Pierz Pioneers Claim State Class AAA Football Title

The Pierz Pioneers (13-0) topped of their undefeated season with a 34-21 win over St. Croix Lutheran Academy (12-1) at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis this afternoon to claim the Class AAA football championship.

Today's win marks the second time in three years the Pioneers have claimed the state title (2015) and their third overall -- adding to their first championship (Class AA) back in 2004.

Pierz senior running back Jalen Jansen rushed for 178 yards and scored two touchdowns. Junior running back Reese Kapsner ran for 128 more and added three more TDs. The Pioneers rushed for 328 of their 358 total yards.

St. Croix Lutheran tied a Minnesota state championship game record by fumbling eight times -- losing four of those to Pierz.

I'll be wearing my big red & black 'P' hat proudly this week. Congratulations to the 2017 Pierz Pioneers!