For much of the game, it was a defensive battle. It started with the Pioneer defense setting the tone on the first series. After North Crowley converted a short fourth down; Matthew Becker burst through the line for a sack, and finished the drive off with an open field tackle to prevent a big run and force a punt.
On the ensuing defensive series, the Panthers moved into Pioneer territory, but on a third down; Jayden Saysanam slowed the runner, and Becker and Jack Fuller finished the tackle. Boswell stopped the fourth down attempt too; Alex Rosales sniffed out the play, forced the quick throw, and Eddie De Leon had an open field tackle to prevent the first down and gave Boswell momentum.
The Pioneer offense put together a scoring drive toward the end of the first quarter. Sawyer Farr found Gavin Mathis for a 15-yard gain into Panther territory. Later in the drive, Farr had a 10-yard scramble and connected with Gage Ellis on a 10-yard play to give Boswell a first down. The drive stalled, and Eric Trejo kicked a 40-yard field goal to give Boswell the 3-0 lead.
The Pioneers extended their lead to 9-0 (they missed the two-point conversion) in the second quarter, thanks to a 24-yard pick six by Jack Fuller. North Crowley scored and converted the two point conversion near the seven minute mark of the quarter, but Boswell took a 9-8 lead into the half.
In the second half, the Pioneer offense put together a drive on their first possession, but an interception led to a North Crowley score and a 14-9 lead. Boswell answered right back; getting the ball near midfield after a pair of penalties on N. Crowley. Farr hit Ty Dauer for 13-yards, and later connected with a wide open Ellis for 31-yards that set up a Ezra Carter touchdown run, two point conversion and a 17-14 lead in the fourth quarter.
North Crowley took the lead at 21-17 in the fourth quarter, but the Pioneers continued to battle. After an interception, the defense came up with a stop to give the offense another chance. Aaron Diego gave Boswell a first and goal with a 28-yard catch and run. Carter had a pair of runs setting up Boswell inside the five yard line, but the Pioneers fourth and goal pass went in and out of the hands of the wide receiver.
"I can't say enough about our defense, I thought they played really well tonight," Head Coach John "Ab" Abendschan said. "This loss hurts. Despite everything that went wrong, we still had a chance to win it. I'm proud of our kids, they left it all out on the field. Credit to North Crowley. They're a phenomenal football team and their defense is probably one of the best I've ever seen."
Carter led the offense with 103-yards rushing. Defensively Becker had 13 tackles, Fuller added 10 along with two sacks. Jaedon Langley dominated the line of scrimmage with several tackles for a loss, and a fumble recovery. Coach Ab praised Becker after the game.
"Becker had an outstanding performance tonight," Coach Ab said. "He made some unbelievable plays behind the line of scrimmage, and he played fast."
This week, the Pioneers will travel to take on undefeated L.D. Bell.
"We've got a big game this week," Coach Ab said. "L.D. Bell is playing good football. We have to get better, heal and overcome adversity."
Kick-off from Pennington Field is set for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14.
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