FOOTBALL: PAS to open with Blue Earth Area on road

The Pipestone Area Schools’ football team will enter the second and final year of this scheduling cycle.

That means the Arrows will open with the same opponent as the 2023 slate: Blue Earth Area. And last year’s game was taut.

“It should be competitive,” said PAS head football coach Scott Boomgaarden, entering his fourth year as head coach. “They are young, but they have good athletes, a big line and a similar style.”

Pipestone’s edge on special teams provided the difference last year, with the Area topping the Buccaneers 21-18 thanks to both a successful one-point kick and two-point conversion try. Hayden Brooke and Landon Quist had highlight TDs in the victory.

This also marks a realignment year, as set by the Minnesota State High School League.

Boomgarden said three main factors are in play during the realignment process — enrollment, previous success and rivalries.

Schools have no control over their own scheduling, rather its set by a district committee.

Like last year, sub-district opponents are as follows: Minnesota Valley Lutheran (New Ulm), Redwood Valley, Jackson County Central and Battle Axe-rival Luverne. It is referred to as Central-Silver.

Other section opponents are Le Sueur-Henderson and Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial. The Arrows do not play Sibley East or Windom during the regular season.

Schedule highlights include the home opener versus Le Sueur-Henderson on Sept. 6, Homecoming vs. Redwood Valley Sept. 20 and the Battle Axe Game with Luverne on Oct. 4.

Last year’s Arrows-Cardinals game ended with PAS winning, 3-0. Both offenses were limited to less than 100 yards.

Graduated Pipestone Area Schools’ football players Rysley Borman (4), Hudson Burnett (21) and Jackson Morgan (66) react after winning the Battle Axe game over Luverne on Oct. 6, 2023, at Cardinal Field. The Arrows and Cardinals will meet again on the gridiron on Oct. 4, 2024. (File photo by Kevin Kyle)

The regular-season finale is set for Wednesday, Oct. 16, at powerhouse Jackson County Central — with the Huskies (12-1) reaching the Class AA semifinals before bowing out to Barnesville, 38-23.

Training sessions begin Tuesday, July 16, Boomgarden noted.

“It’s always exciting to get back into the swing of things.” the coach commented, “and see how the kids have progressed into the weight room.”

Student-athletes have taken advantage of the Acceleration program, which bolsters strength training, conditioning, speed and agility.

The Arrow coaching staff has been set, which includes new offensive coordinator Andy Yost, a former college-level coach at Dakota State (Madison, SD) and Benedictine (Kan.). Sean Kallevig, formerly of Adrian, also has been added to the coaching staff.

The rest of the staff remains intact, with Shane Reinhard, Trevor Tiefenthaler and Cole May coaching various levels and positions.

Pipestone finished with a 5-4 overall record in 2023, falling to Windom 18-14 in the Section 3AA quarterfinal round at Paulsen Field.

Historically, the Arrows have reached the state tournament seven times, with the most recent trip in 2021.

Per the PAS school website, admission is $7 for adults and $5 for senior citizens and students (kindergarten-12th grade) from outside the district.

Adult passes are $80 per person, and they are sold at activity registration dates, the first home football game and first volleyball match, and before or after school.

For more information, consult the website: www.pas.k12.mn.us/activities/.

The Minnesota State High School League has chosen the Spalding Alpha as the official ball for state playoff games. (Contributed photo)

FOOTBALL

Pipestone Area Schools

2024 Season Schedule

August

30, at Blue Earth Area (BEA Education Fundraiser)

September

6, THE SUEUR-HENDERSON; 13, at Maple River, Mapleton; 20, REDWOOD VALLEY (Homecoming); 27, at Minnesota Valley Lutheran, Johnson Field, New Ulm

October

4, LUVERNE (Battle Axe Game); 11, LAKE CRYSTAL-WELLCOME MEMORIAL; 16, at Jackson County Central

Postseason

State Tournament Schedule

October

25-26, Section 3AA Quarterfinals

November

1-2, Section 3AA Semifinals; 7-8, Section 3AA Championship, Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall; Quarterfinals, various sites; Semifinals and Prep Bowl, US Bank Stadium, Minneapolis

Editor’s Note: All home games are in ALL CAPS, and are played at Paulsen Field. All games kick off at 7 pm