PIERRE, S.D. — The Sturgis Scoopers faced one of their toughest tests right out of the gate Saturday, opening the 2026 season against top-ranked Pierre. Despite some bright spots on offense, the Scoopers fell 42-6 to the defending Class 11AA powerhouse at Hollister Field.
Pierre struck quickly, building a 14-0 first-quarter lead on a pair of big-play touchdowns and extending the advantage to 21-0 early in the second quarter.
Sturgis responded with its best drive of the game before halftime. The Scoopers moved the ball efficiently down the field and got on the scoreboard when senior running back Zhoel Irion broke free for a 25-yard touchdown run. The extra point was blocked, cutting the deficit to 21-6 with 3:29 remaining in the half.
Any hopes of carrying momentum into the locker room were short-lived as Pierre answered on its next possession with a 45-yard touchdown run by quarterback Jeren Deal, taking a 28-6 lead into halftime.
The Governors added two more touchdowns in the third quarter and a running clock was implemented for the remainder of the contest.
While the final score was lopsided, Sturgis found several positives offensively against one of the premier teams in South Dakota.
Irion led the Scooper ground game, rushing 19 times for 92 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Austin Flohr completed 8 of 17 passes for 126 yards, while senior tight end Gage West turned in an outstanding performance, hauling in six receptions for 100 yards. West accounted for most of Sturgis’ passing production and consistently gave the Scoopers a reliable target in the middle of the field.
As a team, Sturgis totaled 270 yards of offense, including 130 rushing yards and 140 passing yards.
Pierre finished with 462 total yards and was led by Deal, who threw for 237 yards and three touchdowns while adding 101 rushing yards and a score. Running back Porter Hunsley added 69 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
The loss drops Sturgis to 0-1 on the season, but the Scoopers will have an opportunity to bounce back Friday night when they return home to Woodle Field to host Rapid City Central, which also enters the matchup looking for its first win of the year.
