Pierre defeats Mitchell 47-7 in Class 11AA playoff opener

Mitchell High School football players lost their season finale to No. 1 Pierre 47-7 on Thursday night at Hollister Field. The Kernels, who entered the game as the eighth seed in Class 11AA, saw their playoff run end in the first round. Pierre, which had not scored fewer than 38 points in any regular-season game, improved to a 10-0 record. The Governors will face No. 5 Sturgis in the state semifinals on Nov. 6. Mitchell finishes the year with a 4-6 record.

The Kernels returned to the playoff bracket for the first time since 2021. They faced a team that had dominated opponents all season. Pierre established its lead quickly, scoring on its first three possessions. Quarterback Jerren Deal ran for a 10-yard touchdown to open the game. He then connected with Porter Hunsley on a 72-yard pass to give Pierre a 14-0 lead with under six minutes of action remaining. Deal added two more touchdowns later in the first half, throwing to Cooper Terwilliger and Will Danburg. Hudson Stoeser returned a punt 60 yards for a touchdown before the half, extending the lead to 47-0.

Mitchell coach Pat Larson acknowledged the gap in talent after the game. He told KORN-AM radio that the team competed as hard as they could. Larson said the loss clarified the steps the program needs to take during the offseason. He noted that the film does not do Pierre justice because the team is exceptionally good. Larson expressed pride in his players, particularly the ten seniors who are leaving the program. He stated that those seniors played a major role in the growth of the team over his four-year tenure.

The Kernels found some rhythm in the second half. They moved the ball on an 18-play, 53-yard drive late in the first half but could not score. In the fourth quarter, senior Kyson Herrmann took over at quarterback. He used the direct-snap running game to lead a six-play, 60-yard scoring drive. Herrmann capped the drive with a 3-yard run. Gavin Zilla kicked the extra point to make the final score 47-7. This was the only touchdown Mitchell scored in the game.

Statistically, Pierre controlled the field. The Governors accumulated 461 total yards, including 310 through the air. Deal completed 8 of 12 passes for 268 yards. Hunsley finished with 117 yards from scrimmage. Mitchell managed 184 total yards, with 180 of those coming on 50 carries. Herrmann led Mitchell in rushing with 62 yards on six carries. Brady Hoesing went 1-for-6 passing for 4 yards and one interception. The Kernels were 3-for-11 on third downs and turned the ball over three times.

Pierre players recorded multiple touchdowns across the game. Hunsley also added a 45-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter. Brecken Fuhrman ran for a 32-yard score in the fourth quarter, though the extra point kick was missed. On defense, Mitchell players Bryer Stach, Owen Schelske, and Noah Bennett recorded tackles for loss. Stach also had a sack. The game was played on a Thursday night in October, marking the end of the Kernels' season.