf together, but I don't like Coach Peters for a week," Coach Ab joked. "He's doing things the right way. From where he started, to where he is now, he's a tremendous coach and he's going to do great things over there."
This week, the Pioneers will take on Mansfield Lake Ridge.
"They've got a ton of speed," Ab said. "They're very talented, I believe they are No. 25 in the state in 6A. We have our work cut out for us."
Kick-off on Friday, Sept. 2 is at 7:30 p.m. from Pioneer Stadium.
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