The Pierre Governors could not convert the two point conversion with 50 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and the Watertown Arrows would hold on for a 14-13 win in the 11AA state championship Friday night at the DakotaDome in Vermillion.
The two teams traded punts on the opening possession before a fumble by Pierre would give Watertown a short field. However, the Governors would get a goal line stand forcing a fumble being recovered by Sutton Sonnenschein. A missed 38 yard field goal by Riley Fischer kept the game scoreless until Treyton Himmerich would hit Marcus Fossum for a 28 yard strike and it was 7-0 for Watertown at the half. Pierre would hold the Arrows to a three and out to start the third quarter and a quick two play drive which was capped with a Kaleb Lounsbury to George Stalley 28 yard throw and catch tied the game at 7-7. It stood until a statue of liberty play with Spencer Wientjes taking it in from 24 yards out to make it 14-7. Pierre would score with 50 seconds remaining with the 18 wheeler and Elijah Boutchee carrying it in from six yards. However, the Governors were unable to convert the two point try and the ensuing onside kick was recovered by Arrows to take the title.
Pierre was outgained in the first half 207-48, but finished the game outgaining Watertown 278-255. Lounsbury would go 23-35 for 291 yards and a touchdown as Stalley had eight catches for 147 yards and Cooper Terwilliger with eight grabs for 92 yards. The Governors had -13 yards rushing.
It’s the first time the Governors have lost a playoff game since falling in the semifinals in 2016 and stops a streak of seven consecutive titles as Watertown wins its first since 2001.
