Season preview story for the Pierz Pioneers football team

No surprise - Pierz plans power run game
Pierz’ power running game may be deeper than ever in 2009; defense led by senior lineman Dylan Peterson
by Matt Perkins, Morrison County Record sports reporter

Opposing coaches seem to have a difficult time figuring out how to stop the Pierz football team.

But it's not because the scouting report on the Pioneers' offense is any sort of mystery.

Pierz could broadcast its game plan over the radio or take ads out in the newspaper up in Hibbing, outlining play-for-play what it is going to do when the season begins Thursday (kickoff at 7 p.m. in Pierz), and the Bluejackets would still have a tough time stopping the Pioneers' power running game.

However, Pierz' success this season will rest on its defense's ability to stop teams from using that smash mouth style of offense against them.

Over the last three seasons, Pierz has a record of 30-5. In the five losses, opponents have averaged over 200 yards on the ground.

In looking to put a stop to that trend, the Pioneers turn to their 6-foot-7-inch, 308-pound senior lineman, Dylan Peterson.

Peterson, who is getting serious looks from Division-I colleges this fall, will lead a defensive front that is fixed on controlling the line of scrimmage.

And Peterson will also be tasked with that same goal on offense, paving the way for what head coach Leo Pohlkamp is calling his deepest backfield in recent history. Senior Travis Kahl tops the depth charts at tailback.

"We have five running backs that could all be considered starters," Pohlkamp said.

Add to that a healthy quarterback battle between Zach Pohlkamp and Brandon Boser, and Pierz has itself an offensive laced with potential.

They also have an opportunity to get some early experience against a Hibbing program that has been struggling recently. In the last three years, the Bluejackets have just two wins and 25 losses.

Game preview vs. Hibbing
PIERZ vs. HIBBING, Thursday September 3 at 7 p.m.

The Pierz Pioneers are a perennial powerhouse because head coach Leo Pohlkamp has an established system that his kids don't question.

When they buy in to the program, they always seem to come out ahead when cashing out.

But cashing out short of a state tournament appearance is always short of expectations in Pierz.

Success has pushed the standards for a team that has gone 30-5 over the last three seasons. The Pioneers have retooled with new senior leadership every year.

In week one, against a Hibbing team that has gone 2-25 over its last three seasons, a Pierz team led by senior lineman Dylan Peterson and senior running back Travis Kahl will look to hit the ground running.

And while the team does not have the luxury of looking ahead o the schedule, Pierz fans are likely taking aim at a Sept. 18 road match-up against conference rival, and nemesis, Eden Valley-Watkins.

Extra note: The Pioneers smashed Hibbing 41-0 in Pierz for their season opener last Thursday night.