PIERRE — Five turnovers proved to be too much to overcome on Friday night as the Mitchell Kernels fell to the four-time defending state champion Pierre Governors.
Despite the turnovers, Mitchell moved the ball well against Pierre in the first half. Josh Grossdidier capped off a 13-play, 80-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown run with 7 seconds left in the first quarter to tie the game at 7-7. However, the Kernels wouldn’t score again until the final play of the third quarter when the game was already decided.
Pierre junior quarterback Lincoln Kienholz passed for 257 yards and four touchdowns. On the defensive side, Kienholz recorded a forced fumble and an interception.
Treyson Shultz went 11-of-24 passing for 185 yards for the Kernels and found Jagger Tyler for a 76-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter.
Next up for the Kernels is Aberdeen Central on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Joe Quintal Field.