When it comes to December, there is one thing for certain for those of us who are long-time Pioneer fans- we are thinking more about Christmas basketball tournaments than the football team playing. The weather has been frightful but nobody who has been riding this sleigh is complaining. People have jumped on for a ride whether it is going to rainy Lexington, cold Hebron, slippery Florence or Artic ‘Ville. Ah yes, Christmas is in the air for SK football.
Probably one of the neatest things about the last two weeks is seeing the Independence Community pour onto the field to celebrate with the team. Everyone gathers around Coach Marksberry and listens to his post game speeches. Everyone bows in prayer as Coach leads. It really is a neat thing. Tonight, he talked about all the good things that have come to him. I kind of felt like I was listening in on his personal account of It’s A Wonderful Life. He put this team on his list. I saw Coach Marksberry on Tuesday night at the basketball game. He looked like he hadn’t slept in 3 days. When I bluntly told him this, he responded that he hadn’t slept in three weeks! That doesn’t sound so wonderful to me but keep up the good work coach.
This team needs a nickname. The one that comes to mind right now is The 4 Seed Dogs. They have been the underdog in every one of their games in this playoff run. Our own local paper this morning called Male a solid favorite in tonight’s match-up. I am not sure if the person coming up with this prediction had seen Male play or they just didn’t realize that this Pioneer team has a bigger heart than the Grinch on Christmas morning. One thing for certain, I don’t think these boys mind people picking against them as they have “Celebrate It Away From Home”.
Two things come to mind when I think about this run. First of all, these kids and the coaching staff have heart and guts and they believe in each other. They were undersized tonight when comparing the line-ups to Male. It didn’t matter, because the SK boys seemed stronger. I have also been proud to be one of the people traveling throughout the Commonwealth supporting this team. Don’t get me wrong, it is all about the team but the support has been unbelievable. The Pioneer Nation out numbered the Male fans by a 3-1 margin.
Now about the game…..
The Pioneers started off a little jittery as evidenced by the fact that they fumbled the very first snap. It was really the first time in the playoff run that the boys had shown any nervousness. I will say though that as I watched the coaching staff that they never cracked. They remained calm and cool and stood by their game plan.
The special teams played a huge role for Male as they won the field position game in the early part of the game. Male got on the board first with a touchdown with 5 minutes in the first quarter. SK had trouble getting the ball across the midfield and struggled to even gain first downs. The kicking game came into play again as the Male kicker, wearing his David Beckham soccer shoes, booted a 42 yard field goal to go up 10-0. Male was driving in the second quarter and looked ready to score. A delay of game play would prove costly as SK held Male from first and goal. The big play of the half then came when Male tried for a 25 yard field goal. Miles Simpson came up big with a block that gave the Eers some nice momentum. Suddenly, the offense came alive and SK was moving the ball and put their first drive together. A big play for the Pioneers on the drive happened when Lawrence pitched back to Simpson who then reconnected with Lawrence for a big gainer. Male would have some costly penalties that got SK down near the goal line. Jordan Wilson lined up in front of Miles Simpson on 4th and goal and it looked like the ball was going Simpson’s way. Lawrence kept the ball and walked in for the Pioneers score. That’s the way the half ended. No question that the momentum had shifted to the SK side after the block. SK was down but the faithful fans now had a reason to believe.
It was cold but the Pioneer fans had to feel better coming out of half-time. I think most people watching the game had to be a little concerned when the boys were down 10-0 with Male having a first and goal. The question was whether the momentum would carry through the 2nd half. Male had the ball first. SK’s defense held and you just had to start getting the feeling that this was going to be the Pioneers’ game.
SK would get their go ahead touchdown in the third quarter. They got a big gainer on a Chad Lawrence to Zach Carroll pass that picked up about 22 yards. The drive would be maintained until they got it deep into Male territory. Give the ball to Miles Simpson and SK would have the lead for good.
The Pioneers would add a huge touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Simpson would get the call from the one yard line and converted his coolest touchdown of the year as he went up and over the pile. My camera was blocked by the striped shirts but it was a thing of beauty. It was a play that you won’t see in high school too often.
Justin Green from Male is an outstanding running back who has committed to Ohio State. I will have to say that Miles is better. He just appeared stronger. Simpson showed his breakout speed in the closing minute of the game as he blew by the Male defense for his third touchdown of the game that went for about 65 yards. SK scored 28 points after going down by 10.
Sure, a big old congratulations is in order for this team but I have something else to say; THANK YOU, for letting us share in this run and the early Christmas present. Now Keep It GOING!
3 more tonight for #30.
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