Bluejays Battle Hard Against the Cozad Haymakers
By Avery Brunckhorst
The Pierce Bluejays took on the Cozad Haymakers in a hard-fought football game in the first round of playoffs. The effort was there, and several big plays were made, but the Bluejays fell to the Haymakers with a final score of 33-19.
“The team worked hard all year and never complained, it was a great group to work with. Every year comes to an end at some point, we didn’t think it would be this soon, but I will miss all the personalities and the hard work and fun we had at practice,” coach Tyler Legate stated.
In the first quarter, Cozad found the end zone with 3:31 remaining, taking a 7- 0 lead over Pierce. The Bluejays continued to fight as they entered the second quarter, looking for an opportunity to get on the scoreboard.
In the second quarter, with 9:50 left, Cozad’s quarterback scored another touchdown, but the extra point went wide, making the score 13-0. Pierce responded with a big play from junior Konnar Jones, who scrambled more than 40 yards into the end zone. Senior Tate Wales successfully made the extra point, bringing the score to 13-7.
Cozad answered back with a passing touchdown, bringing the score to 19-7. With just three seconds remaining in the first half, sophomore Brody Scholting connected with senior Ethan Nordby on a pass play, giving the Bluejays another score.
In the third quarter, Cozad came out strong, scoring another touchdown and completing the 2-point conversion. With 8:49 left in the quarter, Pierce trailed 27-13. The Bluejays continued to push back as Scholting connected with senior Gavin Lubischer for a touchdown with 3:57 remaining. However, Cozad answered with another touchdown, making the score 33-19.
Throughout the fourth quarter, both teams continued looking for opportunities to score, but neither team was able to make a change on the scoreboard. The final score was 33-19 with Cozad taking the win.
“I thought we always practiced hard, which helped make the games easier. I also thought everyone worked hard throughout the season,” Lubischer stated.
Lubischer was also asked what he will miss most from his four years of football.
“I will miss running out and playing with these seniors the most. I will miss going to practice knowing it was going to be hard but still enjoying it. Even the times when our team would get yelled at to pick it up are still memories that I’m going to miss,” Lubischer said.
The Bluejays showed determination and continued to battle throughout their season.
