ABERDEEN, S.D. — The Sturgis Scoopers earned a milestone victory Friday night, dominating Aberdeen Central 40-0 for their first win east of the Missouri River since 2010.
Sturgis took control early behind a six-yard touchdown run from Zhoel Irion and never looked back. The Scoopers broke the game open in the second quarter when Gage West returned an interception 45 yards for a touchdown, then Tate Johnson connected with Brody Bulat for a 20-yard scoring pass. Irion added a 61-yard touchdown run moments later as Sturgis built a commanding 27-0 halftime lead.
The defense continued to shine in the second half. Gage Miller recorded his second interception of the night to stop an Aberdeen Central drive, while West hauled in touchdown receptions of 14 and 23 yards to cap the scoring and trigger a running clock.
Irion led the Scoopers with 115 rushing yards and two touchdowns on six carries. West had a standout all-around performance with two touchdown catches and an interception return for a score. Johnson threw for two touchdowns as Sturgis totaled 349 yards of offense without committing a turnover.
The Scooper defense forced three interceptions and held Aberdeen Central scoreless while limiting the Golden Eagles to 197 total yards.
The win improves Sturgis to 3-3 on the season. The Scoopers return home Friday to host Huron at Woodle Field.
