Tonight the Pioneers traveled to Union for a homecoming tilt against the Ryle Raiders. The Neers entered the game undefeated (5-0) while the Raiders entered with a record of (2-2). SK scored 13 points in the first seven minutes of the game, winning in shutout fashion, 20-0.
Jared Swanson opened the game with a kickoff return of 90+ yards for a TD, the Neers led 7-0. Later in the quarter, Andrew Sampson hit paydirt with a seventeen yard scamper and with 5:32 left in the quarter SK led 13-0.
The rest of the game was dominated by the Big Blue defense. Ryle simply could not move the chains tonight against their stifling front. Coach Herbst's unit flies to the ball on each and every play and are a joy to watch if you like hard nosed football. I wish I could pound out ten paragraphs detailing offensive drives but tonight's game didn't give me much ammunition.
Going into the game I think most probably shared my feelings that this team is good and is getting better but still a bit of a mystery. Tonight I feel they proved they are a top contender for the 6A district and did so without having a great offensive game. Getting the the two score lead early in the game vs a Ryle team that lacks offensive firepower was the key. The Neers weren't nearly as aggressive offensively tonight but they grinded and didn't commit any turnovers.
Next Friday will pose a huge test for SK. They will travel to Alexandria to play one last game at Bob Miller Field against the (2-3) Campbell County Camels. Many believe the Camels are the top team in the district so our boys have their work cut out for them. They are led by Tyler Durham, a 6'4" 225 lb, QB that gave us fits in 2011. This should be a super game and don't be surprised if it's a defensive battle. See you next week.
