Pioneer D Locks Down Final Playoff Spot

Tonight’s match-up between Campbell County and SK would determine the final play-off spot in district play. The way the game started off, you would have thought that neither team was interested in that final spot as the game started with several turnovers in a row. Each team had at least two turnovers in the first quarter. The Camels final turnover of the first quarter would provide the Pioneers their first touchdown of the night as Zach Caroll picked off a pass and took it to the bus garage for the defensive touchdown. Miles Simpson took the ball across the goal line for the two point conversion.

SK’s second touchdown of the first half occurred with 6 minutes to go in the second quarter. The Pioneers faced a fourth and one from about the 10 yard line. The call went to Simpson and he takes it in for 6. Chris Repka converted the extra point for a 15-0 lead. The Camels last possession of the first half was capped off by a phenomenal series that set the tone for the remainder of the game as the defense got two consecutive quarterback sacks and an intentional grounding call. SK goes into the locker room pitching a shutout.

Campbell County came out in the second half with the first possession. On fourth down, they faked a punt that SK snuffed out and kept the Camels from converting. The defensive momentum was reestablished for the second half.

Although the defense was playing well, the game still had a feel that it was going to come down to the end despite the 15-0 lead. Maybe the feeling was in the cold fall air because of the Conner game where everything fell apart for the Pioneers in the end.

SK had an awesome goal line stand against Russell last night and they made what appeared to be another one tonight. The only problem was that on 4th down , SK gets whistled for pass interference. The Campbell County quarterback ran keepers on two consecutive plays and the score was now 15-7.

On SK’s next possession and facing a third and long, Chad Lawrence tried connecting with Grant Schneider out in the flat. The defensive back jumped the route and suddenly the Camels were in business once again with just about 4 minutes to go in the game.

With time running down, the Camels were forced to put the ball up in the air. On third down, the Camels threw the ball into the endzone. Dirk Murray and Miles Simpson were there for the Pioneer defense. Simpson out-jumped everyone in the endzone for the pick and the Pioneers took over on the 20 yard line.

Simpson would gain a first down with less than a minute to go on a fantastic diving effort. Chad Lawrence took a knee on back to back plays and the Pioneers find a way close the game and secure the final playoff 6A District Playoff berth along with Ryle, Boone and Conner.

As the game went on, the defense continued to step up and the night really belonged to them. In addition to two fumble recoveries, the SK defensive backs got three picks. The one by Carroll and two by Simpson. As Coach Marksberry talked to his players following the game and his icewater shower, Coach Herbst was beaming with pride as his defense put the clamps on a very good Campbell County team.

Congratulations to all of the players, Coach Marksberry and staff and the best of luck in the playoffs.

Miles Simpson with a pick with less than a minute to go to help seal the win.



#30 with a second effort dive that gives the Eers their final first down of the night.


Lots of flyin' to the ball tonight.


Cheerleaders bringing out the Artic wear tonight.


Hey bro, You want a drink?


A picture worth a 1,000 words that all start with team.


Dude, get over here.


Intentional Grounding here.


It was cold enough to begin with.