EDITOR’S NOTE: This story is the sixth installment in a weekly series examining a key play in the previous week’s football game for Mitchell High School.

Pierre flexed its muscle from start to finish during its 75-7 win over Mitchell High School on Friday.

The Kernels could not contain the Governor’s size, speed and strength along the offensive and defensive line and it proved critical. When Pierre sprinkled in a few strategic wrinkles, havoc ensued for the Mitchell offense.

With the first-team defense on the field, the Kernels managed six passing yards in the first half and 230 yards of total offense for the game.

Inside blitz halts momentum

The Governors sent blitzers from multiple areas to create pressure in the Mitchell backfield.

On the heels of a 31-yard run by Nick Robinson, Mitchell had a chance to generate points. But Pierre not only blitzed an inside linebacker, but also sent safety Cade Hinkle on a delayed blitz.

Combined with the outside pressure from defensive ends Regan Bollweg and North Dakota State commit Grey Zabel, Mitchell quarterback Austin Kerr was unable to step up into the pocket and threw earlier than desired.

Kerr was able to deliver a catchable ball down the sideline to Caden Hinker, but with more time, he would have been able to lead Hinker for a potential scoring play.

“If we can make that play, it may get us some momentum and get the chains moving,” MHS head coach Kent VanOverschelde said. “But (Pierre’s) pressure was significant the entire evening. Some of that was due to the number of rushers.”

Missed blocking assignment results in turnover

Later in the first half, Mitchell faced a third and 10 from the Governor 39 yard line, and this time, Pierre dialed up an extra rusher off the edge.

The previous blitz that sent extra rushers into the interior of the offensive line caused some of the Kernels to make an error in assignment. Instead of sending inside linebackers, the Governors blitzed outside linebacker Chase Sattgast off the right edge and he went unblocked after two blockers moved to pick up a free interior rusher.

Mitchell receiver Carter Jacobsen was open on an out route after Isaac Rew’s route created a pick in man-to-man coverage. Pierre played zone coverage underneath and a quick throw could have resulted in a big gain.

But with instant pressure, Kerr was forced to scramble to his right, giving Hinkle time to move into the flat. Attempting to avoid a sack, Kerr heaved the ball downfield in the direction of Jacobsen, but it landed in the waiting hands of Hinkle.

“We prefer to protect with seven guys and had a missed assignment,” VanOverschelde said. “They have that ability to bring guys and if you miss an assignment, they’re going to make you pay. They have that ability to cover some ground and make you throw sooner than you’d like.”

In the second half, Pierre played more basic defense and Mitchell was able to take advantage on a few occasions.

Backup quarterback Tucker Vilhauer has time to step into his throw and launch an accurate ball to Ryley Johansen for a long gain. The pair connected three times for 103 yards in the second half.